Concord, NH (Jan. 19, 2012) - With the enchantment of wedding planning season in full swing and bridal expos headed to New England, The BBB of New Hampshire has a few helpful tips for future brides and bridesmaids attending a show.
Whether you’re a bride who knows exactly what you are looking for, or you are attending to gather some ideas, a bridal fair can be a great way to see what is out there in the wedding industry. Bridal expos can be an excellent resource as long as a bride does her research and communicates with the vendors. Be sure to get the most out of your wedding expo by following these simple BBB tips.
Wedding details such as, dates, times, and budget are some of the most important specifics a bride should have figured out before attending a show. Having the date of your wedding reserved prior to attendance may help prevent heartbreak at a bridal expo. Without a date, you may fall in love with an exhibitor without being able to reserve them on the spot. If you do know the date of your wedding, try to ask whether the company is available that day before learning all they have to offer. If they are available for your special day, ask whether the promotional packages and pricing is available for attending the show.
If you do happen to get lucky with a great sale, be sure to get it in writing. Getting excited over a verbal agreement may be one of the biggest let-downs in the marketplace today. Without a sale agreement in writing, a company does not have to adhere to the verbal agreement promised to you. If you can’t get promises in writing, at the very least get the name of the person you spoke with, their business card, and an agreement to have a follow-up conversation regarding the sale and services.
The goal of a bridal expo vendor is to make connections, get exposure and attract the right brides for their services. However, it is crucial to know the company’s track record by taking the time to do follow up research on their reputation in the industry. Although a company may look glamorous from the outside, their sales practices may be less than stellar. Research companies prior to signing contracts or making payments. You can start your research by looking at the vendor’s BBB Business Review at, www.concord.bbb.org.
It may be worth it to create a new email address specifically for the bridal shows you attend. This allows the bride to keep in communication with the vendors regarding special offers and electronic newsletters received after attending the show. This can also help reduce high volumes of email in your personal inbox.
Lastly, BBB recommends taking someone to the expo that is not as emotionally and financially connected to the wedding planning as the bride. This individual may provide a different, yet helpful, perspective when talking with vendors and visiting booths.
Many people wait [what feels like] a lifetime for their special day. Finding the right vendors, the best sales, and a slew of ideas can take place at an expo. Taking those extra steps to be prepared for your bridal fair may take the woes out of wedding planning and give you a little more time to focus on the day you say, I do!
To find a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in the wedding industry, visit www.concord.bbb.org and click on the Accredited Business Directory.