Attending a bridal show can be very helpful in planning your wedding. You will be able to meet and ask questions from many wedding professionals all under one roof! You will want to gather information, compare prices and services, register for prizes, see the latest fashions, get great new ideas and just have fun! Here are some bridal show tips that will help your day at the bridal show be more fruitful.

My wedding planning motto:  “Be Prepared!”

Just as bridal fairs help you prepare for your wedding, you should properly prepare for a fair. Like a good general drawing up plans before the battle, you’ll benefit from your own plan of attack: making a checklist of required services, accessories and design questions will streamline your efforts.

1.  Create a temporary e-mail address to be used while you are planning your wedding. That way you can delete it when you no longer are interested in receiving special offers or hearing from vendors. The amount of offers you will receive at first may seem overwhelming, but take the time to read them or you may miss out on some great deals.

2.  Bring adhesive address labels , if you have them, or print some up on your computer. This will save you a lot of time when you register for prizes at individual booths. Most exhibitors will want to know your wedding date, so add that to the label.

3. Bring a large bag, backpack, or even a carry-on with wheels to store all the brochures and free magazines you’ll be grabbing.

4.  Walk down every aisle and collect any information you are interested in and take it home to look over them again at your leisure. When you get home organize it by category and select the professionals you want to make appointments with.

5. Bring color swatches for those couples who have already selected their gown or wedding party attire to bring a color swatch along.

6.  Bring your credit card or some cash in case you want to book any services or hold a date. Some of your best discounts will be given at the show.

7. It’s a good idea to eat a small meal before setting out—it will keep you from wolfing down an excessive number of pieces of cake or dessert.

8. It’s most important thing to bring with you is a companion, someone to bounce ideas off of or keep you from making an impulsive decision you may later regret. I recommend attending one show with a friend or relative, and another with your fiance.

9.  Be prepared to spend at least 4 or 5 hours to include time to see a fashion show and visit with all the wedding professionals.

10.  Ask lots of questions, that’s what the vendors are there for. They want to help you and you are under no pressure to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.

Bonus!  Wear comfortable shoes and have fun! And eat cake!