Tips for Surviving Wedding Show Season

Wedding show season is fast approaching in southwestern Idaho beginning with the 34th annual Wedding Party Show January 5 and 6, 2013 at Boise Centre on the Grove. The Wedding Party Show is the area's oldest and largest show, attracting upwards of 1,000 brides, plus grooms, mothers, sisters and others for a total attendance of over 5,000. Over 100 merchants, including caterers, photographers, florists, musicians and DJs, wedding planners, venue owners and others will be available to share ideas and discuss your wedding plans.

The Wedding Party show will be followed in quick succession by three smaller shows to be held in various locations around the valley. With so many shows so close together, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The following tips will help you navigate wedding show mania without succumbing to pressure and stress.

• The primary reason to attend a wedding show is to gather information. Rarely do brides book merchants at a show, nor should they unless they have previously met the merchant and are certain she/he is right for their needs. You should receive a bag into which you can place the brochures you collect. A few days later, when you have time and no pressure, you can go through your collection and decide which merchants to call or email and make an appointment.
• Don't feel as if you must attend every wedding show. Rather, attend the one or two that best fit your schedule. Obviously, the larger show will enable you to meet more merchants, but if it doesn't fit your schedule, choose one of the smaller ones. Chances are many of the participating merchants will be the same.
• Be sure to register when you pay your admission fee to enter the show. It is not required, but doing so will enter you into drawings for a variety of prizes. The Wedding Party Show gives away $1,000 in gift certificates after each fashion show (two on Saturday, one on Sunday).
• Pick up a map when you register. That way, if you have completed a portion of your planning, you can focus on finding merchants whose services you still need, such as visiting all the caterers. This is particularly helpful if your time is limited.
• Bring a small notebook and a pen to record information you learn and creative ideas you want to remember.
• Leave young children at home if possible. Aisles may be narrow and strollers can create traffic jams, plus a restless or sleepy child may require you to leave sooner than you planned.
• Some merchants offer drawings in their booths. By entering, you will be placed on the merchant's mailing list to receive regular emails or letters until your wedding. If you want to receive the information, you may want to bring a few pre-printed address labels with you. Don't feel as if you must enter individual drawings, however.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Allow plenty of time to take it all in.
• Don't bring coffee or outside beverages or food with you. Some facilities confiscate it, plus you need your hands free to write and to collect materials and you don't want to spill on a merchant's display.
• Look for coupons for discounts on tuxedo rentals and other services.
• Take time to ask questions, but don't monopolize a merchant if others want to speak with her/him. Instead, arrange to call in a couple of days to continue the discussion. Most merchants are happy to talk with you.
• Look for creative ideas you can incorporate into your wedding. You may not be able to take photos, however, particularly of gowns, so be sure to ask.

Attending a wedding show can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend a day with your mom, your best friend and/or your groom. Just don't allow it to overwhelm you. Rather, use the time to really get in the mood for planning your special day.