Bridal Expo

My FW and I went together. I didn't find it helpful, but I suppose it could be if you're at the very beginning of planning and haven't hired any vendors yet. You're honestly not going to get any info that you can't already find on the internet, but some vendors offer discounts for their services to those who attend expos.

Oh man, my experience was so fun! My FH and I went to a local one in our town and it was so awesome and very helpful. We met so many different vendors that we have never heard of but were from our area, they had a margarita slushy rental vendor that were giving away free slushies (FH favorite part lol), lots of giveaways, a fashion show from bridal shops in our town and lots more. We ended up going with our photographer, DJ, make up artist, and florist from there. We also entered a lot of giveaways and ended up winning a few. So for me it was overall great!

I went to one with my best friend/MOH. We had a fun time and there was free passed champagne! But other than that, I did not find it helpful at all. There were plenty of vendors but it was all so forced and pushy. If you do go, please don't give your information out or you will be flooded with calls and emails! I honestly think it's best to do your own research and listen to recommendations when it comes to finding quality vendors.

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Even if you don't give your information out at specific booths at the expos, you are automatically added to every vendor's call/mailing list when you sign up to attend, usually on the actual expo's website or wherever you buy a ticket.

I went to one and don’t plan on going to another one lol. I hate talking to people and that’s literally all you do. You can’t walk past someone without them jumping in front of you to get your attention and then give you their pitch. Kind of like a salesperson in a mall.

I went to two, and I think they were worthwhile. Most vendors give discounts if you give them your email or book that day. It's a little hectic and overwhelming, but fun overall. I argue that you might find things you didn't find online - I booked my planner after meeting her at a bridal expo, and I hadn't found her despite me searching online - she just happens to be newer to the business. My biggest tip (for expos and vendors in general) is to make a separate email address just for wedding things. You'll avoid spam to your personal accounts, and have a place where you and your SO can collect all your infe.

I went to 2
1st one with my mom and sister
2nd with my husband.
It was overwhelming. I went to the 1st before we had a date set, just an idea. I didn’t get much out of it; except seeing a caterer I forgot about and wound up going with.
The 2nd wasn’t useful, but since all the vendors got our Info the venue we decided on emailed us their Info, we somehow missed them at the expo.
Id go at least one. But make a plan, look at what vendors were going to be there and know who you want to talk to. Dont have high expectations.

I went to one and actually had a lot of fun! I took my aunt, my MOH, and one of my bridesmaids. I got a lot of information on catering, photos, videographer, lighting, etc.

We went to a larger one at a convention center and hated it. The vendors were pretty aggressive and pushy, it was impersonal and I didn’t feel there was a wide enough variety in the vendors (i.e cost variety). Plus you will get spammed with 5 million calls, emails and physical mail for months after, being told that you “won” something free that you never even entered to win. But it seems like almost every expo is different, it really depends on what you’re looking for, and who’s hosting it, so you may have a better experience than me!

My FH and I went to one right at the beginning of our planning. We didn’t hire our photographer while we were at the actual event but we did book him later on and since we saw him there we got a discount for it. It’s really nice to go and see multiple vendors doing the same thing (like 3 different dj’s, 4 photographers and 6 venues) that way you can do some comparing and if you don’t hire anyone you at least get a better idea of what you’re looking for which makes finding the rest online or wherever much easier. At the one we went to they also had a fashion show for wedding dresses and men’s suits. I recommend going to at least one so you can figure out what you like and are looking for and what you definitely could care less about (:

I went to one with a few friends (another bride and a few of her bridesmaids plus one of my bridesmaids). It was really fun! I didn’t have anything planned yet except for our venue, so it was really fun to see all of the different possibilities available. Also, I actually ended up booking our bar tending service at the expo and got an awesome discount for putting a deposit down day of!

I went with my work mom lol. I didn’t find it helpful, it stressed me out even more! They pressure you into getting more and more vendors.

My MOH lives out of state, so I went with my mom! It was really fun! It’s totally worth it. After all, this is the only time you can do things like this! The bridal expo I went to in Los Angeles actually had a lot more men that I thought there would be. But my FH would never go to one of those haha. I had more fun just going with my mom.

I thought bridal expos were fun. If you are just starting to plan its very helpful. You can get alot of free items and discounts on dresses, tux, vendor, helpful tips and free food and snacks!!!
Im not a fan of talking to strangers alot so that was the downfall because sometimes vedors just want to keep talking to you
I would give an expo a try, you never know what deal you might get!

I LOVE bridal expos! I’ve been to a handful. One with one bridesmaid, one with another, one with ALL bridesmaids, one with my fiancé’s and my daughters, one with my mom.

They’re a lot of fun and you can walk away with some cool freebies. And ideas on vendors/decor/etc. And all the food samples there and such - a good way to spend a few hours with women you love!

I’m so glad I asked you all first before I purchased the tickets! This is super helpful!