Bridal Shows - What's the deal?

[rejah2209]

Okay, me and my FH are going to our first bridal show tonight. What's the deal? I know someone on here won their cake, what else should I be looking out for? Any CB's in the midwest going tonight? :headscrat

[MsNelle5]

Be prepared to be pulled, prodded, and pressured into talking to a million different vendors! I remember when I went, I filled my bag with so much information, by the time I left there I couldn't tell one photographer or DJ from another! :faint: They all want you to book their services, fill out this survey or form, and then they call your house for the next 6 weeks until you finally boook all your vendors. My phone was ringing off the hook because I filled out so many forms at the Expo. But just be clear on your budget, what your vision is, what you want, and try to remember the vendors you like because some will leave an impression on you (or a bad taste in your mouth). I recommend going to at least 2 Expos (2 different ones if you can help it) and seeing what you find. Because any more than that can get redundant and you will be seeing the same vendors from Expo to Expo...

As far as the free cake, I know sometimes they do raffles or giveaway contests. But alot of the vendors will have you fill out this form to be entered into a contest (free honeymoon, free services, etc.) and I never hear of anyone actually winning anything, it's just a gimmick some use to get you to stop buy their booth and listen to their schpiel and leave your personal information so they can spam your telephone and email for the next 6 months...

Sorry if I sound so cynical. I just like to share my experiences and to each her own...forewarned is forearmed...:wavey:

[TheNiceVoice]

I'm cosigning with Nelle!

Please come back and share your experiences.

[MsNelle5]

Okay, me and my FH are going to our first bridal show tonight.

So how did it go???

[deesexy69]

Yes how was it? I am actually particpating in my first show on the 20th. I want to make sure I don't come off as Miss Nelle said above. I don't want brides to be like :scare: Get Away

[MsNelle5]

Yes how was it? I am actually particpating in my first show on the 20th. I want to make sure I don't come off as Miss Nelle said above. I don't want brides to be like :scare: Get Away

Dee, you're going to be a vendor? :)

[deesexy69]

Dee, you're going to be a vendor? :)

Yes it will be my first show, my first time. I am nervous about it. I just started my buisness in the last month and all that is left to do is get clients. I hope I don't back out :leave:

[MsNelle5]

Yes it will be my first show, my first time. I am nervous about it. I just started my buisness in the last month and all that is left to do is get clients. I hope I don't back out :leave:

Don't back out girl! You are an enterpreneur (sp?)! LOL I admire that! Expos can be kinda harrowing experiences because there are so many competing vendors and so many potential clients who all need the same services. My advice is to not be so pushy (not to say that you are :) ) and let your product speak for itself. An eye-catching table display or friendly smile will get me over to a table faster than someone grabbing me, yelling or shoving objects under my nose. You know? :)

[deesexy69]

Don't back out girl! You are an enterpreneur (sp?)! LOL I admire that! Expos can be kinda harrowing experiences because there are so many competing vendors and so many potential clients who all need the same services. My advice is to not be so pushy (not to say that you are :) ) and let your product speak for itself. An eye-catching table display or friendly smile will get me over to a table faster than someone grabbing me, yelling or shoving objects under my nose. You know? :)

Thanks. I have some great ideas for my table and I am giving out free favors and bookmarks with my information so brides can call me. I do have a drawing but I will have a winner. It is on my website for a free package so I plan on adding the list of names from the show. I am also doing a give away of a cake knife and server set too. But I won't be pushy and I will have plenty of materials to give out so the bride won't feel so overwhelmed. Plus since I am a planner I plan on scoping the vendors out and giving them my info and getting there. My objective is if they use me they won't have to deal with the other vendors that will be my job. check my site out and and tell me what you think? www.planonforever.com I am trying to be very professional because to be honest I don't know if being black helps. I hope I am wrong but I think it will dissuade alot of clients. I know myself I don't always like working with us because of lack of professionalism. I hate that. :hellno: So I am trying to work extra hard to portray a good image at this show.

[MsNelle5]

Thanks. I have some great ideas for my table and I am giving out free favors and bookmarks with my information so brides can call me. I do have a drawing but I will have a winner. It is on my website for a free package so I plan on adding the list of names from the show. I am also doing a give away of a cake knife and server set too. But I won't be pushy and I will have plenty of materials to give out so the bride won't feel so overwhelmed. Plus since I am a planner I plan on scoping the vendors out and giving them my info and getting there. My objective is if they use me they won't have to deal with the other vendors that will be my job. check my site out and and tell me what you think? www.planonforever.com I am trying to be very professional because to be honest I don't know if being black helps. I hope I am wrong but I think it will dissuade alot of clients. I know myself I don't always like working with us because of lack of professionalism. I hate that. :hellno: So I am trying to work extra hard to portray a good image at this show.

