Are bridal shows/expos a waste of time?

I just went to one. I found it a little helpful, I actually ended up booking my venue after seeing them at the expo. I "won" (as I'm sure all of the ladies that went did, but oh well) 150$ off the venue package.

I'm going to one the second week of January, my SIL said that because I'm just starting out in the planning process that it would be a good place to go because there are a lot of venues and vendors which is nice since instead of trying to find them, they are all in one place for you. However if you've already booked the big stuff, ex. Venue, DJ, cake, etc.. Then it wouldn't be as helpful.

If you're just starting and haven't booked much, they can be great. I went to one after most of my vendors were booked and thought it was pointless.

I found it to be pretty helpful. I had no idea what I was doing, and talking to vendors kinda gave me an idea of what I wanted for our wedding. I met My caterer and the owner of the shop where I bought my dress at bridal shows.

It's only a waste if you hired vendors, or have the wrong attitude to benefit from them. It's the perfect opportunity to come face to face with vendors and even have booking specials available....as well as inspirations and the fashion shows. Just make name and address labels with your wedding date and create a dedicated gmail account, you're golden. Have fun and keep an open mind,

It's helpful if you're still looking at vendors. They typically have all kinds of deals and some vendors have giveaways. I won $800 credit towards a wedding band from a jewelry place, and we got his band from there using that since I had my band already and they did an awesome job.

One thing I will say is that the one that I went to was super crowded and overwhelming. Also, most of the vendors came at us like car salesmen (no offense if that's anyone's job here on the forum but just talking about the annoying ones that are in your face and don't leave you alone).

I went to two or three. I found them to a waste of time. The quality of vendors is awful. However, I still think everyone should go to at least one to experience it! Because it was fun nevertheless.

I went to one and it was a lot of fun. I had already hired most of my vendors and was just looking for a florist. I found one there. There's a huge on at our convention center in January that I want to go to as well.

I went with my sister to a wedding show a couple of months ago. I have most of my vendors booked, but she's just starting to plan. I went along just for support. It was still fun and I got a few little freebies. I did win a door prizes for a three hour rental at a venue, so we're using that for my bridal shower.

They are if you pretty much have all vendors booked. However, you may be able to take advantage of any specials that your vendors may be offering at those shows.

My vote is always yes. I went and it was overwhelming, BUT I did find my photographer and learned which vendors were not free on my day. Lots of talking and information to take in! I went with my old roommmate when she got engaged and she won her bouquet and 50% bridesmaids bouquets.

I'm going to one in January because one of FH's coworkers has a booth there. It will probably be a waste because it's in DC and our wedding is in TN but it will be something fun to do with my daughter and FH's daughter related to the wedding.

I don't think they help that much, I did everything with my own research and when I went to one it was disappointing considering it was considered the best in the state

I found the lady making my cake at the first one i went to, went to a couple others and they were kind of a waste. but if you need a starting point it can be good. Also you can win lots of stuff!

I won a $1500 wedding band credit at a jewelry store by going to a bridal show. Wish I'd gone to more.

I went to one and wish I hadn't. Like a feeding frenzy, in a shark tank.

I went to a small one in the burbs and it was great! They had door prizes and freebies. I found my florist there!

I went with my FMIL and mom and we had so much fun! More fun than helpful, but there were things I benefited from. Like other's said, if your vendors are booked there is not really a point.

I won $1000 off of our venue by visiting their booth at a wedding show. They're a little overwhelming at first, but definitely worth attending for an afternoon.

I went to one recently. The DJ company I was interested in was there. I booked with them. I got a free add on with my DJ package.

So I say it's worth it if you're still looking for vendors. You may score some savings. Ask any prospective vendors if they will be at any soon.