Preparing for the Bridal Extravaganza!

It's almost time for the Austin Bridal Extravaganza!  Mark your calendars now for this must attend event for anybody planning a wedding! 
June 14th
Palmer Event Center
Noon to 5:00 pm

For anyone who has been to a bridal show you know how overwhelming it can be!  And for anyone who hasn't...you've been warned!  LOL!   However, this show is full of information and resources!  It offers not only a one stop shop for brides, but allows brides to compare vendors side by side.  Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of the Bridal Extravaganza!

1. Prioritize your vendors.  Make a list of what vendors you still need and rank them by importance.  If you have a venue, you don't need to stop and chat with the venues.  If you still need a photographer and invitations you want to rank your photographer above the invitations because most photographers can only take one wedding at a time and will book up quicker.
2. Research your top 3 vendors.  On the bridal extravaganza's webpage is a list of attending vendors.  Visit the webpages of your top 3 needs.  So, let's say you need a florist, cake, and photographer.  See who will be at the show and check them out.  Look at their site.  Do you like the feel of the site and the quality of the product?  Are their prices in line with your budget?  Check out their reviews.  Make a list of the one's you like and maybe jot down a few notes. 
   
3. Spend the most time with your top needed vendors.  As far as navigating the show, I recommend starting at one end and working your way down.  Skip the booth if you have already booked that vendor.  No use in wasting your time, or theirs if you don't need their services.  If you pass a vendor that you don't have yet, but aren't actively looking for at this time, stop and chat briefly.  Gather some information from them, but don't stay too long in their booth.  Make a little note on their brochure if you really like them.  When you approach one of your top 3 vendors take your time with them.  Get to know them, ask some questions, sample or view their product.  If you like them put a star or other distinguishing mark on their brochure.  Jot down notes.  Some brides even have a "yes" bag and a "no" bag to make sorting easier for them.   
   
4. Be prepared to make decisions. If you found a vendor that you really like, book them!  Some vendors will offer discounts or other incentives for brides who book at the show, so be prepared with a check or credit card.  If you really like them, but want to consult with them first bring your calendar and set up a meeting for the week following the show.  Things will move very quickly for vendors once the show ends.  Consultation times will book up fast, as will available wedding dates.  If you already have them booked or a consultation on their calendar you are less likely to be disappointed if they are booked when you contact them at a later date.
5. Relax and then sort through your stuff. When you leave you will be overwhelmed and exhausted.  Go out to dinner with your family/friends and sip on a margarita.  In the next day or two go over all your brochures.  Sort them by vendor and then go through them.  If you liked them, keep their brochure.  If you didn't, toss it.  Then organize your brochures by importance and contact your top 3 for a meeting if you haven't already.  Once you meet with your top 3 make a selection or move onto the next 3 if you weren't sure any of them are a good fit for you.  Once you select that vendor move to the next category.