Wedding shows are one of the best ways to speed up the wedding planning process. Whether you just got engaged or you are deep in the planning weeds, we have a few tips to make the most out of any wedding show.
1.Make a game plan
Creating a strategy is the best way to maximize your time and avoid getting swept away with the crowd.
The biggest question you need to ask yourself is:
“What stage am I in the planning process?”
Am I …
Just starting = your primary objective is information gathering. You don’t need to do as much research in advance because you’re looking for ideas not decisions. Make sure to talk with a LOT of vendors and avoid spending all your time with vendors from one category (e.g. only talking with photographers).
In the thick of it = your primary objective is narrowing down options. Research the vendors in advance and spend the majority of your time talking with vendors in categories you haven’t chosen yet, but also keep your eyes peeled for creative ideas you hadn’t considered.
Nearly done = your primary objective is making decisions. We recommend doing a LOT of research beforehand so you know exactly which vendors to target. Wedding shows are the perfect way to see if you resonate with someone on a personal level and if they are a good fit for your wedding. Focus intently on finishing your remaining items then explore and look for options you hadn’t thought of yet.
2.Bring the right tools
Having the appropriate tools in your toolbox can make the entire wedding show experience EXPONENTIALLY EASIER and turn you into a lean, mean, decision-making machine.
Here’s what we would recommend
A tote bag = most wedding shows will provide you with a bag of some sort, but not all. Also, sometimes they’re small and can’t carry all of the cards, flyers, and freebies you’ll pick up along the way. Get something with a little heft that you can carry throughout the day.
Contact stickers = vendors need a way to get in touch with you and a lot of them will do some sort of giveaway for providing your contact information. By creating a small sticker that has your name, fiance’s name, phone number, email, and wedding date you will skip the writer’s cramp and speed up the process.
Walking shoes = whether it’s for the show or just so you have something to change into afterward, your feet will thank you for giving them reprieve from the heels or dress shoes you’ve forced them into.
3.Ask good questions
Many vendors have been in the industry a long time and have a wealth of information at their disposal. By asking the right questions, you can maximize your output from the wedding show.
Here are some of the best questions to ask...
Is there a [insert vendor type] you would recommend I talk with?
The wedding industry is highly relational and vendors refer other vendors who they have enjoyed working with and who make their life easier. You can determine high quality vendors by asking this question to multiple people and see if their answers overlap.
Do you have any promotion for booking within the next few days?
Vendors are looking to fill up their calendars quickly and, many times, will offer special deals for people at the wedding show (even if it’s not advertised). If you really like a vendor and know you’ll book them, don’t sit on it for a week - make the decision quickly and save yourself some money.
What are the biggest things I should be looking for in a [insert vendor type]?
For videography, we constantly tell people “find someone who can tell the story of your day”. For other vendors, I’m sure they would say something completely different, but by evaluating their response to this question you can have a more discerning eye when looking at other vendors in that category.
Here are some questions to avoid...
How much do you charge?
Typically vendors either have their prices listed on their website or can easily send it to you. Don’t waste your time trying to have them explain their pricing structure in the middle of a crowded space, rather determine whether you like the quality of their work and save the price conversation for a later time.
Do you have my date available?
This is another tactical question that requires the vendor to open their calendar and/or email to see whether they have any bookings or active requests. Also, they may get booked by the end of the wedding show and the question will have been a waste of your time.
How long have you been doing this?
Time is not an indicator of skill and all experience is not equal. Instead, ask for a sample of their work or ask if they have experience with your particular type of wedding. If the quality of work and price point is what you want, their tenure is irrelevant.
In conclusion …
Wedding shows are a fantastic way to shortcut the planning process and these tips are designed to help you get the most out of them.
At Married Livestream, we consider it a blessing to be a part of your wedding and want to be a blessing in return. If you have questions about videography, live streaming, or the planning process in general, send us an email at connect@marriedlivestream.com
We would love to hear about your special day and learn how we can help!
