We get it, with so much on your plate in planning your wedding, you wonder why it’s worth dedicating some more free time to a live bridal show. But there is so much you can get out of the experience, from making vendor contacts to getting inspiration for your own planning. We’re here to break it down and explain what you should do to prepare, as well as what measures we’re taking to keep everyone distanced and safe. Here are some tips for attending a bridal show that will help make the most of your experience.
Know Your Budget
It’s helpful, but not mandatory, to know your overall wedding budget before heading to the show. If only so you don’t fall in love with a vendor that is way over what you can spend. You don’t have to know all of the specifics, but having an overall number in your head of what you can spend will help you determine your budgets for different vendors, and help organize you a bit. And if you’re not sure where to start, keep in mind that your reception venue with food and beverage will usually make up at least 50% of your budget.
Make Your “To Do” List
Make a list of all the things you need to secure for your wedding with categories ranging from your dress and accessories to décor, photographer, entertainment, and honeymoon. Create subcategories for the items within the main categories.
Check Out Vendors
Look at the list of exhibitors. You can find the exhibitor list for our upcoming Twin Cities Bridal Show here. Determine which exhibitors you would like to meet to discuss your vision for your wedding. Plan on being able to chat with about 5-6, and if there are more, you can always pick up their contact info and make an appointment to chat at a later date.
Bring Your Calendar!
The best way to use the show as a wedding planning tool is to bring your calendar. This way you can mark down follow up appointments with vendors to discuss your wedding with them in more detail. And one of our many tips for attending a bridal show is to use the show as a way to speed-date with your vendors. Find the ones you mesh with the most, and follow up accordingly.
Purchase Tickets
We made it easy for you to go online to purchase your tickets for General Admission and the Aisle of Style Fashion show, here. But if you’re still not sure about attending, here is what we’ve done to adjust our show given the COVID-19 climate:
- Masks are required to wear for attendees, staff, and exhibitors
- Tickets will be sold in 2-hour time slots to meet reduced capacity requirements
- Groups are limited to 4 people or less
- Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the event
- For even more COVID-19 safety requirements, click here and scroll to the dark pink section that lists all we are doing to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Next week we’ll have more info on the show, from news about our amazing Inspiration Station to the benefits of watching a live fashion show at the Twin Cities Bridal Show. We can’t wait to share more!
Photos courtesy of our staff and Anna Grinets Photography