The engagement ring is on your finger and the moment of euphoria has faded. Now, an unending march of plans are rolling through your head as you are struck by a flutter of panic. You need flowers, dresses, a DJ, a photographer, rentals and the list goes on and on.
A bridal fair can be your one stop shop for all things wedding related. Everyone will be there from rental companies, florists, caterers, bakers, photographers, entertainers and more. You’ll be surrounded by yards of fabrics, tantalizing foods and cakes, aromatic flowers and dazzling jewelry and dresses. But in the crowd of companies jostling for your attention, you can feel lost in the hustle and bustle. To keep you sane and in charge, here are some tips on navigating a Bridal Wedding Fair.
1. Pre-register For The Event
At a bridal fair, you will come across brides of all sorts. There will be those who seem to have every detail imagined and every plan in place. Or there will be those who aren’t ready to start planning yet, and just want to check out their options. No matter what end of the spectrum you fall in, but one thing you can do is pre-register for the event. This helps save you time at check-in, and most fairs offer a discount for registering early. You even might get a special incentive for pre-registering, like a tote or other prize.
2. Make A List Of The Vendors You Want To Hit
The more prepared you are before the event, the more you will benefit. Draw up a checklist of services you know you will need to help streamline your efforts and keep you from getting overwhelmed and taking home things you don’t need. Here are some important vendors to consider:
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Wedding Rental Company
From chairs, an arch and a podium for the ceremony, to the tables, plates, utensils, cups and a dance floor for the reception, finding a perfect wedding rental company should be high on your priority list. It’s important to save the date and any objects you may need well in advance, otherwise you risk missing out. It can cost a small fortune to buy these items yourself, and then your left with 100 plates and glasses that end up being stored away. Finding a wedding rental company can help ease the stress of these important details.
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Photography
Finding the perfect photographer who has the equipment, vision and price range for your wedding can take a huge amount of stress off your shoulders. It’s important to book out your photographer in advance, especially if your wedding falls in the summer busy season.
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Florists
From centerpieces on the tables, to decorating the arch and to your bouquet itself, flowers are a beautiful and important part of any wedding. They can also be very expensive. Find a florist who will explain what flowers are in season for the time of year your wedding is in, and who can offer their floral arrangements at a fair price.
Popular vendors tend to book early. So if you walk by and see the perfect three-tiered wedding cake decorated exactly how you envisioned, find out if they are available to book for the day of your wedding and schedule an appointment.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
As you are meeting and greeting prospective vendors, make sure that they are answering any and all questions you have. Don’t let the next girl shove you out of the way, but get the attention of one of the people tending the booth. Make sure you get current contact information or begin discussing your specific needs to see if their service will be a fit. Glancing at the table and not seeing a style that matches your vision? Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor – they often can’t bring all of their samples to the fair.
4. Gather Up The Coupons And Special Discounts
Bridal fairs are a great way for vendors to share and advertise their business. Likewise it is a great way for prospective brides to get special discounts. They can be free aisle runners, free champagne glasses from a rental company, or a discount on photography packages or tuxedo rentals. Either way, if you end up booking with the vendor, you will be saving a few bucks.
5. Enjoy The Show
There is no other event like a bridal fair that puts you at the center of attention. Everyone is there to cater to your needs, from offering snacks and free samples, to enjoying great entertainment and fun activities. So sit back, relax and visit as many or as few booths as you like.
At the end of the day, once you feel sick of all the sweets and crowds, lug your bag of brochures, magazines, freebies and business cards back home. After the initial excitement of the event has passed, sit down with your partner or friend to sort through the collection and see which vendors made an impression. Follow up with the vendors you feel are a match and set an appointment to hash out the details.
Camelot Wedding Rental Company
Are you ready to book your big event with Camelot Party Rentals? Check out our inventory of items – including wedding chair rentals and tent rentals – and see how our staff can help you design the wedding you always envisioned!