Heavenly Gowns Bridal Show

This past weekend I attended the Heavenly Gowns Bridal show in Saint John. As usual Sheri (owner of Heavenly Gowns) put on a lovely show and I have to admit that she even stepped up her game on the layout of the show and it was even more attractively positioned than last year when I attended.

Bridal shows are a great time for vendors as they draw in your exact target market - BRIDES! It is a great chance to meet new brides and talk with them about what you offer. However, it's not all about the brides (sorry!) it is also a great networking opportunity for the vendors themselves where we can meet new and catch up with old friends. I had the pleasure of doing both this year.
I was glad that the Hilton had a booth this year and they even teamed up with a decorator so needless to say their booth looked amazing!
again I'm not a photographer nor do i pretend to be...well maybe on girl or family weekends!

SO, check out the glowing orb in the back of this booth (next to the chocolate fountain - did I mention that the entire show smelled of chocolate!) This 'orb' for lack of a better term is beautiful! And they are for RENT!!! Simply contact Wendi at Spurs in Brunswick Square. Also, I should mention in this booth way up (which you can't see in this photo) are chandeliers - six of them - which they hung that morning.
The Hilton now has these lovely cocktail tables and barstools. They even have the white scuba chair covers and I've been told they are even looking at getting their own sashes (white). Hmmm...almost sounds like they are full service hotel - lol!

I also met Danielle from Danielle's Desserts and she rents her cakes (photo below)- that's right for all you brides who don't want a cake but want the look at the reception, you can RENT one. She even has cookies that can be used as favours (they are as large as my hand btw.)

My booth was sandwiched in between 2 vendors. On one side was "1st Choice Catering"(who also had 2 chocolate fountains!) - Russel and Michelle are very nice and he knows a lot about food. On the other side was my friend Sarah's Sweet Delights (shown above with Eric representing) whom I might add also brought her delicious chocolate truffles. (I KNOW! I ALMOST DIED WITH ALL THE CHOCOLATE SMELLS!)

I ran into one of my favorite floral designers Beth (she is uber sweet!) from Creative Designs By Beth. She can do large or small weddings and I've posted some of her orchid designs below, which she graciously showed me the secret to making the orchid shade - wonderful ingenuity!)
Beth also did the Stage decorating at the show

Oh, yeah, photos of my booth - I nearly forgot!

below are some photos at my attempt of a landscape centrepiece - one of the emerging trends for 2010. Granted this is more of a DIY version since it doesn't use the manzanita branch that typically would be present.

Well one show down and 2 more to go. Stop by and say hi!

Wedding Show Season is Upon Us

It is that time of fever again - Wedding Show Fever!
Below is a list of shows that I've compiled for New Brunswick. By no means am I saying these are all the shows as I could have missed some, but these are the ones I know about or am in.

You will find me here:
January 10th - Heavenly Gowns Bridal Gala @ Saint John Convention Centre 12-5pm
January 17th - A Time for Weddings @ Delta Fredericton 11-3:30pm
January 24th - 20Ten: A Bridal Show @ Delta Beausejour Moncton 12-5pm

Other Bridal Shows: (But I won't be at these ones....)
Crowne Plaza Fredericton on January 10th from 12-4pm
Delta Brunswick Saint John on January 17th from 12-4pm
Moncton Wesleyan Church (945 St.George Blvd) on February 1 6:30pm
Moncton Coliseum on February 21st from 10-5pm
Forte Howe Hotel Saint John on February 28th from 1-4:30pm

With many new bride-to-be's now discovering that they need to start planning a wedding I have compiled a few tips for you prior to you venturing out to the shows. I want you to be prepared!

10 Tips for Attending Bridal Shows
1. Get a list of the shows in your area (Check - I just gave it to you) We are really getting off to a good start!
2. Pre-printed labels. Easy to do on your home computer. Have them with your address, email, phone and don't forget your wedding date! Some vendors will be "qualifying" you - this means that they are looking for your date and checking to see if they are available. (I'm booked for August 7th and can't take another client) Saves time (see #9)
3. Register for a free email account and have all wedding related emails go to that. Easy to stop unwanted emails after the wedding :)
4. Be prepared. Dress appropriately - wear comfortable shoes, it will be a long day for standing and walking around. Bring a bottle of water. Have a bag with handles for all the literature (see #8) or a large purse.
5. Bring a friend. Take someone from your bridal party who's opinion you want. Yes, you can even take your finance.
6. Bring swatches of your colours. This helps bakers, florists, planners and others make suggestions as to what they can do for you with out generalizing.
7. Be prepared to book. Or make follow-up appointments within 24-48 hours. This is really important with vendors who's services are limitted to only one-of's.
8. Take as much literature as possible & take notes. When you get home this will be all that you have - your notes will be what sets "your" vendors apart from the others.
9. Don't waste your time. If you don't need it, don't check it out. If you have a hall or ballroom booked you won't need another one. If you have a dress, chances are that you won't buy another one - use the time during the fashion show to go back and talk to vendors you were interested in. I'm always at my booth during the fashion show
10. Enjoy the experience!

I hope this has been helpful. If you have other suggestions that would make things easier please send them to me.

Cheers! & Happy Planning