How to Make the Most of Your Time at the Pink Bride Show

It’s wedding season in Tennessee, and that means it’s time to attend the Nashville Pink Bride Wedding Show on Sunday, August 22nd, from 1-5 pm at Music City Center in Nashville. Our Twin Creeks Events team can’t wait to see you and help you plan the wedding of your dreams. 

Wedding shows can be fun, exciting events, but they can also be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’re sharing these seven tips to help you make the most effective use of your time and start on the right path to planning your special day.

1- Make a list. 

As you prepare for the wedding show, make a quick list of the vendors or ideas that you’re hoping to find at the event so that they’ll be top of mind when you see them during the show. Much like going to the grocery store with a list, you don’t want to miss getting more information about a particular vendor type because you weren’t thinking about them when you passed their booths. 

If you haven’t booked your wedding venue yet, it’s a good idea to start there. Some, like Twin Creeks, offer all-inclusive wedding packages that will eliminate the need to source your own vendors for things like reception location, catering, tables and chairs, place settings, wedding accommodations, and the like. Once you get to the event, review a show map to find the venues and vendors you know you want to visit. 

2 - Keep an open mind.

You probably have your heart set on a few details that you’re planning for your wedding, and that’s terrific. But you never know what you might see or learn at a wedding show. Keep an open mind, and be prepared to get inspired learning about new trends, unique honeymoon destinations, or out-of-the-ordinary wedding wear.

3- Get your details ready. 

If you’re ready to secure vendors, it makes sense to come to the event with dates, budgets, and payment methods so you’ll be able to check calendars and contract with vendors that you fall in love with. 

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to create a wedding-specific email address for you to use at the event. Our Director of Wedding and Events, Cindy Stephens, recommends creating a wedding-specific email and wedding website for all of our Twin Creeks wedding couples. During the early planning stages, you’re able to receive information and advertisements from vendors without overwhelming your primary inbox. 

Later, your wedding email will be a great tool to help you keep track of wedding contracts, details, and to communicate with wedding vendors and guests coming in for the big day.  

4 - Take specific notes to save time later.

One of the challenges when attending a bridal show is that you meet so many vendors, it’s hard to keep up with them all. You don’t want to have to sift through dozens of business cards to try and find the one photographer whose storytelling style was perfect for you and your spouse-to-be. 

Take an easily portable wedding planner or spiral notebook and jot down notes about vendors. Include information like date availability, booking deadlines, show specials, and most importantly, what you love about that vendor. Consider taking a small stapler and attaching business cards or brochures to any important notes you want to be sure to keep. 

Many wedding shows, including the Nashville Pink Bride Wedding Show, offer an app like BrideScan, which will allow you to scan vendor cards for providers that you want to learn more about. You can even rate them in the app to make it easier to remember those you were most interested in. Completing your profile in the BrideScan app makes it easier for you to interact with vendors at the show as well. Instead of filling out your information at every booth, vendors can simply scan your app to send you information packets or schedule meetings. 

5 - Get a feel for the vendors you’re considering.

In addition to learning about vendor offerings, trends, tasty treats, and to view the latest wedding fashions, remember to be gauging your impressions of providers when you stop by their booths. Every interaction with a provider gives you clues into what it might be like to work with them. Take in their personality, communication style, and how comfortable they make you feel. You’ll want to work with people who give you confidence in their ability to deliver on their promises and help make your day magical. 

6 - Schedule appointments with the vendors who wow you.

Think of a wedding show as a vendor’s opportunity to make a great first impression. If you’re ready to book services at the event, great; doing so will lock in your date and give you one less item to worry about later on. But for some vendors, you’ll want to schedule meetings to visit their office or showroom or talk in more detail. Save yourself some time and headache and only schedule meetings with vendors you feel best about. If you’re lukewarm about your initial impressions, it’s unlikely that the vendor is a good fit for you and your special day.  

7 - Have fun!

Grab a friend or family member you trust to help you in the planning process and be prepared to have fun. Sample foods, meet great professionals, and chat with other engaged couples. Most of all, take this time to revel in all the excitement that you deserve. Congratulations on your engagement! We couldn’t be happier for you. Enjoy the show and we hope to see you there.

How does a stunning lakefront wedding followed by a magical open-air reception surrounded by the people you love sound for your special day? Let us help you have the wedding of your dreams. Book a wedding consultation today. <<Wedding CTA>>