Girlfriend, ok...where do I start! :)

1) I took home a bag full of info, dumped it out on my bed, and couldn't remember one vendor from another! Some made an impression on me (positive and negative) so I remembered their business cards and either saved them or chucked them. If you plan on giving out info, may I suggest attractive packaging? Maybe a CD/DVD presentation that brides can take home and pop in their PC, or a refrigerator magnet with your logo, website and/or a nice photo (make sure your name and contact info is visible).

2) If you are doing a drawing, just make sure you stress to the brides that a winner will be chosen, they can just your website at a later date to see the name of the person that actually won, tell them if they have to be present to win.

3) Giving away gifts is a great idea. Many vendors would give cake samples, favor samples, etc. If you have any unique favors that you make you stand out from the rest, that would be good (like wedding broom favors, or something else afrocentric). If you want to attract a diverse clientele, then candle favors are also nice. If you are giving away or raffling off a cake knife/server set, be sure to list the retail selling price. Girl, I just bought one off EBay for $19.99 and the woman gave me a set of unity candle holders with it. I went to Michael's and Wal-Mart last weekend and saw the same items in the store for like $49.99 a piece! So let them know the value of what they are winning. It will save them $ on their budget.

4) It would be helpful if you list the advantages of having a wedding planner. Many people don't know the benefit, or don't understand it. I would also be honest about cost. What infuriated me more than anything at these expos was vendors who would not disclose pricing info. Brides are on a budget, we need to know if your services are within that budget or not. Be honest with us and let us decide if we can splurge and add your services into our budget. Or, if your prices/services are negotiable or flexible, tell us that too.

5) I know alot of ppl have asked me why I am doing all of this legwork and my wedding planner is not. That is not how we worked out our arrangement. So if you are the person who will be booking the limo, photographger, cake, florist, etc. then communicate that to the bride. Or, if there is an opportunity for the bride (or groom) to play a more active role in the planning, make sure she knows that too.

6) Don't doubt yourself or your skills because you are Black. You are in S. Jersey. I don't know much about the Jersey cities that don't border NYC, but if you are in a diverse area, your ethnicity shouldn't be a hinderance. If you are in a predominantly white area, it may. I know I had a preference for a black wedding planner. But that's just me. I think if you are a professional, it will show. You won't have to TRY. It will come naturally. Let your personality sell your product. Because the bottom line is: no matter how flashy, attractive, well-spoken, etc. you are or your materials are, if the bride can't connect with you on the most basic level (comfortability), then you will have a hard time getting clients. We fired our photographer because (other than his prices) although he did great work, his attitude sucked. I always felt like I caught him in a bad mood. It could totally have been our perception, but we never felt at ease with him. Jerrell almost cussed him out one time because he didn't like his attitude.

Okay, I've said enough. I don't want you to feel like I am belittling you, preaching to you, or telling you what to do. I haven't even gone to your website yet to check it out. But these were my off-the-top reactions to your earlier post. And I think what got me riled up the most was the issue or race. Unfortunately you are totally right: in this society ppl will judge you based on your skin color rather that what you can deliver. But please don't let that stop you from being the best coordinator you can be and doing the best job you can do. Prove all the haters wrong!!!

[jani]

I agree with MsNelle also. Try to win everything- the honeymoon, the videographer, the reception site, the limousine, EVERYTHING! The vendors will hound you. I recommend that you make and take labels with you that way you won't have to write your name on every postcard they give you.

Enjoy and have fun!

[deesexy69]

Girlfriend, ok...where do I start! :)

1) I took home a bag full of info, dumped it out on my bed, and couldn't remember one vendor from another! Some made an impression on me (positive and negative) so I remembered their business cards and either saved them or chucked them. If you plan on giving out info, may I suggest attractive packaging? Maybe a CD/DVD presentation that brides can take home and pop in their PC, or a refrigerator magnet with your logo, website and/or a nice photo (make sure your name and contact info is visible).

