One of the many benefits of attending UNVEILED Rochester and the Twin Cities Bridal Show is that it’s a great way to meet vendors face-to-face, in hopes of getting a sense of who they are and what they’re all about. Scouring the internet for vendors is great, but at these events you can talk one-on-one with the people who can be a part of your event, and make it great. One such way that our show provides this is through what we refer to as a “speed dating” session, where you get a certain amount of time to chat with a vendor,to see whether their style sensibilities and demeanor matches yours, before moving on to the next one. This provides you with a lot of info in a small amount of time. Here’s how to prepare for UNVEILED Rochester and Twin Cities Bridal Show to make the most of this extremely valuable resource.
COME PREPARED
One way to be ready for the speed dating session is to bring your calendar. If you like a vendor and want to book a true sit down with them, you’ll need your calendar to “put it in the books.” This will keep you organized, and you won’t double book. It also shows the vendors you’re serious about getting started and they’ll be prepared for your session as well.
Also, bring questions, and write them down if you have to. The vendors aren’t expecting you to have everything memorized, and with limited time, you might forget to ask something important.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Here are some sample questions, broken down by vendor, to get you started:
For a florist, you might ask:
Are you available on my date?
How many weddings do you book per year?
How many weddings do you book per weekend?
Ask to see any images they have of their work to get a sense of their style, talents, and variety.
For a photographer, you’ll want to know:
Are you available on my date?
What’s your turn-around time in getting images back?
What’s the payment schedule and are albums included?
Can I see some of your work?
When talking to a Caterer, be sure to find out:
Again, are they available on my date?
How many events per weekend do you book?
How long have you been catering?
Do you have sample menus of weddings you’ve done?
BUDGET AND BACKGROUND INFO
Remember to bring your budget, which you’ll reference when speaking to vendors. In the budget, break down percentages so you know how much money you’re devoting to each vendor. Also bring a list of vendors you’ve already booked, to keep you on track with your mission the day of the show.
PINTEREST BOARD
Pinterest boards are so helpful, not only to you, but to prospective vendors. The boards can easily convey the style(s), colors and feelings you’re trying to implement, even when they are hard to describe in words. While you’re talking to vendors, show them your boards, and you’ll get a sense of whether they understand your vision.
Pre-shop on theweddingguys.com
Don’t forget to check out The Wedding Guys for prospective vendors, another great way how to prepare for UNVEILED Rochester and Twin Cities Bridal Show. You can see who’s planning to be at the show, and then check out their own websites and see examples of their work. If you do a little research before you come, you’ll easily hone in on the vendors you want to speak with at the event. Remember this is all supposed to be fun, and using our recommendations is how to prepare for UNVEILED Rochester and Twin Cities Bridal show. Now have fun!
