How to survive a bridal show!

With the fall months quickly approaching, it is time to start gearing up for engagements and for us here at Charlotte’s Weddings to prep for our first bridal shows of the season! For those recently engaged, or soon-to-be, bridal shows are the perfect first stop in your planning process. Here are some tips so that you and your guests feel prepared to maximize attending a bridal show!

Be ready to pay

Most bridal shows are not free, as the vendors pay the company putting on the show for their booth space, and so some of the cost of the show falls upon the engaged couple’s shoulders. Most shows though are no more than $20/person, and often have discounted pricing if you purchase your tickets early, online, etc. Charlotte’s Brides also can sign up to attend the bridal shows as our guests, free of charge! Call or email the store today if you did not sign up in person at the shop to attend upcoming bridal shows for free!

Have a set wedding date

You and your fiance should determine a date for your wedding before heading to a bridal show. This is important as the vendors will ask what your date is, and will love to help book their services for you at the show! Most couples will save big if they book their wedding needs through vendors at bridal shows. Expect gown discounts and other specials from Charlotte’s by visiting our booth!

Supplies to bring

Bring your wallet, valid ID, cell phone (mostly for taking photos of the fashion shows and ideas), as well as water bottles and light snacks! Check with the bridal show site to verify their rules on bringing water bottles and food beforehand. Most vendors will have a sign-up sheet, or some kind of giveaway drawing to enter. Throughout my years attending the shows, the best supply I have seen brides come with are address labels pre-printed with the bride’s name, wedding date, email address, and phone number. You can hand out one sheet of these pre-printed labels to your guests coming with you to the show, so that you can be entered for as many giveaways and discounts as possible! Check out these cute address labels to order from Shutterfly

Get there early and stay for the fashion show

Arriving early is good practice in Portland, mostly due to parking. We highly recommend planning out public transit, where available, as that can also get you a discount on entrance to most of the bridal shows! There tends to be decent parking at most bridal shows, but the wait can be long if you get there right before opening. Most bridal shows also feature a fashion show, featuring the latest trends in bridal and groom fashion! It is worth staying for the fashion show, as vendors will often showcase bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers, ring bears, junior bridesmaids, and flower girls. All the models will have hair and makeup done by vendors in the Portland metro area, as well as feature florals by local florists! You can then visit those vendors’ booths after the fashion show to see their work in person and get booked for their services.

Come ready to taste and have fun!

It wouldn’t be a bridal show without catering vendors! And you can be sure they will have a variety of food and drink samples available for our brides and grooms to test. Make sure to let vendors know as you go around if you have any food allergies and/or strict diet, as the last thing you want is to get an upset stomach while at the show. Attending bridal shows is a fun way to celebrate being engaged while also getting some wedding planning done!

Make sure to follow Charlotte’s on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the bridal shows we will be attending! You never know, you may just win something big! Happy Wedding Planning!~Jennifer

Check out Charlotte’s review of the Madison James Fall 2018 collection–>