If you're wondering if it's worth it to exhibit at a bridal show - the answer is - it depends on you and how much you have to invest in your business. If you're thinking about exhibiting at a bridal show, you may want to attend a few and see if you think you can benefit from it. There are plenty of large shows and small regional shows and some may be better for you than others.
Some things to consider before you decide to participate:
Will I get direct exposure to potential clients?
How many other wedding florists will be featured at this event and what will my competitors be doing?
How can I stand out from the crowd and what can I do to get remembered?
How much physical space will I have to design in and how much staffing and product will I need?
What are some of the reviews from the show and can I call some past vendors to get recommendations?
The biggest downside of exhibiting at a bridal show is the expense:
Vendor fees can be expensive - space fees can run an average of $1,000 and you aren't guaranteed great placement at the event.
Planning and designing a booth, developing marketing materials and hiring staff to help out can be time consuming.
To make an impact on participants, you will have to invest a considerable amount of money on product and design so attendees will be "wowed" and stop to talk to you.
Marketing materials can be expensive, but you'll want to leave participants with a memorable token and a way to get in touch with you.
But there are some valuable pluses:
A wedding show gives you face time with a captive, targeted audience. You'll be able to personally connect with participants and show them what you can offer. Make sure you keep a contact list and notes of every potential client you met so you can follow-up after the show. Have a tablet ready so participants can see your work beyond what is in your booth.
A bridal show is a great way to see upcoming trends in the industry and to move your creative thinking forward. Take note of which booths people stop in and see what they are doing that attracts potential customers.
The show provides a venue for you to network with other vendors and help your business. Referrals from other vendors - like caterers, photographers, and wedding planners are even more valuable long term for you, than meeting the participants at the show.
Make sure you vet clients and try to weed out the DIY's or those looking for freebies. You'll want to seek out brides you want to work with - so try finding out when they are getting married and what stage of planning they're in. If they've already lined up a florist, move on.
Once you've gathered a contact list from the show - send out a personal thank you note and helpful email. Couples may feel overwhelmed after the show, but will appreciate you reaching out to them.
Here's a list of upcoming bridal shows to check out:
Rustic Wedding Expo at Bush Meadow Farm Sunday, September 12th, 12 PM – 3 PM Bush Meadow Farm LLC, 738 Buckley Hwy Union, CT
Connecticut Wedding Expo at Meadowbrook Estate Sunday, October 17th, 12 PM – 3 PM Meadowbrook Estate, 242 W Rd Marlborough, CT
Wedding & Bridal Expo Sunday, October 31st, 11 AM – 4 PM Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd Hartford, CT Connecticut Bridal & Wedding Expo
Sunday, November 7th, 1 PM – 5 PM XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT
The Western New England Fall Bridal Show 2021 Sunday, November 7th, 11 AM – 4 PM Mass Mutual Center, 1277 Main St Springfield, MA
"Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them."
Madam C. J. Walker