Get the Most Out of a Bridal Fair
Filed under Bridal Fairs, Expert Advice, Planningby HCTG Senior Writer Jolene Rae Harrington
We know how it is. When the euphoria of the engagement begins to fade, you’re struck by a flutter of panic—“I need to plan the wedding!” Suddenly, the mountain of decisions that requires your personal attention seems as daunting as scaling Everest in your bathrobe and slippers. Relaaaaax. This is the fun part! Remember when you were a little girl, and it was your birthday? You wore a paper crown with lots of glitter, received the first piece of cake with a big pink rose on it, and everyone gave you presents? That’s what it’s like being a bride. And one place where you are definitely the guest of honor is at a bridal fair.
The 411 On Fairs
Bridal fairs are actually the most convenient way to learn about a myriad of event options, from a fashion-forward gown to a kitschy cake topper. Elisa Fisher, the producer of Modern Bridal, assures us that “It would take you months to meet with all the businesses we pack into one fair.” Pamela Noxon of San Diego Wedding Bridal Party agrees. “Savvy couples look to fairs to help them make educated decisions in a time-efficient manner.” Fairs also bring tangibility to shopping for services. “At a fair, you experience with all your senses what you miss online or in the printed word,” observes Elisa Fisher. “You’ll smell the flowerstaste the cakeslisten to the bandstry on the veils!” Once you’re face-to-face with the experts, you can ask them your most burning questions: Can my wedding cake be chocolate? (Absolutely.) Do you recommend Maui or Cancun for my October honeymoon? (Maui. It’s hurricane season in the Yucatan.) Does that bridesmaid’s dress come in puce? (Don’t go there.)
Where else but at a bridal fair can you preview ceremony and reception locations, peruse photographers’ portfolios, see and hear entertainers? As you walk past the exhibitors, you’ll be encouraged to sign up for gift registries (it’s never too soon to pick your china pattern!). Caterers will tempt you with the likes of grilled ahi pupus, champagne garnished with strawberries, and nibbles of buttercream-frosted cake (you can work it off in Pilates class). You’ll pick up splashy decor ideas, as well as a few freebies along the way. At Here Come The Brides, a popular Southern California expo, producer Micki Love even gives away a honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort. Yet the highlight of most wedding fairs is the fashion show: this is where you begin to envision your own unique aisle style.
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