For the first time in my life I decided to attend a wedding show,
but little did I know what would be in store for me. I asked my fiancé to join
me because I always admired his opinion and would love for him to be a part of
the wedding planning. After stuck in traffic for over an hour on the highway
going eastbound to Toronto we finally made it there. Turns out we parked on the
wrong side of the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. Than the anticipation kicks
in and realization that we only have two hours to see everything and not to
mention we have no idea how to get to the other building.
Eventually we managed to find our way to the wedding show and
register our names in order to receive a badge. The purpose of this badge is so
vendors can scan them in order to get emails or sign up for contests however
the sad part was that 20% of the actual vendors scan your badge. Not to mention
that many did not seem enthusiastic to be there which I think is very
unfortunate that they have these people representing their businesses.
There were only a handful of people that I met who seemed to be
sincere and not pushy to book now and get a deal. I honestly believe we
should have made giant signs or hats so I didn't have to repeat myself over and
over again about: When are you getting married? Are you the bride? How many people
are you having at the Wedding? Each person will ask the same question and will
give you that "Oh congratulations!" with a fake smile plastered on
their faces.
It never seems to amaze me on the sales pitch that they give you
when your standing looking at their stuff. I had 15 different photography
vendors try to sell me their "glass photo album with high quality
paper" and that "it’s different from everyone else and is the best
choice." Really? There is another booth across from you with the same book
on their table! Like you can literally see it, and there is nothing different
between the other 15 that I have seen in the past hour.
I honestly think the ideal search is sitting on my laptop in the
comfort of my own home, and searching stuff online is more efficient than
looking at these overpriced vendors who say they are giving you a deal. When in
reality they're boosting the prices up for the event and than telling you they
are giving you a discount. It is incredible how prices will change as soon as you
tell them it is for a wedding.
My word of advice if you are attending a wedding show is to create
shirts with your wedding information on them "Newly Engaged"
"Wedding Day June 16/2015" "Yes, that’s right. I am the
bride." Or even a better idea, the Wedding Show could make printed shirts
instead of those pointless badges that no one uses. We all know the only reason
why they collect your information is to give it to third parties for marketing
and advertising purposes.
Why not print out shirts for everyone and pay a fraction of the
price that it costs to rent out those fancy touch screen machines and printers.
They could even create excitement by offering a variety of colours. They know
we are going to keep them and they can brand their logo all over it for free
advertisement implementing that we attended to the bridal show.
My second advice to you will be to go to Michael’s Craft Store or
any retailer that may offer this service and create a custom stamp with your
personal information such as name, address, email and etc. It will literally be
the best thing you have ever done and can bring it along for other wedding shows.
No more filling out ballots and wasting time on them when you
could be looking at other vendors. I promise you that you will thank me later.
After the fifth ballot your hand starts to cramp and you will be carrying so
much stuff by that time that you're juggling everything. Let’s be honest who
doesn't like free things or the opportunity of being that lucky bride who wins
her dream wedding!
And lastly, you should create a new email account before going to
any bridal show. This will prevent getting bombarded by hundreds of emails and
to avoid your emails getting mixed up. I recommend having fun with it and
incorporating your names or wedding date in it. It is much more manageable and
you wont get woken up in the morning with notifications on your phone.
Personally I think I will stay away from wedding shows for now and
may or may not return to them in the future. I hope to ask friends who have
been recently married in the past couple years and get their advice on their
personal experiences about their wedding. Being in my twenties is definitely
has its advantages since everyone you know is getting married and the best part
is newly married woman are always so happy to help.
Elizabeth - Bride to be
