Introduction: Embarking on your wedding planning journey? Attending a wedding show can be a game-changer, providing a plethora of inspiration and resources all under one roof. Nothing beats in person experience vs shopping online for wedding vendors.  In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to make the most of your time at a wedding show, ensuring you leave with valuable insights, connections, and perhaps a few swag goodies!

  1. Plan Ahead: Before stepping into the wedding wonderland, plan your visit. Research the exhibitors, check the event schedule, and prioritize your must-visit vendors. This way, you won’t miss out on meeting key professionals or attending informative sessions.
  2. Make it a fun day out: Call or DM your fave friends, mother in law, mother, sisters, of course your fiancé and make the show an enjoyable day out.  A wedding show does not need to be a task or a boring day shopping an expo.  Have fun, enjoy wine if it’s offered, eat, walk with water, you will only be an engaged bride or groom once so go ahead and shout it out.  Wear your tiara or veil, get him a crown and take lots of pics and videos you’ll look back on these memories soon and smile because we all know your wedding is over in a blink.
  3. Create a Checklist: Make a checklist of what you need for your wedding. Whether it’s a photographer, florist, or a unique venue, having a list will keep you focused and ensure you cover all your planning needs.
  4. Engage with Exhibitors: Don’t be shy! Engage with the exhibitors. Ask questions, seek advice, and take advantage of exclusive show specials. Many vendors offer discounts or special packages during wedding shows – a great way to save on your wedding budget.
  5. Attend Keynote Sessions and Panels: Most wedding shows feature keynote speakers and panel discussions with industry experts. Attend these sessions to gain valuable insights, trends, and tips from professionals who have mastered the art of weddings.
  6. Network, Network, Network: Wedding shows are not only about vendors but also about connecting with other engaged couples. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and perhaps even make new friends. Networking can be a goldmine for recommendations and advice.  A great place to network with other engaged couples is on the Peel Wedding Show social media pages.
  7. Capture the Moment: Bring a camera or use your smartphone to capture inspiring setups, ideas, and vendor contacts. Having visuals to refer back to will be immensely helpful when making decisions later in your planning process.
  8. Come prepared to get lucky and win contests: It’s all about organization, create Avery labels with your name, wedding date, email address, phone number and carry it so you can quickly enter contests.  You never know when your luck will strike.
  9. Participate in Contests and Giveaways: Keep an eye out for contests and giveaways. Many wedding shows host exciting competitions where you can win fantastic prizes, from honeymoon getaways to essential wedding services.  This is where your labels will come in handy.
  10. Follow Up After the Show: Don’t forget to follow up with the vendors you connected with. Send thank-you emails, revisit their portfolios, and discuss any potential collaborations. This follow-up ensures that the relationships you built at the wedding show flourish beyond the event and you can take advantage of the show specials offered.  Every dollar saved amounts to a bigger slush fund.

Conclusion: Attending a wedding show is not just about checking items off your wedding planning list; it’s an experience filled with inspiration, connections, and the joy of envisioning your special day. By following these tips, you’ll not only make the most of your time at the wedding show but also set the stage for a smooth and exciting wedding planning journey ahead. Cheers to making memories and turning your dream wedding into a reality!