He finally got the courage to ask you the big question, and before you knew it, you were in full bridal planner mode. Congratulations, you’re a new bride. Now let’s start planning your big day; starting with a bridal show boot camp.
One of the first things that you might want to do is to register for bridal shows in your area, where you can get a lot of information in one place in a very short time. There’s so much to budget, so much to organize, so much to do and a bridal show can save you a ton of time and work. But before you rush into your first one, you need to prepare. Here’s our Bridal Show Boot Camp, a guide to help you conquer the first step in planning your wedding.
Bridal Show Boot Camp: The Basics
Search
Bridal shows go by many different names. You find them called bridal shows, bridal showcases, bridal fairs, wedding shows, bridal expos, faux weddings, charity bridal events, even a bridal week. These events can be held at malls, tourist venues, expo centers, historic mansions, country clubs, hotels, ballrooms, restaurants, sometimes bed & breakfasts or catered tents. Major bridal shows typically are held in the fall and spring, with a sprinkling in the winter months. And, you will find them up and down the Great State of New Jersey.
Preregister
Most shows require for brides to register ahead of time online. Some are free, while others require payment. Preregistration also will enter you for giveaways, door prizes, honeymoon contests, gift cards, and such.
Research
Examine the show’s list of vendors you’ll want to visit. Are there certain speakers you’ll want to see, or workshops to attend? You’ll see DJs or musicians in action. You can view the location’s wedding decor as you enjoy gourmet bites, wedding cake samples, and perhaps a glass of the bubbly. Area florists often feature gorgeous displays. Major bridal salons will stage a runway with the latest trends, complete with fashions for every member of the bridal party. Some events even feature mini trunk shows, revealing exclusive bridal fashions.
Pamper:
The night before the show, get a good night’s sleep. If you plan on having a hairstyle trial session, skip the hair washing. Enjoy a nice breakfast before heading out for the day—you will definitely need your energy. Most of all, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You never know if you will be called on to join a dance party.
Pack:
You’ll need to bring a few things to the bridal show. One must for the bride is preprinted address labels. These will save time as you visit vendors. You will be able to apply your label to any forms that the vendors will want you to fill out. Another must is creating a separate email address just for bridal shows. A reporter notepad, pocket calendar, and pen also will be handy. You most likely will get a bag at the bridal event for your stash, but an extra tote bag never hurts. Bring your camera along to take photos of things that you like at the show. Last but not least, bring a credit card or checkbook for shopping, as well as your itemized wedding budget.
Etiquette:
You’ll need to call upon your good manners when others do not. Patience will come into play when standing in line to talk with vendors. You’ll need your politeness when other brides get pushy. Also be prepared for a crowd that can get quite hectic at times. You have heard of the term bridezilla, correct?
Mentor:
Bring a close friend, or your mom, a person whose advice you value, along with you. There’s not much time for bonding with the girls, and fiancés tend to get bored. Keep in mind that flower girls, ring bearers, and young children will not have the attention span to stay for the entire event.
Endure:
To get the most out of a bridal show, it’s important to stay til the end. This will give you the true experience. Besides, if you leave too early, you’ll miss the announcement of the winners and special surprises.
NJ Bridal Show Producers
We’ve collected a sampling of the heavy hitters that host bridal events in New Jersey. Be sure to check out their websites for event specifics. If there’s a certain company that we did not feature, please feel free to drop us an email. Happy planning!
American Bridal Show Company : Over the years, more than 150,000 brides have attended one of these New Jersey shows. Catering samples, live DJs, and a laundry list of vendors are among the norm. The bridal events are known for their exclusive Hawaiian honeymoon giveaways. Get more information.
American Consumer Shows: This bridal expo giant holds massive bridal shows in five states, including the two-day New Jersey Bridal & Wedding Expo held in January at the Meadowlands Expo Center. There are several suites of vendors, live music and dance demos, and fashion shows. Brides can win dance or personal training lessons, cash prizes, $5000.00 in exhibitor credit, even their own photo booth. Get more information.
Bouche Productions: South Jersey bridal shows are part of this company’s upscale schedule. The wedding events include guest speakers, food tastings, as well as on-site hair trials and makeovers. Brides leave these events with a plethora of helpful information, and if they are lucky, thousands of dollars in door prizes. Get more information.
More Wedding Tips
Bridal Expo & Trade Show: Wedding expert Bridal Billy is behind the planning of these New Jersey bridal expos and wedding planning shows. Brides can be pampered at these events with a red carpet greeting, chances to be on TV, catered tastings, a fashion show, even Cinnabon. Guests have the chance to enter to win over $10,000.00 in prizes. Get more information.
Elegant Bridal Productions: This bridal industry veteran has been hosting shows statewide for years. Elegant Bridal is known for their Broadway style bridal fashion shows, performances of live bands and disc jockeys, and jam packed bridal bags. At every show, brides have the chance to win a honeymoon, tickets to a Broadway show, even their own bachelorette party. Get more information.
Plan It Expo: They offer a variety of fun events for the girls. They host a Girls Night Out for the ladies with food, fashion, and pampering. They have wedding and wellness expos. Then there are the traditional bridal expos at various venues, including Say I Do in Atlantic City at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. The early winter show will have honeymoon vacation giveaways, interesting musical segments, free gourmet bites, discounts, and multiple fashion shows. Get more information.
Final Ideas
Rock the Aisle Bridal: This company features upbeat bridal shows with quirky titles like Luscious in Love, A Love Story, or Countdowns & Touchdowns. They have interactive wedding events in both the fall and spring. You can shop with wedding professionals, enter for major prizes and giveaways, see a fashion show, and get a private venue tour. A big perk for the bride is their infamous overstuffed swag bag. Get more information.
Weddingsetgo: Their one-stop-shop events have lots of energy, yet retain elegance. The company makes each show a little bit different. You might find a fashion show or perhaps a choreographed first dance. You may be at a country club or an upscale hotel. Brides are in love with the amazing exotic honeymoon contests offered. Get more information.
Sources:
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Andrey Arkusha / Dollar Photo Club
First Body Image: © BRAD / Dollar Photo Club
Second Body Image: © hreniuca / Dollar Photo Club
Third Body Image: © Maria Sbytova / Dollar Photo Club
