Despite all of the incredible advancements in technology, I still think wedding shows are one of the most valuable assets in terms of sales and marketing for any wedding business owner. It allows you to interact face to face with hundreds of potential clients (given the show), connecting with them and getting to know about them in ways you simply can not over the internet. Wedding shows also give you the opportunity to network with other vendors, I can’t emphasize just how valuable all of these interactions can be. Here are some quick tips to help ensure that you bring your best to your wedding show!
Tip #1 Know what to say – It’s important that you know how to interact with those you come in contact with at a given show. These are your potential clients, so you need to think about how you want to introduce your business if someone approaches you. If someone comes up to you and asks “what is (insert your business name) all about?” It is imperative that you can articulately explain your business in a few sentences. Think about your mission statement and try to have your explanation reflect what might be on your website or social media.
Tip #2 Greet Everyone – By the time the show is over, your face just might hurt from how much you’ve been smiling. Jokes aside, it’s important to not only be warm and friendly to everyone you come across, but to greet everyone. You don’t have to be the pushy mall salesman, but a simple “hello” or “how’s it going” paired with an inviting smile might be enough for someone to get some more information on you and your business. Also consider arriving and setting up early if possible as it allows you to introduce yourself to new vendors, potentially making lasting connections!
Tip #3 Be Curious – This one should go without saying, but you should take a genuine interest in the brides and their families at each show. It is easy to jump the gun and start thinking how you are going to land the sale, but start with genuine person to person conversation. Ice breaking questions such as “where are you from” from or “when are you getting married” might be a good place to start. Whatever it is, make sure you are starting the relationship off on the right foot with the right questions.
Tip #4 Make it Interactive – Your booth is going to say a lot about you and your business so it is important to make it attractive for brides to come check out what you have to offer. I always recommend, if possible, to bring a monitor of some sort so you can display a promotional video or even just a slideshow (especially for the video folks out there). If you have decor that matches your brand identity, bring it! Also bring your gear or physical product so people can see it. It can be really exciting for a bride if she can visualize your service being a part of her big day. Make sure you have plenty of brochures, business cards, and other print materials that you can hand out. If you can create some standing banners or other decor to make your business stand out, do it. The most important thing is your creating an inviting environment that encourages show goers to initiate a conversation with you.
Tip #5 Plan – Bridal shows are typically on the weekends, which is when most of us are working events. It is imperative that you plan well in advance to make sure your schedule aligns with the show and that you have everything you will need prepared the day or night before the show. The worst feeling is when you are unprepared for the show and you have to rush the night before, get no sleep, and feel run down the day of the show. You have to be prepared to stand, talk, and bring an incredible energy the day of the show, so make sure you have everything ready the day before. The night before the show simply go over your checklist and make sure everything is ready so that way the morning of you can get ready stress free. Make sure you get a good night sleep, eat well, and hydrate prior and before you know it you will be the master of the wedding show!
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