{"id":2308,"date":"2012-01-01T11:00:42","date_gmt":"2012-01-01T16:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=2308"},"modified":"2017-01-25T21:18:25","modified_gmt":"2017-01-26T02:18:25","slug":"toledo-bridal-show-tips-by-kurt-nielsen-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/toledo-bridal-show-tips-by-kurt-nielsen-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Toledo Bridal Show Tips by Kurt Nielsen Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Wedding<\/a>
\nDid he put a ring on it this holiday season?\u00a0 Now is the time when most couples become engaged and start planning their dream weddings.\u00a0 Thus, January begins the Bridal Show season.
\n\"\"<\/a>
\nOnce again this year, I will be at the Sounds of Music Superbowl of Bridal Shows<\/a>.\u00a0 This show is a 2 day event at The Stranahan Theatre Great Hall and Premier Banquet Complex<\/a> (Formerly Gladieux Meadows).\u00a0 This is Toledo’s biggest bridal show of the year.\u00a0 It already has over 100 vendors signed up to be part of this year’s show.\u00a0 Hundreds of brides will be in attendance ready to book their wedding vendors.\u00a0 The bridal show is on January 7th and 8th, 2012 from 1pm-5pm.\u00a0 You can purchase tickets in advance from any Anderson’s store for $8.\u00a0 Tickets will also be available at the door for $10.\u00a0 Pre-registration isn’t a requirement, but makes it much easier and quicker for you to get started with your wedding planning.\u00a0 You can pre-register on the Sounds of Music DJs<\/a> website.\u00a0 There will also be transportation to shuttle you between both venues and your tickets are good for both days.
\n\"Toledo<\/a>
\nIf you have never attended a bridal show, it can be very overwhelming.\u00a0 Here are some tips to get you through (in no particular order):<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Bring your mom, fiancee, mother, soon to be mother-in-law, maid of honor, bridesmaids, or anyone else that is helping you plan your wedding.\u00a0 This way, they can also see who you talked with and can better help you plan when it comes time to make those important decisions.<\/p>\n

2. Go early.\u00a0 By going early, you will get there before most of the other brides to be.\u00a0 Plus, this will give you longer to look around and talk with the vendors.\u00a0 Since this is a two day event, you can even come back to the vendors to talk again on the second day to answer any questions that may have arisen after speaking with other vendors.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Visit with as many vendors that you can.\u00a0 Even if you already have a vendor for something, visiting with their colleagues can give you more ideas for your wedding planning.\u00a0 By visiting all of the different kind of vendors and taking the informational packets or fliers that they have can give you a more realistic sense of what to expect as to their services and prices.\u00a0 This in turn will help you better with the budgeting for your wedding expenses and the types of services you want and can afford.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Make up self adhesive address labels.\u00a0 Most of the vendors will have give-aways or contests that require you to fill out an entry form.\u00a0 By having this pre-made, it will save you time and your hand won’t cramp up!\u00a0 Make sure you include your name, address, phone number, email address and wedding date on these labels.\u00a0\u00a0 When you are at the bridal show, you can just stick these labels on the entry forms.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Bring a camera and notebook.\u00a0 You can take pictures of the vendors you speak with, decorating ideas or items displayed at their booths.\u00a0 A notebook will help keep you organized and you can write down any questions or comments you have about the vendors or what they offer.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 If you have a phone that has a camera on it, make sure you download the bar code scanner or QR code app.\u00a0 Many of the vendors will be using this technology for their bridal show specials, including me!\u00a0 Having it already on your phone or ipad will save you time.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Bring your checkbook or credit cards.\u00a0 Many vendors, including me, will have special discounts for booking that day, so it is best to be prepared.\u00a0 There are thousands of weddings in and around Toledo every year, and most vendors book quite a few brides from these bridal shows.\u00a0 In order for you to get who you want for your wedding day, and to save money, it’s a good idea to book them early.\u00a0 Booking at a bridal show like this one, will do both.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0 Bring your calendar!\u00a0 If you can’t book at the show, or want to check out everything before you commit, it is a good idea to at least schedule a wedding consultation with the vendors of your choice.\u00a0 This will at least hold your date until the consultation (for most vendors).\u00a0 However, you may not be eligible for the bridal show discount if you don’t actually book at the show.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0 Know your wedding budget.\u00a0 It is a good idea to have some sense of what you can afford to spend on the biggest ticket items in your wedding budget.\u00a0 This includes (but isn’t necessarily limited to) your Reception Venue\/Caterer, Photographer, DJ or band, Videographer, Planner, Florist, Dress and Cake.\u00a0 Prioritizing what is most important to you is also a good idea.\u00a0 Always remember, for any vendor, do not go by price alone.\u00a0 Quality of their work and their customer service is also very important and should be a factor in your decision.<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0 Wear comfortable shoes!\u00a0 There is a lot of standing and walking involved in attending a bridal show.\u00a0 There usually isn’t much room for sitting down and relaxing.<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0 Eat something before you go!\u00a0 Yes there will be samples from some of the cake vendors and catering companies.\u00a0 But that is all it is, samples.\u00a0 Don’t expect to have an entire meal.\u00a0 It is also a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you to keep you hydrated.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0 As I previously stated, there will be hundreds of brides searching for their wedding vendors just like you.\u00a0 As much as I would like to, I cannot do a complete wedding consultation with each and every one that comes to my booth.\u00a0 I will, however, answer any question you may have as best as I can given the situation.\u00a0 That is why it is important for you to be prepared.\u00a0 Have any questions for your vendors written down so you can ask them at the show.\u00a0 Research their websites, read their reviews and ask your friends about their experiences before going to the show.\u00a0 By being prepared, it gives you the advantage of knowing what you are really looking to gain from going to the bridal show.\u00a0 If you want to spend longer time talking than the show will allow, you can always set an appointment to meet with me or any of the other vendors.<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0 Don’t be pressured into booking someone that day.\u00a0 Yes, if you book you will get the discount they are offering.\u00a0 However, if you are unsure at all, or want to comparison shop before booking, be sure to go with your gut instincts.\u00a0 You can always come back at the end of the day to the vendor(s) you really like.<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0 Be prepared to carry a lot of things.\u00a0 It’s probably a good idea to bring a tote bag with you.\u00a0 The show may provide you with one, but it may not be big enough to carry everything you receive from all of the vendors.\u00a0 Having a second bag (that a friend can carry) to put all of the vendor information from the vendors you are really interested in can save you time when sorting through all of the information you received at the show!<\/p>\n

