Bridal Shows

I only went to one, and the only reason I went to that one was because it was at my venue. For me, it was helpful because all their recommended vendors were there in one place and we hadn't booked anyone. We found our photographer and our DJ there. We got to taste food from our caterer, too.

I wouldn't have gone to any others though. It's basically a lot of writing down your info. It is helpful if vendors you are looking to book are there. And there are usually drawings that you can win stuff.

But if you do go to any bridal shows, I recommend setting up an email address only for wedding stuff and giving that one out, because afterward they blow up your email and phone.

I did the same thing. We only went to the one at the venue we want our reception at. We got to taste the food and meet vendors.

If you do that, you save yourself a lot of confusion. But if you're looking for a night out with GFs or FH and want to taste food and cake, you can certainly go to more. Just make sure they don't charge. Some of the ones in my area charge anywhere from $10-15 pp for these things. Our venue was free.

I have been to a few. Honestly, I like picking up the freebies, and getting ideas. I saw some dresses, saw some favors, saw some flowers, sat in a couple limos, and talked to a lot of different vendors. Most importantly, the first bridal show I attended a year and a half before the wedding taught me that the reception venue I had long dreamed of was booked for the entire month of June already, and that I had to work quickly!

I also enjoyed the free cupcake samples.

The very first one I attended I won a free month at LA Fitness too.

My FAVORITE one...was a new style they're trial around here. It's a small thing on a week night, and you are on a time schedule to listen to a couple vendors every five minutes. Meanwhile, there were snacks and wine. It was a lot of fun.

I went to one at one of the venues I was considering (but didn't end up picking.). I went a few weeks after my engagement and it was helpful talking to different vendors and getting ideas. I found my DJ there which was perfect.

I did feel overwhelmed while I was there because it is a lot of writing like Desiree said and all the vendors pretty much ask you the same questions.

The prizes can be really good, though. I won a prize, but I didn't like the vendor I won it from so I didn't use it. And it is fun trying the foods that they have

I would recommend going to at least one during your planning.

I like them and think they can be helpful. I went to 3 with FH, 1 with my sister and daughter and then 1 with my bridesmaids. I found my DJ and my boudoir photographer at one of those and because I booked them through and the venue I ended up switching too the week of a bridal show I got awesome discounts so there is that. You can also get ideas as well as can be able to weed out vendors or type of services you don't want.

I went to 2... one sucked the other didn't here's why:

The first one was all photographers... I already had that taken care of so there was no point in me going.

The second one they limited the amount of vendors for each category so much better event!

I'd say when choosing whether or not to go check out the vendors list or contact those who are hosting it and ask how many caters, photographers, florists, etc. will be there... that way you can find out if you should skip it or not?!

I think if they're free they are worth going to. I have never found a vendor that I've actually used at one. The last one I went to was at our venue and we won a free night, dinner, and breakfast so that was great. But that's the only positive thing I have gotten from one. But if you're lucky enough to win something great, then it is worth it. I think I've been to 5-6 by now.

I have found them to be somewhat beneficial. I've been to two, one a month after I got engaged and then another that I went to a few weeks ago (almost 2 years later.) The first one was huge- tons of vendors, tons of people. It was overwhelming, I didn't really gather too much information, but I was also unprepared (I didn't know what to expect, I had to write my information down so many times I just got frustrated and annoyed, I didn't have any questions.)

The last one I went to was smaller and I was ready for. I printed up labels with our information including a separate email address that I made just for the wedding. It is helpful when going to all the vendors booths. I had some questions and a better idea of what I was looking for. It had less people and less booths, so I wasn't as overwhelmed. They also only a few of certain things (mostly venues then a few photographers, a few officiants, and a few special items.) I was much happier with the last show. Its all just what you need.

The free stuff is worth it. And the food. If you plan on finding your vendors there it's more stressful than if you just go in and intend to have fun.

I went to one that the grand prize was a cake dive... they drew 10 names from the brides attending (there was about 500... it was huge!) And those ten people dig through about a 12 ft long cake for an engagement ring and whoever finds it wins and gets a $10,000 wedding package from all different vendors, I was the winner

So for me, definitely worth it.. DEFINITELY print off sticky labels with your name, address, wedding date, and phone number so you dont have to write your information at every booth you want to enter a drawing at or more info.about!

So far I've been to 2, the 1st one; I tasted a cake to die for which totally change my originally choice. The 2nd one, I fell in love with the photo booth idea and was offered a discounted deal. Most local bridal show vendors are there to get your business & will offer you a hefty discount. Why not try a couple, it won't hurt.

I have been to too many to count, but enjoyed myself to an extent. First I wish I knew have the stuff the ladies said about doing beforehand, like having a seperate email, and mailing labels. I have won prizes at a few shows, trips, etc. But most of my prizes were a waste. The last show we attended, we won the grand prize, and half of the prizes I could not use. I recieved a gift to a bridal store, but was never told beforehand that it was towards a dress, which I had well before the show. And wad upset when I was told by the store's owner, that us a no no, and that I could not use the gift card.

I went to one as a MOH and one as a bride, which I took DH to. He got kind of overwhelmed, but I actually found my dress there. Dress shops bring their samples, styles they're trying to finish off, etc.

We needed to find some vendors, so that was our aim in going to one. I think we found discount or free admission tickets for ours. It was a big one in DC that had an admission charge. It was a good way to see a lot of possibilities in a small amount of time, and who can complain about cake samples?

I went to so many, but it paid off - we won our honeymoon to Fiji!! toasting flutes, cake cutter/server, cake topper, plenty of discounts from vendors, a $500 credit to our dj and upgrade for our videographer!

My suggestion would be to check out the list of vendors before you go, and know what you're looking for.

I find them to be mostly overwhelming and not terribly useful, although it is fun to sample cake and have vendors pretend to be excited about your engagement ;-) I did book one vendor during a bridal show and received a great discount. The downside is that they will blow up your phone and email afterwards, so definitely set up a special email address!

I have been to a few, and I am going to one this coming up Monday. I enjoy them. I like MOST of the vendors, but some are so pushy. David's Bridal is right at the door of the one show, and at the same show, this woman from Mary Kay practically blocked me from leaving because I wouldn't book a show! Anyway, most of the vendors are great. The one I am going to on Monday is a twist on their regular one. The Wedding Salon, it is focusing on Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, which is up our alley because we are going to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon and they are one of the vendors. There are others there as well. I really need invites, and there are a few there. One I will skip is Chefworld. They are usually involved in those "winning contests" at shows, where you go for a spiel about winning a trip, along with 20% off their cookware, and it is really pricey. Anyway, I am looking forward to it. The last Wedding Salon I was at had David Tutera and Sylvia Weinstock. The downside is, that unless you have a free code, the tickets for two are $75, and you have to pay extra for their special gift bag, which supposedly has awesome goodies in it. Anyway, they are fun, but can get crowded. If you go, good luck!