Advise about bridal show

[Keisha]

I was asked along with one other planner to participate in a bridal show at a local country club. It is actually a show for all types of events it is called Celebrations with style show and the fee is $300. The fee includes booth space, listing in celebrations with style program and website, access to host registry and inclusion in the celebrations with style 2009 video. I have never participated in a show and was hoping to get some advise is the price resonable and is it worth it as far as networking and meeting potential clients? I was also, a little worried about that fact that like some planners I do not sale any type of product. I was thinking for my table if I do it that I would use a bold linen they do not allow piping or draping. My business cards and letterhead are hearts with shade of purple and pinks so I would use those colors for my linen. I would create some type of centerpiece and I would have flyers, business cards, pens and pencils with my name on them. I also have to have a door prize and I was thinking of a basket with a coupon that would offer my services for free for an event of 25 or less and local the client would just pay for the vendors and their supplies. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas please let me know.

[Telli Griffin]

Your on the right track when I did my first show I was at the table with a Carter, baker and a florist. We had real bold linen and it worked very well because people were drawn to the free food. Although I did not have a "product" I really had to sale my self when I would talk with someone. I was not pushy, yet I gave a quick overview of what I had to offer. I would always catch them with a cupcake in their mouth it gave me the chance to talk and put a business card and brochure in their bag!

[Tina Guida]

www.vistaprint.com can print anything you want, T-shirts, pens, and all marketing material you mentioned. I would also have an old fashioned photo album on your table or video scrapbook if there is a TV monitor available of some of the very best events you have planned. I would also have a large sign behind me with my logo and business name and some weddingish photos on it. Vista Print can print and ship that to you as well. Make sure you have sticky tack or something to hang the sign with or an easle. $300 is in the ballpark for this type of event but it is pricey since it is not strictly a Bridal Show (unless you are an event planner and not solely a wedding planner). Find out how many people the event coordinators anticipate will actually attend the event. For $300 that number should be near 1000 or more. I hope this helps. Let us know how you make out!!

[Rebecca Weber]

Doing my first bridal show in March - I went to another one over the weekend just to check out things and see what other vendors were doing. One thing I noticed (that I probably would not have seen otherwise) is that you have to have something behind you and not just on your table. Remember that people are walking around and will be looking at your booth at eye level, not necessarily at your table. So get some visual interest behind you somehow with what your service is. People that only had table items did not have nearly the traffic that the better booths had. They could have had a spectacular service on their table but you couldn't tell from the booth.

Highly recommend going to another show prior to doing one yourself. I got a lot of good ideas looking at other vendor booths prior to doing my own. You can see what works and what doesn't.

Price seems reasonable - shows around here range from $250 to $850 (for two days).

Good luck!

[Sandy Ouellette]

I only do the small shows that run for $250-$350. They are on the local level. I use to do the really large ones, the last one being at Foxwoods. There was over 500 vendors. Brides start forgetting who they saw, except if you have something that makes a statement.
My signature colors are purple. So I use a varity of purple throughout my booth, soft and bold. I also have a banner behind me that really states what I do. Brides remembered that. As far as give-aways go, I print coupons with $100 off the purchase of a wedding dress. I want to drive the traffic back into my store. Because one there, they usually purchase the tiara, veil, shoes and jewelry.
When I started in this industry, it was as a wedding planner. I was in the same boat, not really knowing what I should do for my booth. I called many other planners, and they were unwilling to help. So I went to a few shows to see for myself. I did the little candy give aways, and it was costly. I would suggest going to the dollar store and picking up bags of mints there. Brides will pick up the candy, but won't really notice the name on it. If you want something with your name on it, Tina is right, www.vistaprint.com is the place to go. After your first order they will start sending you emails with free offers. I do that all the time. Throughout the year I will order the 10 free magnets they offer and only pay the shipping. By the time wedding shows roll around. I have plenty. Great way of getting some really nice business cards as well.
Good luck with your show, and don't forget to contact the brides when you get your list. Send post cards, brochures and emails. It may take 7 times, but don't give up, it will pay off.

[Margaret]

When is the show?

[Cynthia]

I too am interested in this information. I did a show at a local mall, it was my first. It cost $100. I handed out about 50 business cards and had about 25 attendees write their information down for me. The next day I sent thank you emails to all these contacts thanking them for visiting my booth. It has been a week and I have not even gotten a nibble. I have received other information for other shows that range from $175 - $800. i am reluctant because of how the first show went.

[Keisha]

The show is March 15th