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A Bridal Show is an event where several wedding service providers set up booths and hand out information about their businesses. This is a good opportunity for brides/grooms/partners to meet potential vendors for their wedding services. Below is a list of Bridal Shows in New Hampshire and Vermont. (If you are a vendor hosting a Bridal Show, please contact us to receive a complimentary listing of your Bridal Show date and location)

(please let us know about any other NH or VT Bridal Shows)

Bridal Show Tips for brides/grooms/partners/wedding planners:

These tips may be helpful to you in preparing to go to the Bridal Show - to make the most of this opportunity.

• It is probably most helpful to attend a show between 10 and 18 months before your wedding, depending on how many months you have for your planning. This is an ideal way to get an overview of the services you may need for your wedding, and it is most helpful if you haven't already "booked" many of your services.
  
• It might make sense to attend more than one show, if that is possible in the area where you are getting married. Some shows restrict vendor participation to one vendor from each type of service, or each locale, so you will see more variety of vendors if you attend more than one show.
  
• It's helpful for both partners to be there. You will be able to discuss your impressions of the services you previewed, and it may be easier to schedule a meeting with those that you think you'd like to work with (bring your calendar!). It's true that the vast majority of bridal show attendees are female, but with the trend toward more groom involvement in the wedding planning process, you can be on the forefront of this movement!
  
• You will be spending the day in a large, (probably warm)room, with a lot of other people, so be sure you are dressed for comfort. You want to be able to stay and make the most of it, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. There is often food tasting, but you can never be sure, so have a light snack or meal before you go.
  
• Many bridal shows have a fashion show, in which wedding dresses, bridesmaid/attendant apparel, and men's formalwear are exhibited.
  
• Chat with the vendor to see if you feel comfortable with their personality, and if they will be easy to work with.
  
• See a sample (menu, cake, photos, flower arrangement, table design/layout, etc.)
  
• Keep your eyes open for ideas to incorporate into your own wedding, such as a type of flower arrangements, color combinations (in photographers' sample albums, for example), and favors. Also, try to chat with other brides if you can—you may meet someone you could develop a support network with for this sometimes difficult process of wedding planning!
  
• Be prepared to ask questions and write down information about all vendors you speak with. Most vendors will give out pamphlets and materials telling about their services
  
  • It is a good idea to bring a large purse or canvas bag or notebook to collect information. (even though quite often someone gives out free bags to carry things in)
    
  • Make sure you have pens or pencils and a notepad. Be sure and write information down with specific notes about who you talked with, or other details. You'll be seeing a lot and talking with many people; it will be hard to remember "who said what"! Write some details directly on the pamphlets given to you by vendors. (e.g., if you liked the style of a certain photographer, write on her/his brochure some details about what you liked)
    
  • Think ahead of time about what services you still need, and what information you want from each type of vendor. (See list of questions below-or print it out and take it to the show as a "crib sheet")
    
  • Bring address labels or business cards with your address and phone number on them. Most exhibitors have a box to put your name in for a free drawing, and it is easier to have a ready-made card than to have to fill something out at every booth!
    

Cost	What is your general price range?
	Is there a "package deal"? How much? What do we get?
Number	How many people can you accommodate?
Timing	How far ahead do you recommend booking your services/facility?
Availability	Are you closed during any times of year?
Experience	How many weddings have you done? How many years in business?

Will they give you the name of someone who has used their services (as a reference)?

home budget listings tips, etc. Q & A shows