2) If you are doing a drawing, just make sure you stress to the brides that a winner will be chosen, they can just your website at a later date to see the name of the person that actually won, tell them if they have to be present to win.

3) Giving away gifts is a great idea. Many vendors would give cake samples, favor samples, etc. If you have any unique favors that you make you stand out from the rest, that would be good (like wedding broom favors, or something else afrocentric). If you want to attract a diverse clientele, then candle favors are also nice. If you are giving away or raffling off a cake knife/server set, be sure to list the retail selling price. Girl, I just bought one off EBay for $19.99 and the woman gave me a set of unity candle holders with it. I went to Michael's and Wal-Mart last weekend and saw the same items in the store for like $49.99 a piece! So let them know the value of what they are winning. It will save them $ on their budget.

4) It would be helpful if you list the advantages of having a wedding planner. Many people don't know the benefit, or don't understand it. I would also be honest about cost. What infuriated me more than anything at these expos was vendors who would not disclose pricing info. Brides are on a budget, we need to know if your services are within that budget or not. Be honest with us and let us decide if we can splurge and add your services into our budget. Or, if your prices/services are negotiable or flexible, tell us that too.

5) I know alot of ppl have asked me why I am doing all of this legwork and my wedding planner is not. That is not how we worked out our arrangement. So if you are the person who will be booking the limo, photographger, cake, florist, etc. then communicate that to the bride. Or, if there is an opportunity for the bride (or groom) to play a more active role in the planning, make sure she knows that too.

6) Don't doubt yourself or your skills because you are Black. You are in S. Jersey. I don't know much about the Jersey cities that don't border NYC, but if you are in a diverse area, your ethnicity shouldn't be a hinderance. If you are in a predominantly white area, it may. I know I had a preference for a black wedding planner. But that's just me. I think if you are a professional, it will show. You won't have to TRY. It will come naturally. Let your personality sell your product. Because the bottom line is: no matter how flashy, attractive, well-spoken, etc. you are or your materials are, if the bride can't connect with you on the most basic level (comfortability), then you will have a hard time getting clients. We fired our photographer because (other than his prices) although he did great work, his attitude sucked. I always felt like I caught him in a bad mood. It could totally have been our perception, but we never felt at ease with him. Jerrell almost cussed him out one time because he didn't like his attitude.

Okay, I've said enough. I don't want you to feel like I am belittling you, preaching to you, or telling you what to do. I haven't even gone to your website yet to check it out. But these were my off-the-top reactions to your earlier post. And I think what got me riled up the most was the issue or race. Unfortunately you are totally right: in this society ppl will judge you based on your skin color rather that what you can deliver. But please don't let that stop you from being the best coordinator you can be and doing the best job you can do. Prove all the haters wrong!!!

Girl you said a mouthful but from reading it we are on the same page. I am giving out Cd favors with songs they can use for the wedding. I am going to decorate my table like I would for a wedding with my colors. I am giving peppermint favors and bookmarks. I will have a print out of my packages, a brochure telling about my services and why you need a coordinator. I don'y know why vendors hound you for your info because as a vendor I will tell you most shows you have to register or fill out forms and they share the info with the vendors anyway. But your information helped me so much. I feel more confident now

[rejah2209]

Okay, so it went basically like Nelle said it would. Sorry, it did. But there were good parts! First of all, JAHBARI enjoyed himself!!! :breakdanc
He really likes seeing things and getting hands on information, so seeing the ice sculptures, and tasting the caskes, and seeing them,...it meant a lot. I was ecstatic. Another plus was that it was really nice to see so many people who believed in marriage at all. Our families are pretty 50/50 with the divorce rates, and kinda go, "yall wanna do what", when we announce our engagement, so it was just good to hear congratulations so many times, (even if it was just to get us to use their service). :rolleyes:

We got a lot of information, and ideas. I would say to anyone who hasn't already thought this way, you don't have to buy what you see. STEAL! Look at the favor ideas and place setting examples, and learn how to do them yourself. Every vendor is going to make it seem as though their company holds the exclusive way to do things so that you'll go, "well I better hire them so that I can have that..." You don't. I gave Jahbari detailed instructions when we got there, "look closely and take mental notes so we can talk when we leave" :brow:

As far as the prizes go, Nelle, you were absolutely right, but unfortunately for me, I didn't read your post until today.

