Ok, so lets start this blog by clartifying that “we are fully aware” that some people and companies are going to be upset with us after reading this. The reason we are putting this out there today is two fold: (1) – We have received over 20 phone calls asking if we were going to be at the upcoming show, and (2) – there is a heavy misconception about what Bridal Shows really are all about. It is for these reasons that we want to set the record straight.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

• Bridal Shows are where all the top vendors are able to solicit what they do.

THIS COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. There is no selection process at any Bridal Show that we are aware of, to determine the competency, skill, education or value of any vendor. A vendor is allowed into the show based on whether they can pay for the booth space.

• Bridal Shows are where a bride and groom can get the best deal (cost wise) from a variety of vendors.

FALSE, FALSE, FALSE. Please remember that each of these vendors have to pay a fee (usually $500 – $1000) for a booth at these shows. Anyone can see that these vendors have to have some way to make this expense back.

• Bridal Shows are a convenient way to see a variety of vendors together in one place. It gives the bride and groom the time and ability to ask questions, see packages and hear different sales pitches from all of them.

TRUE. If this is important to the bride and groom, this would be convenient for this purpose.

• Bridal Shows are where the bride and groom can be assured of a personal relationship with each vendor, one on one.

FALSE. Some might think this, however the vendors who do these bridal shows usually book their entire next year during these shows. Does anyone actually think that any vendor is going to remember what a bride looks like after 6 months to a year? They do not. They show up on the day and look for the white dress.

• Ok – - – So what are these Bridal Shows good for?

We believe that you should NOT book any vendor “at a bridal show.” Go and see what they all have to offer and then make an appointment to go and see them at “their facility” after the show. And do not fall for the pressure of “You had better book your day because we already have several other people interested in the day right now.” If this is true and you loose that vendor, IT WAS MEANT TO BE. To make your special day comfortable and trouble free for all, any and all of the vendors need to be relaxed, stress free and working like clock work. That now said . . .  please remember that most, if not all of the “best” vendors book WAY in advance. I your date is in a “commonly desired” time frame, BOOK IT AS SOON AS YOU CAN. Not only can this save you money, you don’t have to have the stress of not being able to find what you need.

If anyone would like to know who our company thinks are the best vendors in any category, feel free to make an appointment and come and see us. We have worked with almost all vendors and can easily let you know who you can be pleased with before hiring. And always ask for references from EVERY vendor. Be smart enough to ask those references if they know of any other people who used that vendor’s services and call them too. There are many vendors who do not follow through with what the original agreement was. Get it in writing and check them out.

We sincerely hope this helps some of you who are just beginning in planning your “most important day” for the rest of your life.

So here’s the bottom line:

Our company has never and will never attend any Bridal Show as a vendor. Since we have very few openings in 2009 and already have bookings into 2012, this would not be a wise marketing move for our company anyway. To get the best vendor in any category takes work. Many vendors, including our company books over 100 events a year. Do you want yours to be a “one of a kind,” or do you want to be just like all the others who book their entire wedding at the Bridal Show?

Haley