With our diverse experience participating in and attending wedding shows, we’ve learnt a thing or two and want to share our top tips when it comes to wedding shows in Southern Ontario. Navigating the world of wedding shows can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what you may need. Here are our top tips so you can ensure you get the most out of these wedding shows!
Tip I
Do Your Research
When deciding what wedding show you want to attend, our number one tip is to do your research beforehand. Many of these shows have websites and Instagram accounts that we encourage you to visit. You can get a feel for what you will experience at the show and what the style and quality of exhibitors will be like. Read reviews about the show, look at the exhibitors list and go to the exhibitor’s websites too! By taking all these steps you should get a better understanding of what you should expect out of each show.
Tip II
Plan Your Visit
Before attending a wedding show, review where you’re at in your own wedding planning process and then consider what vendors you still need to book. Make note of the exhibitors that are on your must-meet list and consider what questions you may have for them. By taking this step, not only will you get yourself organized, but you will also prioritize your time at the show.
Tip III
What to Expect
Expect to gain a lot of information of the types of services that each vendor provides and how that can add value to your wedding experience. As an industry, many of the professionals you hire are creative individuals. They could each be doing a “similar job”, but each will have their own way about booking, experience, and pricing structure. Don’t expect a discount on services or products because you may be disappointed. Exhibitors have spent a lot of money to participate in the show and they are genuinely there to make great connections with their ideal clients. Expect a good time surrounded by others, who just like you, are excited to celebrate their love story!
Tip IV
Have a Conversation
Once you get to the show, give yourself a lot of time to have good conversations with the exhibitors. Don’t be afraid to asks questions! Learn about their services, what their booking process is like, and perhaps even the pricing for their services. If you’re interested in potentially working with them, ask them what the next steps post-wedding show look like. A lot of vendors will book consultation appointments right at the show.
Tip V
Bring a Bestie
Bring one, maybe two, other people with you to the show. Make sure they’re someone who’s input you appreciate and someone you can have fun with! This is someone who you’re going to bounce ideas off of, so they should have a supportive opinion about your wedding and be someone who’s conversation and thoughts you highly value. When possible, make a whole day of it and go out after the show for dinner to chat about things – have fun!
The Show’s Over, Now What?
We highly recommend that you go ahead and review all of the information that you received at the show within a week of attending the show. Connections you’ve made, products, and services that inspired you are still fresh in your mind. Reach out to those vendors that you’re interested in working with through their website contact form to check availability and make an appointment. Vendors are often booking clients 12 – 18 months in advanced and spots for favourite dates and in-demand vendors fill up quickly! Book those meetings as soon as possible to ensure that you can work with the amazing wedding pros you want to have for your big day.
Wedding Shows To Attend
Below we’ve listed a few of the wedding shows in Southern Ontario that we suggest considering if you’re looking for a show to attend! Depending on your location and needs, you could not go wrong when picking between any one of these shows.
Wed Well Showcase
The Wed Well Showcase takes place at Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga
February 4, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The First Look Wedding Show
The First Look wedding show takes place at Ravine Vineyard in Niagara on the Lake on
March 25 and March 26, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
WedLuxe Wedding Show
The WedLuxe Show took place January 28 and January 29, 2023. Although this year’s show dates have already past, we would highly recommend planning to attend next year.