To anyone that wants to be a vendor, PErSONALIZE. You're not going to get every bride in the room, know this off bat, but there are some girls who don't have the reservations that others do when coming to these events. Spot them out, and genuinely be interested in those specific people, be nice to everyone, but you can tell whose gonna call you, and who you'll have to call, trust me.

[Raine]

Girl you said a mouthful but from reading it we are on the same page. I am giving out Cd favors with songs they can use for the wedding. I am going to decorate my table like I would for a wedding with my colors. I am giving peppermint favors and bookmarks. I will have a print out of my packages, a brochure telling about my services and why you need a coordinator. I don'y know why vendors hound you for your info because as a vendor I will tell you most shows you have to register or fill out forms and they share the info with the vendors anyway. But your information helped me so much. I feel more confident now
Dee I am glad you feel more confident! You will do well!!! Push your website! Is the addy on most of your favors? One thing I did when I came back was looked at people on line.... if I liked what I saw, those were the people I called back. FYI....there are NOT a lot of wedding planners in the area (SJ & Philly), nor were they at the expos I went to (about 4/5). Also try to advertise in For You Magazine. It's for African American Brides and contains "Our" vendors. Not too many Coordinators in there either. If you can't find it in the stores let me know!!! I have a few copies (don't ask)

[deesexy69]

Dee I am glad you feel more confident! You will do well!!! Push your website! Is the addy on most of your favors? One thing I did when I came back was looked at people on line.... if I liked what I saw, those were the people I called back. FYI....there are NOT a lot of wedding planners in the area (SJ & Philly), nor were they at the expos I went to (about 4/5). Also try to advertise in For You Magazine. It's for African American Brides and contains "Our" vendors. Not too many Coordinators in there either. If you can't find it in the stores let me know!!! I have a few copies (don't ask)
Raine girl you are the best I never even heard of that magazine. I check the website out and I am going to sign up there too. I love you ladies. Thanks for all the help and support you always give

[TheNiceVoice]

Or..you can always advertise here. **cough, cough**! :brow:

[deesexy69]

You ladies are my sisters, not clients. I would help you anyway. But if anyone wanted to hire me I am here :)

[rejah2209]

Found another one
http://www.charlese.net/cover-spring.jpg

Another Black Bridal Mag! http://www.charlese.net/

I'm so glad to see "myself" more. Thanks and God Bless to everyone whose making it their business to show that us folks do say "I Do".

[rejah2209]

Okay. If you're not busy, stop by www.todaysbride.com, and look up in the top right corner where they promote a vacation. I just got a phone call from this company saying that I won this trip from the Bridal Expo. Well, when you read the description, doesn't it seem as though EVERYONE wins this trip? I'm not sure. Jahbari is happy, but I'm a skeptic. What do you think? :headscrat

[tamelb]

Okay. If you're not busy, stop by www.todaysbride.com, and look up in the top right corner where they promote a vacation. I just got a phone call from this company saying that I won this trip from the Bridal Expo. Well, when you read the description, doesn't it seem as though EVERYONE wins this trip? I'm not sure. Jahbari is happy, but I'm a skeptic. What do you think? :headscrat

That's what it seems like to me. It appears that as long as you sign up for whatever they are soliciting, you "win". :headscrat

[rejah2209]

Okay, we won the vacation, and a couple other little things. The catch? We had to sit through an infomercial-like thing clear across town where they tried to sell us China and cookware. Now, I ain't gon lie, I probably would've gone for the stuff, if it had not been for the Lord on my side, who said, "Girl, you ain't got no monney for that." LOL. The trip is legit, but its only hotel accomodations. It's not like a resort or anything, just a stay at the Marriott. So all wasn't lost.

[tamelb]

Glad to know that it was legit and you got hotel accomodations out of it!

[~syd~vyshus~]

during my last engagement (don't ask) we won TUXES for the entire wedding party & 2 tickets anywhere in the United States. i won that a lil' bootleg expo they had here.

[ShiningStarr]

Okay, we won the vacation, and a couple other little things. The catch? We had to sit through an infomercial-like thing clear across town where they tried to sell us China and cookware. Now, I ain't gon lie, I probably would've gone for the stuff, if it had not been for the Lord on my side, who said, "Girl, you ain't got no monney for that." LOL. The trip is legit, but its only hotel accomodations. It's not like a resort or anything, just a stay at the Marriott. So all wasn't lost.

