Are Bridal Shows Worth Attending

ARE BRIDAL SHOWS WORTH ATTENDING? Written on January 7, 2013 by Mike Walter in Featured, Mike Walter - Blog I realize the title of this blog is pretty broad based, but as we enter the busy Winter Season in this industry (and by “busy” I mean with couples reserving their services for weddings later in the year or next year) it is most likely a question that will pop into your head. Bridal Shows take place on week nights (when you’ve probably worked all day long) or during the day on weekends (when, let’s face it, we all cherish our downtime) so while you consider going to a Bridal Show you may also be thinking, “Can’t I just stay home and all see all this stuff online?” My answer to the main question here is a resounding: “YES! Bridal Shows are worth attending!” In fact, I’d go one step further and say you owe it to yourself to attend at least one or two throughout the planning of your wedding. I’ll take it from an entertainment point of view to begin with, since, well, as you can imagine, that’s what we do. The famous Wedding Planner David Tutera, in a blog he wrote about the importance of music at a wedding, said: “Whether you choose a band, DJ, or a combination of the two for your wedding entertainment, request to see and hear your musicians/emcee in action before signing the contract.” I happen to think that is excellent advice (not that David Tutera needs my endorsement) but the problem here in New Jersey is that most banquet halls do not allow “pop-in’s” (a pop-in is when a prospective bride and groom “pop-in” to a banquet hall and peak in at someone else’s wedding to check out the entertainment.) And when I say “problem” it’s not like I disagree with the banquet halls when it comes to this policy. I happen to think when we are all working for a specific couple that day we should all be focused on that one Wedding and not be thinking about selling to a future couple at the same time. So when I say “problem” I mean, if you’re going to follow Mr. Tutera’s advice, what are you going to do? Well, that’s where Bridal Shows or Private DJ Showcases come in. These are opportunities for you to “see and hear” your wedding entertainment before booking them. And when it comes to entertainment, nothing beats the live experience. Elite Packing the Dance Floor as a Recent Bridal Show Elite Packing the Dance Floor at a Recent Bridal Show Video clips are great. They will often show how packed a DJ or band can get your dance floor, and how eloquent your MC can be. And we here at Elite Entertainment certainly have our share of videos, not only of each MC but also showing our lighting and other upgrades. But we all know the reality when it comes to these videos, don’t we? They are the best of the best and they are edited artfully enough to show “the highlights.” In other words, be impressed if the videos impress you . . .be intrigued if they are intriguing, but take the next step and ask, “this is great, how can we see you live?” Because any reputable entertainment company for your wedding will showcase often enough that you should have a myriad of options to “see them live.” Don’t take “No” for an answer. So that’s the entertainment answer but I’d also like to expand on this, if I may. Let’s say you have entertainment booked already. Is it still worth attending a Bridal Show? Can’t you see a photographer’s “portfolio” online? Or examples of a videographer’s work on their Youtube or Vimeo channel? What’s the difference if you see a wedding gown in the bridal shop or on a model at a show? And a limos a limo right? Well, yeah sure, but in my experience, the vendors who attend shows are often (notice I said “often” and not “always”) the more professional vendors. They are usually professionals who do this full-time and who understand part of running a successful business, no matter how many word-of-mouth referrals they may get, is getting out and meeting new, prospective clients. And (and this may just be me and my old-school thinking) nothing can replace a face-to-face impression. I would much rather meet someone, shake their hand and look them in the eye, and then find out about their work. I would rather speak to someone in person than on the phone (even if it’s a video chat.) And I would much rather go where professionals are looking for me, rather than trusting a Google search. So as you think about planning your wedding, and you wonder where oh where are you going to find the right entertainment, photographer, florist etc etc etc, I urge you to attend a bridal show (or two or three). Besides researching companies to hire, they can also be fun evenings (or afternoons) to spend with your Maid of Honor or Mom (who are probably dieing to help you with the plans.) Plus, most bridal shows have some kind of door prizes so you may even leave a winner. Who knows. And if you don’t think it was all worth it, please, don’t blame me. Blame David Tutera.

