Are bridal expos worth attending?

Also, we won a raffle for our photographer and got 50% off any package. We weren't going to do engagement photos because they were expensive, and her prices were out of our range. We almost went with a photographer that was a little cheaper that we didn't really mesh with until we won that raffle.

We also had the joy of FH and I getting too nervous. So I made him talk to the first vendor, which is who we went with for photographers in the end. He walked up to them and stuttered nervously, "Hey. This might be a dumb question, but uhh...Do you photograph weddings?"

That photographer, bless his soul, he tried so hard not to die laughing and stayed so. damn. professional.

We wouldn't have that story if we didn't go. Plus we got free food and photobooth pictures. It was a fun way to get into the spirit!

The one I went to was horrible. I was so excited for it and I was able to convince FH to come and it ended up not being worth it. There was maybe 10 vendors in a small room of a hotel that was like a tenth the size I expected. There was a DJ in the space playing so loud that no one could hear each other talk. We were expecting to meet a lot of caterers, florists, DJs, bands, wedding coordinators, bakeries. No caterers. One baker. No florists. No coordinators. It was mostly like travel agents selling honey moon stuff, and people selling makeup. Like not hair and makeup artists, like Mary Kay consultants. We regretted the hour drive for sure.

A lot of places offer discounts for booking at the and expo, so that's a plus.. I would definitely consider getting a second email account though to avoid all the added spam lol. FH and I went to one and literally EVERY vendor has emailed us more than once, even the vendors we didn't stop to talk to.. they must've gotten our email from when we registered

Wasn't really worth it for me, but I got a cool spatula from a vendor. So that's awesome. I already had more than half my vendors at that point.

If you were to take off work I'd just make sure the one you're attending is worth your while.. aka a larger scale expo with plenty of vendors. The first expo I went to was hyped up a lot but the vendors were minimal and was okay fun bc it was just exciting it was the first one I went to, but nothing special. The next one I went to was HUGE. Tons of vendors of all varieties. I actually ended up finding my photographer through it. Plus I got a ton of coupons/deals for going for men's warehouse and Jos A Bank so that was a nice incentive for our guys.

As far as ideas I didn't really have much luck at the three I went to. On that note they always have prizes and giveaways if you attend. I won a free wedding dress just for paying the $8 admission and having my name drawn. So you never know what you could win

Both expos I went to were free so I went once with my mom and once with my FH. They actually turned out to be quite helpful for me, that's how we found our venue.

I went. Got a lot of spam emails... but also just got an email for $500 off a photographer. So, I'd say it's worth it.

They often have vendors offering specials if you book that day. Also, as others have said lots of goodies to take home. My FH and I actually won the grand prize gift basket at one and got tons of vouchers to different vendors. Those we couldn't use we've been gifting to others who could.