A bridal show is a huge event that invites dozens of vendors all involved in the business of weddings to demonstrate their goods and their services as well as helping wedding planners, brides and grooms to book those services for a specified date in the future. Because a bridal show can be as large, many are hosted as local events bringing in local vendors specifically.
The following are some key tips to help you learn how to run a bridal show. It should be noted that for any one individual or wedding planner or event coordinator who has never handled one of these events – they should work with someone who has or spend time discussing how to coordinate this type of event.
Coordinating a Bridal Show
The first thing to remember when planning to coordinate a bridal show is to get a list of all the local bridal shows planned for your area. You may want to attend one or several to get a feel for what those shows have to offer. You may take time to meet vendors featured at those shows and discuss what their schedules are or their interest level is in being invited to another bridal show.
- Set Three Potential Bridal Show Dates
- Check for a Local Venue such as a Mall or Other where the event might be hosted
- Discuss costs of the event with the venue
- Establish a Bridal Show Date
- Negotiate a contract with the establishment
- Make a list of vendors from travel agents to florists to photographers to wedding dress shops
- Send invitations to the various vendors including questionnaires and charges for the vendors to book a table or area at your event
- Work with a decorator and each vendor on their presentation at the show, check with the vendors that they have open availability in the future for having their services booked
- Plan seminars and/or other events to intersperse with the show
Scratching the Surface
These plans just scratch the surface of running a bridal show. While a bridal show can be immensely rewarding for the majority of the guests looking for ideas, plans and more – it also requires a great deal of coordination to launch the event. Be sure to investigate local shows, visit several and talk to the event planners running them.
There is no replacement for practical experience when it comes to running a bridal show.
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