Friday, December 19, 2008
I know that many of you will be heading out for the holidays starting this weekend, so before I lose your attention, I thought I discuss Nashville bridal shows - how to and which to attend.
7 Tips for Success at Nashville Bridal Shows:
1) Set a budget before you start shopping
2) Wear comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water to drink
3) Print 50 info labels that contain your first/last name, email, phone, mailing address - this will save you lots of time when you enter contests, give vendors your info
4) Plan ahead by bringing a shopping list of the vendors that you need and your estimated budget for the category
5) Bring a friend to keep you focused on your objectives - which vendors you need at which budget
6) Bring a camera to capture the ideas you like
7) Bookmark this page so you can easily refer to the tips and bridal show dates
Synopsis of upcoming Nashville-area bridal shows
So, it’s time for my bi-annual, unofficial “rate and round-up” on the upcoming Nashville bridal shows. I say unofficial because I doubt the show producers would endorse my take on their shows. But, because this is a bride’s guide, I strive to provide a bride’s perspective, which is helpful because there are SO many bridal shows.
Don’t get me wrong, having a lot of bridal shows is great because you get to see great ideas in person and have the opportunity to meet several dozens of vendors without driving all over time. BUT, there are so many that often it’s hard to determine which to attend.
So, I will try my best to give you the scoop on the shows based on the local vendor buzz plus my experience at their last show.
Oh - I also created a bridal show checklist for you. Just print a few copies and take them to easily track your faves. Download here.
Saturday, Jan 3 - Weddings, The Bridal Show (10a - 4p)
Where: Nashville Convention Center
Great for: All bride budgets; mothers and bridesmaids looking to make a day of bridal vendor shopping
What’s neat: This show is the largest show in the southeast, with rows and rows of vendors. I love this show because it attracts a diverse mix of established and “new” vendors who offer brides the hottest, out-of-the-box ideas and products. Plus, you get a free subscription to Modern Bride magazine with your admission.
Cost: $12 at door, $10 when you pre-register
Expect: Lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes! Show can be overwhelming. But, but for the organized and efficient bride, it offers every vendor you need. Be sure to have a game plan so you know what you’re seeking and stick to the plan.
Ashley’s favorite “fun plus fab finds” show.
Thursday, Jan 8 - Enchanted Brides (5p - 9pm)
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame
Great for: High-end brides seeking luxe bridal vendors
What’s neat: Red-carpet ambiance
Cost: $12 at door or $10 with pre-registration.
Sunday, Feb 15 - Perfect Wedding Guide (1p-5p)
Where: Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe and moderate options
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue
Cost: $10 at door
Expect: I anticipate the show will be similar to Enchanted Brides show but with vendors who cater to a larger range of budgets - from bargain to luxe.
Sunday, Jan 11 - Clarksville Brides Wedding and Event Showcase, (12-4pm)
Where: Austin Peay State University Morgan Univ Center Ballroom
Great for: Clarksville, TN / Hopkinsville brides or Nashville-area brides looking for something different; great for all bride budgets
What’s neat: This show is a great find and offers vendors that serve all budgets and the best assortment of all vendor types I’ve ever found. It also has really “nice” vendors. (There is a “snob” factor at some shows that you won’t find here.)
Cost: $8 or only $4 with pre-register (source ABG)!
Expect: Optimal ratio of vendors to brides; no waiting in line to speak with vendors; nice glass of champagne/apple cider upon arrival (classy touch last show - hope this year will be the same:); everything you need to plan your Clarksville / Hopkinsville wedding under one roof.
**My favorite “no-lines, great variety” show.
Saturday, Feb 28 - 94FM Fish Bridal Show (11a - 5p)
Where: Opry Mills mall
Cost: Free but be sure to register online
Great for: Budget and moderate brides
Franklin Bridal Ball - Date TBD
Where: The Factory at Franklin
Great for: Brides looking for high-end vendors; ideal for luxe and moderate brides or budget brides seeking their “splurge” items
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show
Expect: Established, high-end vendors, glamorous and creative booths that offer great ideas and services. Intimate and “exclusive” audience. Amazing ideas and services for your wedding day.
Find event details on our Nashville bridal event calendar.
Do you have advice for brides attending their first bridal show? If so, add a comment on this blog.