BRIDAL SHOW SURVIVAL tips to get the most out of the day.

There's a lot of emotion tied to your wedding decisions and bridal shows can provide you with additional information to make the best choices in your wedding selections. Bridal shows can also be overwhelming because there are so many vendors to see in a few hours.  Here are some tips to help your bridal show experience to be more helpful and productive.

Make a list.
When you attend the show, you want to focus on the products and services you need the most. Making a list will help you stay focused. If you are just starting your wedding plans, then list the products and services that are most important to you.
Arrive early.
Come early so that you have more time to talk to the vendors. Most shows get overloaded with Brides-to-Be by the afternoon. Beat the crowd by starting early. Vendors will be more likely to give you more personal attention without a crowd hovering over their booth.
If you already have your gown...
Skip the fashion show if you have already purchased your gown and visit the vendor's booths during that period.  These vendors will be eager to talk with you since most everybody will be watching the fashion show. 
Take notes.
Prepare for information overload.  When you find a vendor you would like to follow up with, take a pen and write what struck you as appealing about them on their business card or literature.  When you get home and are faced with brochures from 14 different photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why. 
Sort as you go.
Here's a secret tip from the Pros at Dallas Wedding Planner™ especially if you're a newbie to the whole Bridal Show scene: Sort as you go. Put the offers you are genuinely interested in into one bag, and the pamphlets you took just to be polite into another bag. When you get home, you will not be so frustrated having to sort through all of the materials from the show.
Take your time with the vendors.
Take a few minutes to chat with each of the vendors in the categories you're working on. Evaluate their personalities. Don't rush to the next booth without asking yourself this quick question: Would you feel comfortable working with this person? Take in your first impression and then move on.
Don’t make decisions too fast.
Don’t jump at the first vendor who you see and write a check. Write the details of what you saw on the back of their business card or pamphlet so you can review it. Study your notes at home. You should compare prices and quality of service before committing to a service. Never sign up for or purchase anything the day of the show. Beware of vendors who will only offer show discounts on the day of the show only. If you don't have the opportunity to talk with them in depth, how do you know they are  right for you? A vendor who is not willing to let you think the decision over and compare other prices and services is not confident in his or her services and ultimately is not worth your business.
Consult with your Planner.
Talk to your wedding planner about the vendors you saw at the bridal show. Your planner can provide you with additional information and insight and perhaps first-hand knowledge about many local vendors.
Schedule appointments.
After meeting with your planner and establishing a reasonable budget, schedule appointments with the vendors who can accommodate your budget and you feel might be a good fit for you and your wedding.

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2010 CALENDAR of events in Dallas/Fort Worth

January 10, 2010
His & Hers Bridal Show
Cowboys Golf Club
1600 Fairway Dr.
Grapevine, TX
214.603.0807

January 10, 2010
Brides of Texas Bridal Show
Billy Bob's Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza
Fort Worth, TX
214.605.0819

January 23-24, 2010
Dallas Bridal Show
Dallas Market Hall
2200 Stemmons Fwy.
Dallas, TX
972.713.9920

Feburary 7, 2010
Great Bridal Expo
Fairmont Hotel
1717 North Akard Street
Dallas, TX
800.422.3976

February 20-21, 2009
Fort Worth Bridal Show
Amon Carter Exhibit Hall
3400 Burnett Tandy Dr.
Fort Worth, TX
972.713.9920

February 21, 2009
The Essentials
Frosted Pink Cake Design Studio
117 North Main St., Suite 200
Mansfield, TX 76063
817.422.2488

February 21 & 28, 2009
Crate&Barrel Wedding Parties
Knox St. & Alpha Rd. locations
Dallas, TX

March 6, 2010
Unveiled Wedding Event
Dallas Convention Center
650 S. Griffin Street
Dallas TX

March 14, 2010
Plano Bridal Show
Plano Centre
2000 East Spring Creek Pkwy.
Plano, TX
972.713.9920

April 9, 2010
Watters & Wtoo Trunk Show
Bliss Bridal Salon
833 Foch Street
Fort Worth, TX
972.713.9920

July 17-18, 2010
The Dallas Bridal Show
Dallas Market Hall
2200 Stemmons Fwy.
Dallas, TX
972.713.9920

September 12, 2010
Plano Bridal Show
Plano Centre
2000 East Spring Creek Pkwy.
Plano, TX
972.713.9920

These events are posted here for your convenience. Times and dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend you check with the host of each event to confirm. Dallas Wedding Planner is not responsible for inaccuracies. If you are hosting a bridal event, email info@dallasweddingplanner.com to let us know.