I just wanted to get some input from you guys as to what is the best marketing route for a bridal show.

I have never done a bridal show, so this will be my first. I have pretty much been against it up to this point, but this is a small intimate show that will really showcase only about 10-15 vendors. These are all people that I know pretty well, so it is really a great networking move for all of us.
I am just curious whether to take price lists, or if this is something that they should make an appointment to see.
Another question is whether or not if I should try to book a date at the event or if I should set up appointments instead. I figure that is really a no brainer, but I wasn't sure if I should push that way instead of meeting with them first. I always like to talk with my clients before accepting their wedding, so I would like to know how you have handled something like this if someone wants to book you on the spot.

Hi Mike!

When I was starting out I pretended to be a bride so I could experience these shows for myself....thinking as a "bride"....or experiencing it as a potential client.

I don't know if I'm much help...since I'm such a big fat drama queen when it comes to presentation and detail. Get a couple of plasma HDtv's going (like a 50 in. with an SD card slot...for your best images to play.). Have little goody bags for each registered bride. A sachet of hershey chocs...a gift certificate for a nice big print...candles...nice fufu frilly things for girls..

Will you be speaking for a bit about your company in front of them? I'd throw stuff out to the audience...like...mardi gras beads with coupons on it...something fun. Sorry...I"m just a bit crazy and wild when it comes to my business.

Let us know how it goes! And certainly let me know if you want to do the Mardi Gras beads thingy...I'll send you some beads for your audience.

K.

The bead idea sounds so awesome!

I don't know what all you have thought of, but one of the most important things is to get names at the actual show. I have had a pretty successful marketing campaign at these shows. I offer some sort of an incentive (not necessarily photography related) and get their names, emails, and wedding dates. Then, before the actual list from the show is distributed, I can contact the brides that I know at least stopped by my booth.

This last show, I did a drawing for a day at the spa!

Anyway, hope that helps in some way.

Oh, always try to set appointments, and if someone wants to book, great.

Good luck!

I am trying my best to think like a frilly fru-fru bride. hehehe...

The list of names is already taken care of for me. The "ringleader" has a bridal database that will give access to all the brides at this show as well as about 10 other shows around the state that he goes to each year.

Thanks for the ideas. We will not be having an official "time" to speak, so I am not so sure that I can pull off the beads though. Being a guy throwing out beads might look like I am wanting more than their "attention."

So do you guys bring your prices or is that something that you leave at home?

I'm about to enter into the same situation - first bridal show, so I have had the same questions. I went to a luncheon where a speaker talked about do's and don'ts at these things. She said don't put out every piece of literature that you have. If you are already giving them a card/postcard, and another printed piece of material, there is not need to give them the price list. Most people will either go to your website to find the prices after they have met you, or they will just ask you to your face, "what do you charge?" She also said that any givaways need to be reserved for brides who come into your booth and seriously talk to you as an incentive to get them to make an appointment/book, not just random passer bys.
don't know if that helps at all, but GOOD LUCK.