12 Tips for Attending Chicago Bridal Shows

Tip #1

Don't go alone! Bring your bridal party, your fiance, and your mother! There's so much to see, feel, taste, smell... you'll need a second opinion. Plus, bridal fashion shows aren't just about the bride. There will be something for everyone from tuxedos and bridesmaids' gowns to mother-of-the-bride gowns at the best Chicago bridal shows. And a bridal fashion show can be the perfect opportunity for you to get an idea about what your bridesmaids like...and don't like!

Tip #2

The bridal fashion show is often the highlight of the Chicago bridal show. Arrive early enough to get a good seat or you may miss it all!

Tip #3

While the bridal fashion show may seem the most glamorous part of the event, the most important for you is meeting with Chicago wedding vendors. Ask questions! Start writing down questions far in advance of the event and, at the event, seek out the Chicago wedding professionals that can answer them. Don't be shy...taste cake, smell flowers, load up on brochures and pamphlets, enter contests and drawings, leave your name with everyone, which brings us to Tip #4....

Tip #4

Bridal events are an excellent source of information for you...and for vendors. Every time you give out your address, you're asking to be placed on a mailing list. Some vendors, and even some event organizers, sell their mailings lists, but don't let that deter you; we have a solution! Rent a post office box prior to attending the event so that you can receive all of the Chicago wedding vendor information you want, and then cancel it after your wedding vendors are booked, thus eliminating the junk mail blues. If you have a computer and printer at home, make your own address labels...you'll need them! Include your name, address (the p.o. box!) and wedding date, but not your phone number; you'll want to receive vendor information via snail mail, but not necessarily dozens of phone solicitations after the event. You should also consider creating a free online e-mail account so you can give vendors an e-mail address if you so choose; after your Chicago wedding vendors are booked, cancel the account or simply let it expire.

Tip #5

Bring a notebook, pen, and your list of questions with you...and use them! The best place to write notes about a particular wedding vendor is right on the literature they give you; after the show, when your brain is on information-overload, you'll be able to decipher your notes and recall vendor details. Bring your appointment book and calendar, but leave your checkbook at home! Some vendors offer special discounts or freebies for booking during the event (which usually requires signing contracts and leaving deposits), but the most reputable vendors will continue their "event special" for at least 24 hours after the show. Talk with as many vendors as you can and make appointments to meet with the ones in which you're interested. At a private meeting, you'll receive more personal attention, more information, and get a better sense of what a particular weddin gvendor can do for you. If you feel you must book a Chicago wedding vendor at the show, here are a few "rules of thumb:" 1) Always read the fine print and confirm refund policies before signing anything, 2) ask for references...and check them, 3) get recommendations - good and bad - from your family and friends before attending the event, and 4) remember that not every available Chicago wedding professional will be at your event; many of the top Chicago wedding vendors operate by "word of mouth" and don't attend bridal events.

Tip #6

Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Leave your heels in the closet and your coat in the car. Carry your money, keys, cell phone and ID in a fanny-pack and leave your purse on the kitchen counter. Grab a tote bag or your biggest handbag and make room for truck loads of brochures and pamphlets; many events will supply bags. Have your friend carry a bag as well; place the materials from Chicago wedding vendors you're truly interested in into your bag, and those you took just to be polite into hers! Bring bottled water and a few snacks so you don't spend most of your time in line at the concession stand.

Tip #7

Sit down with your fiance before attending the event and work out a preliminary budget. Our printer-friendly Interactive Wedding Budget Worksheet can help you focus on the various areas of wedding planning. When talking with Chicago wedding vendors, don't be afraid to let them know your budget guidelines; they'll be better able to offer you products and services that meet your criteria and you won't be wasting their time...or yours!

Tip #8

Drag your fiance...kicking and screaming if you have to...to at least one Chicago bridal show. You'll be hesitant to talk with some vendors and make appointments if you don't! The groom-2-be is traditionally responsible for securing the limo, making the honeymoon travel arrangements and selecting tuxedos, so there will be plenty for him to do. And he won't be alone; approximately 25% to 35% of bridal event attendees are men!

Tip #9

If offered a "Bride-2-Be" sticker when registering, wear it! Wedding vendors know that this is your event and are more likely to give you that little bit of extra attention. Plus, many wedding vendors have special prize drawings and registrations for Chicago brides and you will want to take part.

Tip #10

If you've already selected your wedding gown and/or maids' gowns, ask your retailer for swatches or ribbons from the material and bring them with you. Many Chicago wedding vendors, such as bakers, florists, and even limo companies will use your colors to make appropriate suggestions for your wedding.

Tip #11

If you've already selected your wedding gown, you should consider skipping the fashion show and using that time to talk with the vendors in which you're most interested. Since the majority of attendees will be eyeing the fashion show, vendors will have more free time and you'll have a quieter atmosphere in which to talk.

Tip #12

Chicago bridal shows and events, especially the large ones, can be congested, noisy and hectic, but don't let that ruin your day! Planning your wedding should be fun, so relax and enjoy!

Article by the Chicagoland Wedding Directory © 1998 - 2008. All rights reserved.