Bridal show

I went to one before. it was alright aha. it's fun with friends though

View Quoted Comment Yea I am debating on if I should go or not to one!

I’ve gone with friends in the past and they can be fun. You get to see vendor setups/portfolios, taste samples, etc. Be aware they do sell your info so have a throwaway email for wedding purposes and premade address stickers. Anytime they tell you you have won something, be very skeptical and mindful of any restrictions. Some vendors will give discounts if you book that day, but you should never be in a rush without diligent research first.

Yes!!! I think it’s a really good way to meet new vendors in the area as well as be able to see some of their setups or pictures from past events they’ve worked at. As mentioned above though be very weary about prizes. I remember getting so many texts, emails and phone calls about winning things I didn’t even remember signing up for while there. Some things were actually pretty nice gifts, and others obviously not so much.

View Quoted Comment

I think it's fine to go with friends because like pp said, it makes it fun. and you do get some freebies.

I've worked a few as a vendor, but have never attended one as a guest. They're just not my thing, really, and I have enough industry connections that there wouldn't have been much point. Also, because of COVID, the one that normally happens in my area hasn't happened for the past couple of years. And another also, the one here happens in mid-October. We got engaged October 30, 2020 and married April 24,2021 so there was no bridal show that even happened during our engagement. Granted, you definitely can go to one before actually getting engaged (especially if wedding talk is already on the table) to get ideas and such.

That said, however, if you're debating I'd probably suggest going. There's nothing to lose (except maybe an afternoon and the cost of gas to get there) and it's a great way to see vendors in your area and get more ideas. Grab a friend or two to bring with you and make a day of it. Just make sure to have a throwaway email address on hand.

I worked several as a vendor and it can be stressful/overwhelming for brides if they don't know what they need. Go in with a game plan of people/type of vendors you're looking for and you've got a way better chance of enjoying it. The vendors can be really pushy on trying to get you into their booth to talk, so stay in the middle of the aisle if you want to avoid that lol.

As a bride I went in knowing exactly who I wanted to talk to and only had one vendor I wanted to interview a few of which was photographers. I wandered through the different booths but the one I really wanted to work with (and ended up booking with) wasn't even there.

There are a few vendors you may not have thought about hiring (dance lessons/travel agents/bachelorette party vendors) and pretty much every vendor offers some type of deal/discount to book with them either at the show or shortly after.

I recommend swinging through one, especially if you're working on a tight budget.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for your advice!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you!! So much

I was going to go to one last March and then COVID happened. I am bummed that I didn't get to go to one, just because I wanted to go for the experience. So I think if you're interested you should go! And like others have said, get some friends and make a day of it and just have fun.

I went to one and it was OK - fun, but not very helpful. Not the show’s fault - it was postponed due to Covid, and by the time of the rescheduled show we had already picked our major vendors.


But it was fun to get some free samples, drink some wine and look at the displays! Cannot agree more with the above posts about creating a separate email! So much spam!

We went to Disney’s weddings showcase and got to see different vendors, ideas, linens , it was fun and informative

I went to the OBX Wedding Expo. It was overwhelming, but also a great experience. I found my venue and photographer that day. Met some hair and makeup people, florists, officiants, etc... And got to sample so much from caterers and bakers! Take notes or pictures so you remember who you liked.