15.\u00a0 Avoid bringing small children, especially those with strollers.\u00a0 With as many people that will be attending and the numerous vendor booths, small children can easily get split up from you and the strollers will prove hard to navigate through the aisles.\u00a0 It will also be a long day for you and if they become cranky, you may not get to see as much of the show as you were hoping to see.<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0 The first question you should ask each vendor is “are you available on [insert your wedding date here]?”\u00a0 This way, if they are not available on your date, you can move on to the next vendor and save you the time to spend with those that are available.\u00a0 However, be sure to take their handouts in case they have a cancellation.<\/p>\n

17.\u00a0 Have fun!\u00a0 Planning your wedding is one of the most special events you get to enjoy so be sure to do just that!\u00a0 Enjoy the day!
\n\"Toledo<\/a>
\nAfter the bridal show, make sure you go through all of the information as quickly as possible.\u00a0 That way the information stays in your mind for the vendors you spoke with.\u00a0 If you don’t book your vendors at the show, set up appointments with the ones you really liked as soon as you can.\u00a0 Keep in mind, you are not the only one getting married and the hundreds of other brides will be doing the same.\u00a0 The ones that were available when you spoke with them may no longer be available.\u00a0 Booking a consultation with them will allow you more time to see their work and ask more questions.<\/p>\n

Also be prepared for the vendors that were at the bridal shows to contact you with some sort of follow up.\u00a0 Bridal shows usually give their vendors a list of all of those in attendance.\u00a0 Some vendors send follow up information and some do not.\u00a0 The same is true if you sign up for information on the many wedding websites.\u00a0 It is a good idea to prepare yourself for information overload for your wedding planning!
\n\"Engagement<\/a>
\nFor a sneak peek at my bridal show discount, visit my special bridal show page<\/a> on my website!\u00a0 Good luck and Happy Planning!\u00a0 Make sure you stop by my booth at the Premier Banquet Complex and say hi!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Did he put a ring on it this holiday season?\u00a0 Now is the time when most couples become engaged and start planning their dream weddings.\u00a0 Thus, January begins the Bridal Show season. Once again this year, I will be at the Sounds of Music Superbowl of Bridal Shows.\u00a0 This show is a 2 day event … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Toledo Bridal Show Tips by Kurt Nielsen Photography”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,6,17],"tags":[69,113,125,267],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2308"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2308"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2308\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4631,"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2308\/revisions\/4631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kurtnphoto.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}