Premier Bridal expo or Bride World expo?

I went to The Wedding Experience here in northern Virginia. It wasn't all that helpful in our planning and I've been getting unsolicited phone calls and emails every since. I actually regret I went for that reason. So if you do go to one of these expos, be aware that your info might get sold or spread around for telemarketing. It's been really annoying.

I went to both. Bride World Expo when it was at the LA Convention Center and Premiere when it was in Santa Monica at Le Meridian.

Bride World at the Convention Center was huge. So many vendors, so many people! It was my first show and it was really really really overwhelming. Everybody is obviously there to sell to you so as you walk down the aisles you feel like everyone is coming at you. There was a lot to see and we tried to visit with every vendor we could especially since it was my first. Out of all the vendors there, I made one venue appointment and I went later and hated the venue in person. I contacted one photographer who was really nice at the expo but when I contacted him afterwards he was really rude. I did not end up using anyone from that expo. I did get a few goodies, a tote, a planner...stuff like that but nothing exciting.

Premiere in Santa Monica was so much smaller than Bride World. It was over so quickly! Less than half the vendors but maybe it depends on the location of the event and how many vendors they can fit in the room? Anyway, the vendors at this expo didn't seem as pushy but obviously they're also all trying to make a sale so they do push a little. Was not as crowded and felt more at ease. Maybe because I had been through it before? I liked one of the photographers that I met there but afterwards when I contacted her I asked for a sample contract and I didn't agree with everything in there and we tried to work it out but let's just say it didn't go well and we're not using her. Also not using any vendors we met there but I did get a key chain, a tote and we had some cake samples.

All in all - not using any vendors that I met at either of those expos but I'm glad that I went. Now on a side note, Bride World Expo has done some shady marketing and Premiere called them out on it. Bride World bought an add on Google so when you search Premiere Bridal the first link that comes up is a paid ad for Bride World Expo. It's not illegal what they did but it sure is shady!

Whichever one you choose to go to make sure you get free tickets! There's always a way to get in free, if you don't have free tickets, google it and I'm sure you'll find it. And you have plenty of time and they do these expos all the time so you could do one now and another one next month.

Also, a piece of advice, in case you haven't done it yet, create a separate email address for all wedding stuff. Like mywedding@ gmail...whatever like that and when they ask for your info you give them that email. Then you don't get all that spam in your regular email. And try not to give out your phone number as you will get a ton of calls and all during the day while at work and it's super annoying. Just know that your info will get sold, it's a definite, so I highly suggest a new email. Also if you pre-register with Bride World they'll print labels for you with your info on it so when you're asked to fill out a form you just place the label there and you're done.

Hope that helps!

I'm thinking of attending Premier Bridal Expo in Orange County on June 14th. Im not sure if it will be worth it or not.....

Thanks for all the info ladies! Too bad I read the comments after I registered for both expos. I guess I'll be getting a lot of spam and phone calls since I gave my cell phone number and real email.

I haven't been to Bride World, but I've been to two Premiere Bridal. PBs have been pretty small, which is nice because I get overwhelmed lol, but also kinda like meh, it's not worth it. If you haven't been though I'd go them at least once though and check it out! Sometimes places offer good discounts!

Two tips though:

1. POWER WALK PAST all the travel people. They are sooooo obnoxious and they're all like time share or buy a membership horror stories and they don't let you leave!! lol.

2. Stay and hang out for the prizes! I won a custom designed veil at one show, and a silly bathrobe at another. Lots of good stuff gets given away. Have fun!

I only registered for a Premier Bridal expo in LA. Couldn't go last minute but I agree with the others about protecting your contact info. At least when you go give them a secondary email address and avoid phone number and address if you can. I remember clearly unchecking the box on the registration page to avoid promotional stuff. Still got spammed like crazy!

I went to Bride World when it was in the Pasadena Convention Center. We had an awesome time. That's where we found our photographer, florist and decided to have our reception at the Convention Center.

I would suggest Bride World in Redondo Beach. One because it's close to you and two because we had a good time and had such good luck with the vendors.