Bridal expos?

[musey]

I haven''t been to one, don''t really know much about them (other than that they host booths for vendors). Are they worth it? Thoughts/advice? Best companies that run them?

Would it be a horrible idea to take FI to one? He''s very patient and "likes" shopping, but I don''t know how overwhelming it might be. Is it beneficial to have the groom along, or is it more the atmosphere of gown shopping with girlfriends?

 

[robbie3982]

If you''re still looking for vendors they can be worth it. If your FI is into wedding planning it could be cool to take him so that he can meet the vendors and get a feel for them as well.

Some contests and giveaways at these things are real and you can win cool prizes (I won free tuxes for our whole wedding party!), but others are fake. Definitely don''t sign up for anything from Simplicty Bridal. They seem to be at every bridal expo and they''ll call you up afterwards and tell you you wont a free honeymoon. I''ve even gotten calls from them after bridal shows I didn''t go to.

 

[Haven]

I''m not even a bride-to-be yet, but I''ve been to so many of these things with friends when I was in their wedding parties.

My best friend also won free tux rentals for all the men in the wedding at an expo, and it''s a really good way to get ideas if you''re still thinking about what to do for certain details. If FI is up for it, bring him along! You can always leave if you don''t like it.

One piece of advice: don''t drag your bridesmaids to the expo unless they want to come. It''s a long day.

 

[shigidigi]

Is it common to have to pay for tickets to get admission to these expos?
i have never been to one either but am not adversed to getting more ideas!

 

[musey]

I've only seen info on a couple so far, but they both charged admission ($25 for one, $35 for the other). It makes sense to me that they would, but wouldn't it be nice if they were always free?

I'd go every weekend!

Thanks robbie and haven for your advice. I told FI about it and he said "Let's go!! It sounds fun!" Boy, will he ever by sorry

lol

 

[anchor31]

Yep, definitely worth it, if you''re looking for vendors or inspiration. We found our phtographer and reception entertainment there, and we probably wouldn''t have found them otherwise.

FI came with me. He''s also patient and "likes" shopping, and he enjoyed it to some extent. Got so info and inspiration on tuxes, and I liked having his input of stuff. I also was able to subtly get his opinion on the kind of dress I like (the ones with colour, good thing he''s ok with them!), so it was useful.