It’s wedding season. In January you ask? Well yes. Actual wedding event season kicks off in April. That’s when the majority of weddings take place (spring and again in fall). In NC, the “June bride” is more like the May Bride and the October Bride. Seriously. However, wedding vendors everywhere are on high alert and pushing themselves to the bone starting in January with wedding shows, consultations, booking appointments, follow ups, etc.
So why are we so busy at this time of year? Well, to start with, let’s look at some statistics (weddingwire.com):
- 40% of engagements happen between November and February. Usually Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s and Valentine’s.
- 50% of weddings each year usually occur on the same 25 days. Those Saturdays from spring thru fall are snatched up quick at the most sought-after venues/vendors.
- Most couples book their vendors 7-9 months out
Tee OffTitleist on the green at this Country Club Classic Wedding
Having analyzed the data, we can see how 40% of couples who just got engaged hit the wedding shows hard at this time of year and start selecting/booking their vendors. We are all a little busy right now meeting new brides and grooms (and I love every minute of it!).
Love in BloomFinding Love in Summer
One of our favorite things are bridal shows. We get to meet people face to face for the first time. They can be VERY overwhelming for a new bride and groom though. So many people, vendors, etc in one place. It starts to feel like a daunting task to plan your wedding. So here are a few pointers to help you navigate your way through wedding shows.
- Bring a bottle of water. A lot of bodies, sometimes small spaces means HEAT. Yes there is usually food and refreshment to be had but you may not always be near the right area when you get overheated or thirsty.
- Wear layers. It may be super cold outside but again it can get really hot inside some of the venues with all the people. You may need to take a layer or two off inside and bundle up outside.
- Do not eat a huge meal before you come. There is always some amazing food to be had and if you really want to taste test a caterer/baker etc. you don’t want to be so full you will get sick with just one bite of something!
Free CakeCake Registration at Bridal Show
- Bring pre-printed address labels. Include: names, phone, email, wedding date and if you already have some vendors/venue booked include that information too! There will be countless opportunities to enter drawings for wedding related prizes and services. Do not waste your time filling out cards when you can peel and stick a label!
- Allow for time to actually look at the booths and speak to the representatives there. If you come in the last few minutes and rush through you will not have a basis to decide if you felt comfortable with someone, felt good about the services etc. Speaking from a photographer’s point of view, you may like my work but do you like me? As someone who will be with you, posing you, in the room while you are getting dressed, etc. personality can go a long way to making your day even more outstanding.
- When you really like someone/something, make a note on their information or the brochure you are given listing your vendors. When you get home, while everything is fresh, go through your bag of goodies quickly and pull out the information you made notes on or you remember really well. Once you are ready to go through it, you will have your top picks already separate and won’t struggle to remember thoughts/feelings a few days later.
Wedding Show BoothLogo on Booth Table
I hope this information is helpful to you. RELAX, have fun, enjoy each other and this phase of your life. We have a wonderful wedding industry in this area with some amazing vendors. Photographers, venues, planners, caterers, florists…the list goes on and on. There are plenty to choose from and you should have no trouble finding the vendor that is perfect for you and your beautiful day. Congratulations and we hope to meet you soon!!
~Krista and Stephen Smith