Most vendors will have some special drawing for gifts and prizes. Having these labels available will save you time and effort. Include your full name, address, phone number, wedding date and email address. Imagine writing all that information down 30-50 times.

When filling out forms, make sure to print VERY clearly. You’d hate to miss out on a door prize because they can’t read your handwriting!

Create a temporary wedding e-mail address: It’s free and can be deleted after your wedding date. Obviously you will receive solicitation after the show. This is a good thing. Quality vendors reaching out to provide specific wedding information and tips along with any special offers they might have will be helpful. You’ll receive the most information immediately after the show and it will slow down dramatically thereafter. If you’re not interested in their information, just unsubscribe or let them know.

Although direct mail and telephone solicitation is relatively rare, we don’t recommend providing your work telephone number. By providing your number, you are giving permission for vendors at the show to contact you even if you are on the national do not call list. All you have to say is no thanks. That said, brides can receive some great offers for free makeovers or a weekend vacation.

Providing phone numbers to individual vendors is usually fairly safe since these vendors seldom use their contact information for anything other than a legitimate follow up.

Yes, your fiancé should come along especially if it’s just the two of you. Decisions could be made on the spot and he/she will have a good time! If you choose, you can bring a couple friends or even a whole entourage. If it’s a large group, make sure everyone has cell numbers. Some of these shows are really large!

Depending on the size and length of the show along with the type of vendor you’re talking with, it might be appropriate to schedule an appointment at another time for a more in-depth conversation. Usually any show “specials” will also apply if a date and time is made for a follow-up discussion.

There are times when you might want to book something right at the show such as limited availability and your date is still open. Or, you might have already met with a vendor prior to the show and are ready to make the commitment. Otherwise, a personal appointment when you can talk one on one, making sure you’re comfortable with him/her and they can fully meet your needs, is a better option.

Many vendors offer on the spot “Discounts and Show Special” which may require a small deposit. But if you don’t have the opportunity to talk with them in depth, how do you know they are right for you? Vendors really should offer you their show price for at least 24 or 48 hours.

Most shows offer a Fashion Show. If this is your main focus, then we recommend you arrive early so you can secure good seating. Larger shows may offer more than one Fashion Show time. If that’s the case, the second show is usually less attended and easier to obtain seating.

During the fashion show, the crowds at the booths are greatly diminished and it can be a much easier time to move around and talk to vendors.

There are usually larger prizes given by the wedding show producers along with smaller prizes by individual vendors. At smaller shows, you might have to be present to win. That’s usually not the case for larger shows.

Wear comfortable shoes. The odds are you’ll be on your feet for quite a while. You don’t want to leave until you’re ready, and not because your feet are too tired. Pressing onward when you’re feet hurt just isn’t any fun.

Avoid bringing small children to the show, if possible. While you might not have a choice or it may be tempting to bring your flower girl along to see the neat wedding stuff, they are sure to tire more quickly then you.