Get the Most out of Your Wedding Tradeshow Experience!

By Stephanie Miller

1.WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES

From boutique bridal shows to large wedding convention expos, you will be on your feet for most of the time and generally covering a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy.

2.TAKE A BACKPACK FOR ALL FLYERS AND INFORMATION YOU GET FROM THE VENDERS.  

A backpack will much easier than any other bag because it will not break and it will not get in way and it will be lighter than any other bag.

3.CREATE A WEDDING EMAIL ADDRESS
A wedding email address will help you keep all your wedding planning information together in one account.

4.   GROOMS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
Most of these names contain the word “bride” and none say “Groom.”  For that reason, many grooms feel that it is not an event for them, but indeed it is.  The groom can help the bride make decisions about wedding services such as invitations and flowers as well as check out "manly" wedding services such as tuxedos, DJs, honeymoon destinations and photography.

5. BRING LABELS
Most exhibiting companies have enter to win contests or show specials at their booths.  By having pre-printed labels with your name, wedding date and contact info you can enter quickly.  Printed labels also help you to provide your information to companies that you are interested in.

 6.   TAKE NOTES AND PICTURES
Bridal shows can be overwhelming, especially when you are just starting out.  You want to remember who you spoke with and whose services impressed you even if you are not ready to book right away.  Most exhibitors are happy for you to take photos of their service, but it is always nice to ask. Remember, if your notes or photos aren't clear, you can always follow up with the bridal show company to ask about their exhibitors.  The more information you have, the easier it is to put you in contact with that company

  7.  ENTER TO WIN!
Wedding professionals provide real prizes which are generally geared around weddings (perfect for you) so definitely enter to win!  At bridal shows the saying is "few will enter, many will win!"
  
8. KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Have a budget in mind as well as the types of services that you are looking for.  Be prepared, however, to see ideas, services and wedding day inspirations that you had not thought of (the wedding industry is an ever-creative bunch always coming up with something exciting and new).  Take the time to check out these services to see if they would be something to incorporate in your special day.

9.FOLLOW UP WITH COMPANIES YOU LIKE
Wedding professionals at bridal shows are actively out there exhibiting their service and style to personally meet brides and ultimately book weddings.  They are confident in their customer service and product so rather than just relying on a website or stylized photos, they are there to speak with brides in person. They want to help you achieve your dream wedding by providing a quality service.  Because of this, their calendars book up quickly, so if you speak with someone that you are interested in, be sure to follow up with them after the show to schedule an appointment for more information or to secure your date.

10.  CHECK THE EVENT YOU WANT TO ATTEND
Not all bridal shows are created equal so take the time to research where the show is being held Check out the bridal show producer's website, videos and social networking sites to see photos from past events. Feel free to email or call the company producing the show to ask questions.  Experienced bridal show producers value the brides attending their events, and are happy to speak with you.

Wedding Dance Tip: Smile and the World Smiles With You

by Deborah Joy Block, Certified Event Planner and Social Protocol Consultant

The idea of performing publicly can be intimidating. Whether or not you have taken the time to take dance lessons, your first dance is the first thing you will do as a couple. The First Dance is the primary intimate moment during the reception. Try not to think about the fact that everyone is watching you. Surrender to wedded bliss as you gaze lovingly at one another, smile and think about the honeymoon!

Sometimes, when we are on display we may feel nervous or judged, therefore, pretend the two of you are alone and whisper sweet nothings, kiss or say you love each other. Not only will you enjoy the dance more, but you will also transport your guests into a lulled reverie as they watch a fairytale unfold! After the initial adrenaline rush and nerves wear off, you will probably be so blissfully happy during your wedding dance that you might even be giggling or laughing. The downside to laughing is that our natural tendency is to hunch our shoulders and bend our back forward. To maintain a firm frame and keep your toes safe keep your chin up when laughing. When laughing the bride should remember to keep her shoulder blades squeezed together and press outward away from her partner. The groom must keep his shoulders rolled back and down in their sockets.

Capture the Moment You'll Treasure Forever: Wedding Photography

By Deborah Block, Certified Event Planner and Social Protocol Consultant

Weddings are one of the most significant moments in a person’s life – it’s a time when two people decide to make a commitment or change into to next phase of life with one another. You’ll want to capture the moment that you’ll treasure and in the years to come as you and your significant other spend the rest or your lives together.

Here are our top tricks and tips of the trade to keep in mind when working your wedding photographer for fantastic memories to be remembered!

• Posture—you’d be surprised how the smallest things make a huge difference in big picture and in this case, your wedding photos. Here are some things to keep in mind.
• Always keep your head up and slightly outward (looking down your nose)
• Turn your body 45 degrees from the camera
• Keep your back straight and shoulders rolled back into your sockets
• Chest elevated
• Stomach tucked in
• Weight over your toes
• Knees soft
• Don’t let the weather get you down! There is just so much one can control in a wedding, but weather isn’t one of them. Yet never fear, your special day may not be sunshine and butterflies but gray or misty days allow for color to pop out in photos! They add a dramatic look for fantastic photos.
• Be sure to know and meet your photographer – after all, he or she will be with you the whole time during the special day and you’ll want to know that he or she understands what kind of pictures you want.
• The shooting list – be sure to have an idea of what kind of images you want taken during the celebration and go through it with your photographer. It would be best to go to the locations of where pictures will be taken so that the photographer can have an idea of the best angles and such.
• The best photos are usually unplanned! Relax, show your emotions and have a great time!