Bridal Show Survival Guide

Bridal Party Photos at the Stables by Kurt Nielsen Photography

Bridal Show Survival Guide
The Best Wedding Photographers in Toledo Ohio
Congratulations on your engagement!!!

 

If you are just starting to plan your wedding, or if you are still trying to find the perfect wedding specialists to complete your list, you are probably considering attending a bridal show.  If you have never attended one before, it can be quite overwhelming.  Arguably, it’s even overwhelming to the participants who are there to help you.  But it is also the perfect place to meet and talk with, albeit sometimes only briefly, those wedding professionals who can help you on your wedding day.
Bridal Show Survival Tips by Award Winning Wedding Photographer Kurt Nielsen Photography

Here are a few tips to assist in your bridal show survival.
wedding invitations photographed by Kurt Nielsen Photography
1.  Pre-Register.  Almost all of the bridal shows now allow you to pre-register for the event.  This will save you lots of time from standing in line.  In addition, many also allow you to purchase your tickets online as well.  Of course, purchasing them online will save you even more time.

stone oak country club wedding photographer
2.  Show Up Early.  Bridal shows are very busy and chaotic.  Arriving early means you will be able to get to speak with the wedding professionals before most of the rest of the brides.  This is especially important when your wedding date is the same date that many other brides also want.  Remember that when booking a wedding professional, it is usually a first-come, first-served basis, so if you know you want to book a particular wedding professional, the sooner you do that the better your chances will be of getting your wedding dream team.

detail shots at wedding ceremony
3.  Print Address Labels.  Almost all of the wedding specialists will have some sort of drawing.  Print address labels prior to attending to save time.  Be sure to include your name, email address, phone number and wedding date.  Not only does this save time, but will spare your hand from cramping!

Church Wedding Photographer in Toledo
4.  Know your budget.  Knowing your budget will save you the embarrassment of hiring someone you will not be able to afford and then have to cancel their services.  Keep in mind that most deposits are non refundable to protect the vendor.  Therefore, it’s better for you to spend that money on things that are necessary and that you can afford.  Don’t waste it on the fluff no one will remember.

Toledo Photo Booth
5.  Bring your checkbook!  If you are serious about planning your wedding, you will want to bring your checkbook.  Many wedding professionals do not accept credit card payments.  Therefore, it is wise to bring your checkbook.  This will ensure you get the wedding specialists that you want from the show.

save the date fall engagement photo
6.  Have your calendar available.  If you wish to sit down and meet with your favorite wedding specialists before booking them, you should know when you are available.  Chances are that they have their calendars with them and can schedule an appointment at the show.

Bridal Party Photos at the Stables by Kurt Nielsen Photography
7.  Bring your posse.  Have your mom, your maid of honor, your bridesmaids, and your fiancee come with you.  Bring whoever will be helping you plan your wedding.   (Just be careful not to bring too many people so you don’t get overwhelmed or confused.)  They can help you decide on things and also help carry the massive amounts of literature that you will receive from the show vendors and also help you fill out the drawing entry forms.

candid photos from a real Toledo wedding by Kurt Nielsen Photography
8.  Take notes, pictures and collect as much information as you can.  There will be a lot of things running through your brain and this will help you keep track of what you like.  Accordingly, there will also be a lot of photo booths that you can try out, so be camera ready!

wedding cake cutting gone horribly wrong
9.  Eat before you go.  No one likes it when you are hangry.  There will be small, almost bite-sized, food samples at the show.  But, they are just samples and not enough to fill you up.  It’s a good idea to eat lunch before the show to help keep your mind focused.

champagne toast in back of limo as captured by Kurt Nielsen Photography
11.  Bring something to drink.  You will be talking to a lot of people and your mouth will get very dry.  For that reason, you should bring something that will quench your thirst and keep you going.

red converse wedding shoes with artificial rose and baseball roses bouquet
12.  Wear comfortable shoes!  Your entire bridal show survival could depend on your feet comfort level!  You will be doing a lot of walking and standing.  There will not be any seating areas provided in the venue.  Therefore, it’s important to wear something comfortable and supportive.

fun halloween photo of bride and groom being chased by blow up frankenstein
13.  Don’t get pressured into booking at the show!  There will be many eager brides ready to find the one perfect wedding professional for their special day.  And there will also be many eager wedding professionals ready to fill their calendars with weddings.  Don’t let their overzealous antics force you into a contract that you aren’t ready to sign.

bride being pushed on a tree swing by the flower girls
14.  Have fun!  Don’t forget to have fun at the bridal show!  After all, this is what you have dreamed of and worked for your whole life.

sun's out, guns out bridal pose at real perrysburg weddingIf you have recently become engaged and are looking for a wedding photographer and/or photo booth, I will be at the Sounds of Music DJs Superbowl of All Bridal Shows on Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. I will be located at The Premier on Heatherdowns.  Don’t forget to stop by and say hi and check out my photography and my photo booth! Here is a map of the layout and where I will be.
Toledo Wedding Photographer Kurt Nielsen Photography will be at The Premier for the Sounds of Music DJs Superbowl of All Bridal Shows
Use these tips to get the most out of the bridal expo! Happy planning!
Toledo Wedding and Engagement Photographer - Kurt Nielsen Photography

For more information about Kurt Nielsen Wedding Photography, including pricing, please visit my website at  www.kurtnphoto.com.