I went to something similiar...I think it was Simplicity Cookware or something like that. It appeared to be nice cookware... me and FH debated a long time about...we were the last couple there from the 1st session...and we actually starting to purchase the cookware. We were there so long..that we caught the second...with a different presenter. The dude gave the exact same spiel as the previous presenter. No altering the family info. or grandmother's advice...very scripted. As soon as FH heard the second presenter...he gave me a look like...we goin' pass...which we did. That was God's way of reminding us...we did not have the money for unnecesary purchases. We still got a trip to Cancun...Dominican Republic...or Cozymel out of it... :hey1:

[Nichole]

My name is Nichole....


and I....


and I...


am a Bridal Show addict....


(hello Nichole...)

Ok, I love bridal shows, I just like to look and take mental notes...grab a few cards and register for prizes.

This past bridal show season I won my bridal shoes and 3 hours of limo service...which would be GREAT for the wedding, but I have to use it before Dec 31 of THIS year...blah! I guess I will suprise my FH when he comes to town...maybe roll around and have appetizers waiting in the limo...something nice like that :)

We have GREAT shows here in Alabama...not too many people trying to sell you 50-11 things...just passing info, feeding you well and congratulating you!!!!

And YES I am going to all of them next year ;-)

[lilboopieGN]

My name is Nichole....


and I....


and I...


am a Bridal Show addict....


(hello Nichole...)

Ok, I love bridal shows, I just like to look and take mental notes...grab a few cards and register for prizes.

This past bridal show season I won my bridal shoes and 3 hours of limo service...which would be GREAT for the wedding, but I have to use it before Dec 31 of THIS year...blah! I guess I will suprise my FH when he comes to town...maybe roll around and have appetizers waiting in the limo...something nice like that :)

We have GREAT shows here in Alabama...not too many people trying to sell you 50-11 things...just passing info, feeding you well and congratulating you!!!!

And YES I am going to all of them next year ;-)


My name is Nicole....


and I....


and I...

and I...


am a Bridal Show addict....

I'm with you Nichole I love bridal shows and we have some good ones here in Texas we just had one in July and theres another one in September I'm going too.. My mom won't go with me until next year but that's cool I mean all that info not to mention the cake and chocolate and ooohh I can't wait til the next one..


(hello Nicole...)

[Luvsangel]

I have gone and the one I went to was great. There were lotsw of caters there so I got to taste a variety of foods. I was introduced to the chocolate fountain, which is fun to taste but something I would never buy.

They had lots of specials like Mens Warehouse for example had a deal on tuxes for 49.99 for the entire party.

There were raffles and prize giveaways. The one I went to the people won and were given their prizes on spot. I won a $50 gift certificate to a novelty store and I got a free gift so I could host a lingerie party. I had a really good time. The fashion show was on point. I met alot of the local retailers.

I would say its really worth while.

[Nichole]

I forgot to leave my Bridal Show tip of the day...


If you plan on registering for everything...


Print off some address labels with all your info, so that you dont get a cramp from writing your name and number and address 300 times :)

Just a lil tip!

[lilboopieGN]

I forgot to leave my Bridal Show tip of the day...


If you plan on registering for everything...


Print off some address labels with all your info, so that you dont get a cramp from writing your name and number and address 300 times :)

Just a lil tip!

:fosho:

TIP #2

Take someone with you so that they can carry all the stuff your gonna get.. trust me after awhile those bags get heavy people are constantly stuffing flyers and brochures in your bag or handing them to you so make sure you take FH or a strong BM to carry that stuff because it will get heavy and wear comfortable shoes...

[MrssomuchMoore]

:wavey:

Hey Ladies...

A few of the Chicago CBers are going to a bridal show... and I am excited :hyper:

My MOH is going with me...I'm looking forward to it. I came in here with a question..but I started reading the whole thread and forgot it :headscrat

:leave:

[September7bride]

Wear comfortable shoes, go with people who really want to be there (SUGGESTION, OTHER CBs), bring pre-printed address labels so you don't spend all your time writing all that mess down, bring a real bag because those plastic bags ain't saying nothing after you start picking up information, taste everything, especially the cakes and whatever you do grab a couple of those expensive :censored: wedding magazines because on the news stands you'll be giving up a kidney.

I love bridal shows! OH AND BRING A CAMERA!

[MrssomuchMoore]

And that was my question... do they allow you to take pictures...


Well I am going to bring my camera anyways..

THanks MOE! :hug99: :hey1:

[rejah2209]

:bump: for the newbies!