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Navigating the gauntlet of all things wedding-related can be overwhelming. Our resident wedding expert, Rebecca Miller (a newlywed herself, pictured on the far left), has the 411 on how to work a bridal show, and not let it work you. If you’re planning a wedding in Newport or Bristol County, be sure to reach out to her for everything you need to plan your big day (rebeccam@gonewport.com), and visit YourNewportWedding.com to connect with a variety of local wedding vendors sure to make your day one to remember.
It’s that special time of year again…engagement season! Did you know almost 40% of engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day? That means there are a whole new crop of brides-to-be showing off their bling. New engagements means packs of eager brides setting their sights on area bridal shows. My two favorites: The Southern New England Bridal Show at the RI Convention Center on Sunday, January 8th and the Newport Wedding Magazine Bridal Show at Rosecliff & OceanCliff on Saturday, February 18th!
Attending a bridal show can be overwhelming—tons of vendors, prizes and brides with their entourages. Here are my top tips for having your cake and eating it too, while attending a bridal show:
Do your homework! Really understand your needs. Are you starting from scratch or are you in the final stages of planning and need to secure solid vendors? Pick up as much material that interests you and set aside time once you return home to review.
Let your senses guide you. Touch, taste, smell and see your vision come to life. You can find inspiration in a beautiful flower or interesting textured linen. If you are unsure of how you want the overall feel of your big day to be, take inspiration in the little things around you and let that be the start of your palette. If a pop of color catches your eye at a pretty booth at the show let this color be the start of your vision!
Bring your camera (or smart phone) to take a lot of photographs! Snap shots of beautiful invitations, cakes even gowns that you do not want to forget about.
Make it easy on yourself Bring self-adhesive labels from home to stick on paperwork for vendors. This saves you a lot of time waiting in line and filling out paperwork at the show. Consider adding your email to the label as well.
Simplify your life. Create an email account specifically for your wedding. Have vendors send information to that account and it will be easier to sort through and organize.
Have Fun! Enjoy the day and soak up the experience as a bride! Sip champagne and savor a delicious piece of wedding cake—it is research after all!
Photo by Kate Whitney Lucey