To check for availability and schedule your FREE Wedding consultation, please call:

Kurt Nielsen Photography
5431 Schultz Drive
Sylvania, OH 43560
419 885 7153

Feel free to make comments below and/or share this blog post.  Help spread the word and pin this image to your Pinterest board!

Intimate Toledo Club Wedding – Beth and Tom

Toledo Club Red Room

Intimate Toledo Club Wedding

Beth and Tom

Toledo Club Wedding in the Corinthian RoomBeth and Tom chose the old world charm of  The Toledo Club for their intimate May wedding.  The beautiful wedding ceremony was performed in the Corinthian Room on the fourth floor of the Toledo Club.  The acanthus leaf carved motif ceiling molding and the ornate slender columns provided a beautiful setting with a Greek feel.  Afterward, the reception was held in the Red Room where the oak paneling and robust red carpet affirmed this room’s luxurious Italian Renaissance Revival Style.  Moreover, the soft glow of the handcrafted crystal chandelier added warmth to the already elegant room.
Wedding photography in the Red Room at the Toledo Club 

Breaking with Tradition

There is nothing traditional about Beth and Tom’s wedding. First, they started the day together. Of course, this included helping each other get ready for the wedding.
helping your bride to get ready breaking from tradition on your wedding day zipping up the wedding dress back of the wedding dress white wedding bouquet white hydrangea wedding bouquet getting ready wedding photos wedding photography while bride is getting ready who helps the groom put on his boutonniere white rose boutonniere straightening the groom's tie wedding rings diamond and platinum wedding rings wedding rings and bridal bouquet white hydrangea and green ivy bridal bouquet wedding photography in downtown toledo wedding photographers close to me cuff links for the groom don't forget about the groomOnce the couple was ready, we strolled around the Toledo Club using their stunning and spacious rooms for the backdrops for Tom and Beth’s romantic wedding photos.
wedding photos on the staircase second marriage wedding photographer Toledo Club Corinthian Room Weddings Toledo Club Corinthian Room white wedding cake with icing roses Toledo Club Red Room The Lobby of the Toledo Club The Toledo Club Entrance The Toledo Club Balcony main lobby at the Toledo Club Wedding photographer downtown Toledo Toledo Club Wedding Photographer Toledo Club art wedding photography at the Toledo Club wedding photography for second marriageOnce the guests began to arrive for the wedding, we started taking family photos.
bride's children with the bride and groom the bride and groom with the groom's son and daughters bride and her parents the groom and his mother adult daughter as flower girl the bride's family the groom's family the bride and groom with the bride's familyAnother way the couple went against tradition was by having the bride’s adult daughter be the flower girl. In addition, the groom was the one who walked his bride down the aisle!
flute and violin wedding ceremony music adult flower girl groom walking his bride down the aile wedding ceremony in the Corinthian Room at the Toledo Club groom's wedding vows bride's wedding vows the wedding kiss at the altar wedding ceremonies at the Toledo Club

After the Wedding Ceremony

While the bride and groom were greeting their guests in the receiving line, champagne was served to the guests.
Champagne glasses for toast wedding toast romantic wedding photos wedding receiving line wedding officiantThe marriage certificate and license are signed after the ceremony. The bride’s daughter and the groom’s daughter served as witnesses to the marriage ceremony.  Therefore they signed the license and certificate of marriage.
singing the marriage license marriage license signing white roses and white hydrangeas white wedding flowersDinner was served in the Red Room while the bride and groom mingled with their guests.  Afterward, the bride and groom cut the wedding cake.
Events at the Toledo Club cutting the wedding cake white frosting roses wedding cakeCongratulations to Beth and Tom. Thank you for allowing me to capture your beautiful wedding.
elevator wedding photographyFor more information about Kurt Nielsen Wedding Photography, including pricing, please visit my website at www.kurtnphoto.com.

To contact Kurt to schedule your FREE Wedding Consultation, please call the studio at:

Kurt Nielsen Photography
5431 Schultz Drive
Sylvania, OH 43560
419 885 7153

Feel free to make comments below and/or share this blog post on your favorite social media site. Also, pin your favorite images to your Pinterest board!

Read what other brides are saying about me on The Knot
and Wedding Wire!