This past weekend was the Hamilton Halton Spring Bridal Show at the Hamilton Convention Centre (January 2010), where we showcased a booth of inspiration for couples. We had such a great time chatting with excited brides and grooms and even some moms who were their on behalf of their daughters. We got lots of great positive comments on the booth which was decked out in chartreuse green, aubergine aka eggplant purple, white and pink rose petals. Some of the elements of the booth contained our new coloured LED lighting, upgraded satin fabric for backdrop and table linens, white chiavari chairs, antique silver crystal candelabra, silver charger plates, large crystal tree branch arrangements, all available to our clients to rent.
I wanted to share with you the now what following a bridal show. Now that all that craziness is over and you have all of your bags of loot, what should you do now. Here are some tips based on my article "Bridal Show Aftermath".
So your feet may be aching a little still, your head spinning from all of those people wanting to sign you up for something, you know what those wedding dresses in the mags look like on a real womans body... so now what do you do?
1. Take a day off to recouperate.
2. Bring out all of your loot, sit down together and start to sift through the content.
3. Keep in mind your vision (what your dream wedding looks like), your budget and what
vendors or venues you are still looking to book.
4. Sort out and group into piles the following vendors/venues...DJ's, Planners, Venues, Photographers, Videographers, Florists, Confectioners, Decorators, Limo companies.... etc.
5. Did some stick out in your brain? Did you chat with some and liked what they had to say? Put them on top of the pile. Or do the opposite, ones that were a definate no, put on the bottom of the pile.
6. The first places you need to look to book are your wedding planner, your venues for ceremony, reception and your officiant. Those would be the ones you first go through, visit their websites and set up consultations. Then your photographer, videographer. Your florist, decorator, confectioner, limos, DJs/entertainers. Don't do it all in one day though. You'll stress yourself out.
7. Start with one category at a time. View their website & their work. Do you like their style, are they within your budget. Contact them, ask questions. If you like what they have to say, set up an appointment. Work in threes. More than that it may be hard to compare.
Gearing Up For The Next Bridal Show
1. Come prepared do your homework prior to the next show, visit the vendors sites and chose who you want to go and spend some of your time with then visit their booth and ask your questions.
2. Bottle of water & comfy shoes.
3. Never go alone, there's just too much to carry. Bring your groom (tell him its not all girly there is food, tuxes, DJ's, photographers/ videographers that you need help and you need help lifting all of your heavy bags). If he absolutely refuses then bring your mom, sisters, bridesmaids, friends etc.
4. Bring address lables with your name, address, phone number, e-mail on them verses getting hand cramps from all of those ballots.
5. Bring a "no" bag. If you're like me, and can't tell people I don't want your stuff. No worries. You can still be polite and accept their stuff, just have a bag that is your No bag. Throw it in there instead.
6. Get the admission coupon to save a few bucks at the door. e-mail one of the vendors you are interested in and ask them if there is a coupon to save money off admission to the show. Every little bit helps right?
I hope these tips were helpful for you. For FREE helpful wedding planning tips check out my FREE report "10 Haute Tips For The Sylish Bride" or sign up for my bi-weekly ezine at www.stephaniethompson.ca. I don't share, trade or sell your e-mail information and you may opt-out at any time you wish to no longer receive it. 
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