Bridal shows are very exciting. So much to see and do. All the lovely cakes, table linens, vendors can make it an overwhelming experience for both bride and wedding vendor. Yet, bridal shows are the traditional way to meet your clients. So, I thought I’d offer a thought or two about getting in the right mindset to make the best of your investment.
An emerging wedding planner asked me this: Attending my first bridal show- any advice?
Here’s what I said:
Hey, first congrats for making the move. Attending a bridal show can be daunting, but you’ve already done the hard part by committing to attend. Now, make it count!
Bridal shows can make you feel shy. Brides feel shy too. Take the initiative to connect. Make eye contact. Smile, even if you’re nervous, bored or worried. Ask questions about her instead of trying to tell her about you- that’s what everyone else is doing so you’ll stand out.
If you’re nervous, do what I do. Pretend this is your very own party and you must ensure everyone is happy. Vendors and brides alike. People forget what you did or said, but never how you make them feel!
Two most important things- One, get the brides contact info and FOLLOW UP. It’s appalling how few vendors actually contact the bride later. Crazy, huh. It’s like making a cake but not turning on the oven. Yes, there’s a chance of rejection. That’s life. Get over it. That no response puts you one step closer to a YES.
Two, make arrangements so you can go to the bathroom and have a break! I forgot to do that at a conference, and well, the pee-pee dance is not an attractive look. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
I know how competitive it can feel when you’re on the event floor. Just remember what you offer is unique because no one can ‘bite your style’, as the kids say. You have no competition for being you!
Because there’s a lot of great practical advice out there, here are some additional articles:
Of course, I’d love to hear what you, my dear readers, do to get killer results at your bridal shows. Spill- in the comments below!