Photos from the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center American Bridal Show Event on January 5th.
Hosted by www.americanbride.com

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Photos Of American Bridal Show Events
https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Bridal-Shows/164424846295?sk=photos_albums

View Past Videos of American Bridal Shows
http://americanbride.com/pastbridalshows.htm

2014 Winter American Bridal Show Schedule

	Big Shows and Great Locations Featured on American Bridal's Schedule The 2nd half of 2013 American Bridal Shows were some of the biggest in over 15 years.  With more and better advertising combined with a focus on just the most popular locations this trend of big turnouts looks to continue thru the winter. Call to inquire about exhibiting at these great events 908-963-2296  info@americanbride.com    American Bridal Show Co.Updated Winter 2014 Bridal Show Schedule We added a South Jersey Bridal Show Tuesday January 28th at Maggiano's in Cherry Hill Ariana's Grand Was Moved to Thursday February 20th Forsgate Country Club - Sunday March 23rd - 1pm NJ Convention & Expo Center Expo Event Sunday January 5 Edison PNC Arts Center Bridal Show Thursday January 9 Holmdel The Mill at Spring Lake Saturday January 11 Spring Lake The College of Staten Island CSI Expo Event Sunday January 12 Staten Island The One & Only Meadowlands Bridal Show Sunday January 12 Hasbrouck Heights Richfield Regency Tuesday January 14 Verona Brooklake Country Club Sunday January 19 Florham Park South Gate Manor Sunday January 19 Freehold Jersey Shore Bridal Convention Berkeley OCEANFRONT Hotel Sunday January 26 Asbury Park Maggiano's Little Italy Tuesday January 28 Cherry Hill Maggiano's Little Italy Wednesday January 29 Hackensack Maggiano's Little Italy Thursday January. 30 Bridgewater February Shows Buona Sera Palazzo Ballroom Saturday February 1 Ocean Township The One & Only Meadowlands Bridal Show Thursday February 6 Rutherford Same Sex Wedding Expo NJ Convention & Expo Center Sunday February 9 Edison Fairleigh Dickinson University FDU - Upscale Expo Event Sunday February 16 Madison Monmouth University Expo Event Sunday February 16 West Long Branch PNC Arts Center Bridal Show Tuesday February 18 Holmdel Ariana's Grand Caterers Thursday February 20 Woodbridge Merri Makers at Neshanic Valley Golf Club Saturday February 22 Branchburg Sheraton Eatontown Sunday February 23 Eatontown Wilshire Grand Hotel Sunday February 23 West Orange Waterside Restaurant & Catering Wednesday February 26 North Bergen Bridal Show at Center Court Menlo Park Mall Expo Event Thursday February 27 Woodbridge March Shows Sterling Gardens Sunday March 2 Matawan The Elan Sunday March 2 Lodi Sunset Ballroom Tuesday March 4 Point Pleasant The Mill at Spring Lake Sunday March 9 Spring Lake Old Tappan Manor Sunday March 9 Old Tappan Twin Brooks Country Club Sunday March 9 Watchung Bridgewater Manor Sunday March 16 Bridgewater South Gate Manor Sunday March 16 Spring Lake Heights Richfield Regency Wednesday March 19 Verona PNC Bank Arts Center Tuesday March 25 Holmdel

"One of NJ's best kept secrets for weddings!
Premiere Bridal Show Event
This Sunday
February 27, 2011 at 1 pm

Knob Hill Country Club
Shinnecock Dr Manalapan, NJ
A glamorous, exclusive, secluded ballroom awaits
atop stunning golf course vistas!
A fabulous bridal show afternoon where brides-to-be and family and friends can sample champagne, hors d'oeuvres and dessert, tour the beautiful Knob Hill Country Club wedding and party and rooms, meet and talk with the area's leading wedding professionals, see a breathtaking live band, dj, and fashion show!

Plus door prizes, bridal show gifts and specials.
Conveniently located between Freehold and
Princeton just off Rt. 33, only six miles from the
New Jersey Turnpike. Directions
Free admission for Brides To Be and guests."

Register to attend at www.americanbride.com

Hanover Marriott Bridal Show & Wedding Expo November 14th

Sunday November 14th - 1pm
Hanover Marriott
Rt. 10 East Whippany

Biggest Wedding Entertainment Showcase &
Complete Fashion Show & Wedding Expo

Free Admission - Make Reservations To Attend

Plan Your Whole Wedding Or Tie Up Loose Ends and Find Your Missing Vendors



Biggest Wedding Entertainment Of The Year
Featuring Dash of Class and Two Performing Bands (Sumar Orchestra & Starlyte Music)

* Sample Complimentary Cocktail Hour

* Save hundreds of dollars on your wedding special discounts given out at show!

* Complete Selection of the Finest Wedding Professionals in NJ

* Bridal fashion show, see live models showing today's hottest wedding styles!

* Ultimate Limousines and Party Buses * Latest Wedding Photography

* Local and National Wedding Professionals & Exhibits

* Free Admission * Great Door Prizes