Tips for Attending Wedding Shows and Venue Tours
Whether you visit a large wedding show with rows of vendors in decked-out booths and on-stage fashion events, or an open house at a local event venue, attending a few wedding events is a great way to jump-start your planning process.
Large wedding events like the quarterly Triangle Wedding Show that takes place at the NC State Fairgrounds can bring dozens of vendors together at one event, giving you an abundance of inspiration and a chance to compare services. Smaller wedding shows and venue open houses take place throughout the year and may have a handful to a few dozen vendors on-site to meet you while you get an up-close view of the hosting venue.
Most events come with plenty of eye candy and even catering and drink samples. Attending a few wedding open houses will help you get a grasp on the full spectrum of to-dos, gather ideas, and, hopefully, you’ll click with a few of the vendors you chat with.
After reading our tips for attending wedding shows, head over to our Events Calendar to browse upcoming open houses, tastings, sales and more!
Do’s and Don’ts of Attending Wedding Shows
DO some basic wedding planning in advance. Having a grasp on what you anticipate your guest count will be, your approximate wedding budget and the style or vibe of the event you’d like to have will make the time attending a wedding show much more productive.
DO decide which vendors you’re interested in speaking with before you get to the show. Whether it’s the host venue or floral and decor inspiration, make sure you see those vendors and schedule enough time to chat and connect with them.
DON’T bring the whole family along. It’s smart to invite your right-hand planner, like your fiancé, parent or a member of your wedding party, but it’s best to leave your entire extended family and young children behind.
DO bring custom labels and include a special email address as an account devoted to your wedding planning for you and your fiancé to access. This will prevent your personal inbox from getting overloaded. If you participate in registering, you may get special deals and discounts sent to you.
Pro tip: if you want to go the extra mile, print out return labels with your wedding planning email to make it super quick and easy to give your contact information to vendors!
DON’T come expecting to be fed an entire meal. Only a handful of vendors offer food and drink at their booths, and it’s usually small samples like mini cupcakes, appetizers or a scoop of ice cream.
DO carve out a few hours to spend at the event. Take your time and can visit as many vendors as possible. If you’re attending a larger wedding showcase, enjoy the fashion shows and audience games.
DON’T be shy! Ask questions, collect the packaging and pricing information you need and take photos of inspirational ideas. Vendors are more than willing to talk you through their services and clarify any questions you might have.
DO have fun! Spending this time with your fiancé can be an opportunity to connect and share your vision for your wedding. Plan to attend a wedding show together and treat it like a date night!
DO pick up a copy of Heart of NC Weddings! Many of our preferred vendors have copies available during open houses and events. If you don’t see any, just ask!
