Back to School, Back to Planning: Bridal Show Tips from The Wedding Guys

At this time of the year, as much as we don’t want to admit it, the temperatures are changing, sunset is earlier, the leaves are turning color. There is only one conclusion — summer is over and fall is here. As we say in the world of weddings; it’s time for back to school and back to wedding planning. Our favorite time of the year: we call it bridal show season!

Most couples are not familiar with purchasing the many items and services needed for a wedding so it’s all new to them. This can be exciting and a bit intimidating. Where do you go to find what you like? What do things actually cost? What are the things that are going to make your wedding unique? The best way to find out – a Bridal Show, of course!

But guess what! Not all shows are the same. So do your research before setting aside a specific day for your wedding planning experience. First, check out photos and videos of the shows online. This is a great indicator of the type of experience you will have. If you can’t find photos and videos of the show online, it’s a good indicator that you might want to look elsewhere. You can also always simply look for bridal shows produced specifically by The Wedding Guys. We have an award-winning reputation of producing the best shows in the nation.

We produce the following shows in Minnesota: Twin Cities Bridal Show , UNVEILED – Minneapolis , UNVEILED Rochester

Truly not all bridal shows are alike. Our shows take multiple days to set up to make sure all the details are perfect for creating an experience for you and your guests to enjoy! They also represent the best wedding vendors. So when it comes time to attend the shows as a newly engaged couple, we wanted to give you a few tips to make the most of attending our bridal shows.

First Things First

Budget, Budget, Budget – it’s important to know your total budget. Even if you say you don’t have a budget there is a limit you are willing to spend so make the limit your budget. Determine who is paying for what and how much they are willing to spend. Keep in mind you have probably never purchased these items, so you may be surprised at the cost. Keep in mind your reception venue with food and beverage will usually make up at least 50% of your budget.

Do Your Research

Make a list of all the things you need to secure for your wedding. Make a list of these main categories Personal Items (Fashion), Ceremony, Reception, and Honeymoon. Create subcategories for the items within the main categories.

Look Who’s There

Determine which exhibitors you would like to meet. Selecting 5 to 6 services you would like to research at the show can be accomplished in meeting with them to discuss your vision for your wedding.

Bring Your Calendar!

The best way to use the show as a wedding planning tool is to bring your calendar to set follow up appointments with vendors you simply are super excited to discuss your wedding with in more detail. Use the show as a way to speed-date your vendors. Find the ones you mesh with the most.