13.1.13

What Brides Should Know About Bridal Shows From A Vendor

By Robert Hawkins


I grew up going to bridal shows and loved every one of them. I started going before I was one and have kept going to these shows every years since. Now, almost 30 years later I still visit several shows a year and have many great relationships with vendors everywhere including a few Toronto DJ companies.

The month of January and the second half of September through to the first week of October are the prime times of the year for bridals shows. Many couples get engage during the Christmas holidays so, designers want to get their dresses out there while the blush of the new engagement is still on before the inevitable spring weddings. Many couples also get engaged during the the spring and summer and plan weddings near the beginning of the next year. So, the fall bridal shows accommodate those couples.

To start off, there are two main seasons for bridal shows: the month of January - for what are known as the Spring Bridal Shows, and mid-September to the first week of October - for what are known as the Fall Bridal Shows. Sometimes an occasional show will take place at another time. The reason for the timing of the January shows is simple: More couples get engaged during the Christmas Holiday Season than at any other time of year, so that the shows actually fight with each other to get the prime spot of being the first show in the season. The Fall Season shows are a catch-all for couples who become engaged during the spring and summer, or are planning an early wedding in the following year.

There are regional and area bridal shows and each offers the bride-to-be different options. A regional show will have more vendors and a wider variety of choices that could include professionals for the reception, such as a live band or Toronto DJ. An area show will have displays by those vendors within the immediate area of the show. For example, an area show that is held on the outskirts of a metropolitan area that brings together those vendors within a short driving distance of the show.

Area bridal shows tend to be much smaller and are held more frequently throughout the year and will showcase the businesses that are within a smaller local area. These are usually beneficial for those looking to save some money on their wedding and build relationships with local vendors and wanting a personal touch.

First of all, an area bridal show is more common than a regional bridal show, as these shows focus on vendors located in or near a certain town or within a certain distance from where the bridal show is taking place. These shows usually take place in a banquet hall, or at a golf course. The cost to attend such shows can range from zero to about $6.00. I recommend that couples visit at least one of these shows to see what vendors are located in the neighborhood of your reception. Vendors at such shows are likely to be familiar with your venue; also, they are unlikely to charge traveling fees.

An important aspect for you to understand it that at all of these shows you will be asked to fill out a registration card. The information you fill out will be shared and looked at by all the vendors. Wedding services are very personal and it's a competitive industry and the vendors want to make sure they can provide you with special service.

Regional Shows

Keep in mind though, that regional shows are held only a few times a year at best. However, you will have the opportunity to search through hundreds of vendors and wade among the thousands of others doing the same. The larger shows will include vendors such as Toronto DJ companies and photographers.

You should expect to pay between $15.00 and $25.00 per person for admission for the usually three-day show (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday).

Keep in mind too, that when a vendor offers a free trial that free is not always free. Often times you will have to buy something or give them a trial run before they follow through on their offer of a free gift or service.




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