In a previous blog, we wrote extensively about how to survive a wedding show (10 Tips on How to Survive a Bridal Show), but we did not go into details why you might even want to venture in the first place! This coming weekend, January 13-14, we kick off the wedding show season with the Wedding Palace Bridal Show, which boasts as Ottawa's only internationally award-winning show. In this blog post, we will be highlighting some of the perks of attending this luxurious wedding show.
Without further ado, here are five reasons why you should attend the Wedding Palace Bridal Show this weekend!
1. Meet local Ottawa vendors
Now planning my wedding, I find that I follow certain local wedding vendors on social media because I love their work. But the first question I always ask myself is: "are they the people I want to work with for my wedding?" This question is often followed with, "I wonder how much they cost?", then with, "will they be open to doing this instead, or that...?" Attending the Bridal Palace Wedding Show is the perfect opportunity for you meet the fantastic vendors that form Ottawa's wedding industry! It is excellent opportunity to ask them questions about their work, find out their pricing, their experiences, and get to know them personally. Talking to them one-on-one is far more efficient and immediate way of getting answers, as opposed to sending an email.
Some of our favourite wedding vendors that will be at the show include:
- Saadya Khan - Make Up Artist
- Party Time Rentals - Decor and Rentals
- Capital Florist - Florist
- Donovan Dream Designs - Wedding Planner
- Ottawa Wedding Magazine - Magazine
- Temple's Sugar Bush - Venue
- Traiteur Sala Gatineau - Venue
- Quality Entertainment - DJ
2. Discounts and freebies!
Last fall, Temple's Sugar Bush gave away a jar of maple with their info packages. Another wedding vendor was giving away shaving kits. A lucky bride to be, who happened to be a friend, won the Shaw Centre free venue contest! A bride whose wedding we are photographing got her wedding dress at a significantly reduced price at the Bridal Palace Show. The point is, there are lots prizes to be won!
In addition to giveaways, vendors often have wedding show pricing. Usually, this means reduced pricing for their products or services. For photography and videography, this can mean added hours of coverage. Reduced pricing is an excellent way for vendors to not only generate buzz about their products/services but also generate leads. If you are shopping for a particular vendor anyway, you should take advantage of these discounts! As an aside, you do not ever, ever have to commit to hiring vendors right then and there. Often, scheduling a consultation is enough to make you eligible for their wedding show pricing.
3. Get Inspired
What I really like about wedding shows, in general, is learning what I want and what I do not want for my wedding day. There is no better way to get inspired than being at the Bridal Palace Wedding Show where you can see in person and touch all things related to your wedding in one place!
The Bridal Palace Wedding Show provides you with an opportunity to learn about the latest wedding trends, from fashion to decor. It is a great way to discover a wedding theme or style. For example, I want my wedding to have a contemporary feel to it. Talking to vendors and seeing their products and services will give me a better idea of what I should incorporate and what I should stay away from.
4. Fashion Show!
For those shopping for wedding and bridesmaids' dresses, suits, and accessories, the Wedding Palace Show has an excellent fashion show! This year, the show will be featuring the latest bridal fashions from Sinders Bridal House, Juliannah's Dress & Bridal and La Maison Bridal Boutique. For the gents, the fashion show will be showcasing men's fashions from Moores Clothing.
The Fashion Show is not just about clothing, of course! For those looking for wedding jewellery, the show will be featuring items from La Maison D'or as well as flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages) from Laviolette Flowers & Wedding Decor.
5. It's just fun to go!
Grab a friend - maybe your maid of honour, or your mom - and just go! Treat it like a fun outing where you can get inspired, get freebies, taste cupcakes, try on a dress, or hold a bouquet (they can be heavy!!!). The reality is, you will likely not attend another wedding shows after your wedding day has passed (unless you become a maid of honour). There is something fun and exciting about being surrounded by people who are going through the same awesome and sometimes overwhelming experience of planning a wedding!
Author: Sheen Andola
Mocha Tree Studios, Lead Photographer
info@mochatreestudios.com
