Why should brides-to-be attend bridal shows

Featured Vendor: Weddings To Be

An interview with the owner of Weddings To Be

Wedding shows are an excellent opportunity for soon-to-be newlyweds to meet a variety of local vendors, receive quality advice, and do comparative shopping all in one day. Moreover, bridal shows are exciting and loads of fun to attend. These are a few reasons brides-to-be should attend bridal shows and wedding expos.

Valarie Murray, the owner of Weddings To Be, shares her thoughts about why soon-to-wed couples should attend bridal shows. She also advises how to get the most out of attending local bridal shows.

After 20-plus years with Brides To Be Bridal Shows, Murray started her own business after the surviving spouse and owner of the company passed away, resulting in the business closing after many years of service. With years of experience and a list of clients with whom she had built a relationship, she started Weddings To Be in the winter of 2019.

Murray has valuable insight that can be helpful to guests who plan to attend bridal shows.  

Let’s begin by first learning a little about the Weddings To Be bridal show and how it is unique compared to other local shows.

“We do smaller venues. I feel when you are in a smaller venue with fewer people and less congestion, you get more one-on-one interaction with the vendors. You are able to actually talk to them instead of them throwing you their information and stuffing it in a bag when you walk by. You can actually have a conversation with them. A lot of times, they book right on the spot. Not all the time, but it does happen,” stated Murray.

Her show features traditional vendors typically found at a bridal show, but she also has other non-traditional-type businesses that have had great success participating in her shows.

She shared, “I have a couple of home improvement companies that do excellent! Real estate is another one. A lot of young couples are looking to buy a home.”  

What type of vendors should brides expect to see at bridal shows?

All types of businesses find value in having a display at wedding shows. When asked what type of vendors are at Weddings To Be shows, Murray elaborated, “Everything from hand-made jewelry to florists, DJs, photographers, and different kinds of things. We’ve had broach bouquets, photobooths, and anything new and trending.”

Some of the most common vendors found at local bridal shows include:

• Venues
• Caterers
• Bakeries
• Bridal Shops
• Florists
• Photographers
• Videographers
• DJs
• Transportation Companies
• Tuxedo Shops
• Wedding Planners
• Wearable and Decorative Accessory Providers
• Honeymoon Travel Agents
  

Many bridal show vendors offer special deals or discounts for guests to take advantage of during the show. In addition, shows like Weddings To Be help couples see all the various styles of weddings that can be arranged within their budget. 

Tips for brides to make the most out of attending a bridal show.

Murray stated, “I would definitely bring some address labels because there are a lot of in-house drawings that the vendors themself do own their own. It gets repetitive writing your stuff over and over. A lot of girls like to make a label with the wedding date, phone number, and email address. All you have to do is take it and stick it on the form.”

She also has these words of advice for those who might be interested in booking during the show.

“If they are interested in booking that day, they might want to bring a checkbook or a card to hold a deposit. Bring their point man, the one who is going to help them approve Everything, like your mom, sister, or maid of honor.”

Because Weddings To Be, has many smaller businesses, there is an excellent chance that brides can talk directly to the business owners who are likely working the exhibit booth. This is a perfect opportunity to have any questions answered on the spot.

“Sometimes we have vendors who travel down from up north, and some have even come from Ohio to do the shows. A lot of times, they’ll have cake samples to try from the bakery. Also, the photo booth always lets people take photos, shared Murray.

One crowd favorite and show highlight is the bridal fashion show. Weddings To Be fashion shows feature the latest fashion for the bride and mother of the bride, as well as styles for special occasions and casual honeymoon outfits. Additionally, they have a grand prize drawing at every show and other exciting gift giveaways and incentives for the first attendees. 

So, who should come to the show? 

In addition to the bride or groom, the next person who would be ideal to accompany them is the person who is helping coordinate the wedding. At Weddings To Be Shows, children are permitted into the show, and those under 16 years old get in free when accompanied by an adult.

Who shouldn’t attend the show? According to Murray, leaving behind those who may have strong opposing opinions is a good idea.

“I feel that it’s the bride’s day. At the end of the day, no one else’s opinion should matter except for the bride. It’s her special day. It should be what she wants to have. It shouldn’t matter what mom, your best friend, sister, or anybody else has to say about it. If you love a dress, get that dress! No one else has to wear it but you,” stated Murray.

Show Hours

Weddings To Be bridal shows span a three-hour window, from noon to 3:00 p.m. It is not necessary to stay for the entire show to have a rewarding experience; however, many attendees make a day of it.

Murray stated, “A lot of times they come at noon and like to stay to the end. They have food there that they can purchase and eat. People really like the ambiance of the whole show, and they will stay for the whole thing. You can arrive late, but you do have to be present for the door prize drawing at the end of the show.”

Mistakes brides make

Don’t fall into the trap of making mistakes that brides can easily avoid. When Murray was asked what common mistakes she has seen, she stated, “Brides bringing the wrong person with them to the show. I’ve actually seen a few meltdowns. Just keep that person at home! Also, not bringing the address labels…writer’s cramp all day,” Murray chuckled as she answered. 

She continued, “Also, brides that leave before the show is over. Do you know how many grand prizes we have pulled and the bride has left? Awe, it gets your heart.”

Some grand prizes offered during past shows included bridal gowns, honeymoon giveaways, tuxedo packages, wedding band sets, DJ packages, and others. It’s a good idea to ask when the drawings will take place to avoid missing out on prize drawings.

Next show(s)

Wedding To Be Bridal is now accepting vendors for its upcoming shows on October 23, 2022, and in 2023 shows. In addition to the intimate setting, their shows are reasonably priced, according to Murray. The participating vendors are typically small to medium-sized businesses in the Metro Detroit area. 

Finally, look at the bridal show schedule and reserve your ticket early for those interested in attending an upcoming show. Purchasing your ticket online may be less expensive than waiting to buy it at the door. 

Before attending the bridal show, prepare a list of questions that you might have for the vendors. Then, on the day of the show, be sure to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. Also, make sure to dress comfortably. Nothing is more annoying than wearing uncomfortable shoes and clothing as you visit vendor booths. Finally, it’s a smart idea to bring a tote to carry purchased items and collect vendor promotional literature. 

When you plan in advance, you will be able to have a great time at your upcoming bridal show!