I know that many of you will be heading out to your first bridal show this evening (or some time this month). It’s SOOO exciting. But, before I lose your attention and you get lost in the weddingland, I thought I’d give some general tips based on my plethora of experience. As a show-stalker, I’m kind a guru when it comes to bridal shows.
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
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 town. 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.
Thursday, Jan 7 - Enchanted Brides (5p - 9pm)
Where: Hutton Hotel
Great for: High-end brides seeking luxe bridal vendors
What’s neat: Red-carpet ambiance
Sunday, Jan 10 - 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.)
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, Jan 17 - 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.
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.
Saturday, January 23 - Nashville Lifestyles Bridal Event (11a-2p)
Where: The Hermitage Hotel
What: Find out how to make your day unique from the southeast’s renowned event designer, Tara Guerard – who has been featured in InStyle Weddings, Nashville Lifestyles’ Weddings, Town & Country Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings.
Enjoy lunch from Capitol Grille; Register for fantastic door prizes; Sip Mimosas and sample Big Day bites; Grab a fabulous swag bag
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe ideas and resources
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue; plus, last year the lunch was fantastic!
Cost: Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door
Expect: I anticipate an intimate group of brides and vendors so you’ll be able to ask a lot of your questions without competing for the vendors time
Sunday, January 31 - Her Nashville Bridal Brunch at (11a-3p)
What: NFocus and Her Cordially Invite You to a Bridal Brunch; A champagne social featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, an informal bridesmaids fashion show, and exclusive wedding service showcases from Nashville boutiques.
Where: The Noah Liff Opera Center
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe ideas and resources
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue; plus, last year the lunch was fantastic!
Cost: Tickets are $20 but get 50% off online with my code scbridal50
Expect: I love the venue for this bridal show. If nothing else, if you need a venue for your wedding and are looking for something modern and contemporary - you should check it out. The show was really nice last year and I expect it to be even better this year.
Sunday, Feb 21 - 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.
Saturday, Feb 20 - 94FM Fish Bridal Show (11a - 5p)
Where: Opry Mills mall
Cost: Free but be sure to register online
Great for: Budget and moderate brides
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.