My first bridal show.....please post advice

[lynnsphotography]

I am going to be attending my first bridal show in January. I don't really know what to take, show, adverise, etc....I figure the usual- albums, pictures...but I'm sure that there is some really good advice I can get from everyone to help me make this a success. I'm just getting started in the wedding business and really think this will be a good advertising opportunity.

Thanks :)

[lynnsphotography]

Has no one done bridal shows before????????? Where is everyone.......Any advice appreciated.......

[sblais]

I have never done a bridal show before (they don't think I make a lovely bride, for some reason :lol:), but here's my input on what I would do (to other POTN members, please correct me if I mention something wrong):

1) I would post a thread on POTN to see what other people would do :lol:
2) Bring complete albums, tons of business cards. Some albums would have my best shots from all my weddings, but other albums would concentrate on only one wedding (to show the B&G-to-be what they can expect as a final product.
3) If you can, bring many enlargements - 8x10, 11x14, and bigger? (framed, if possible or otherwise nicely displayed)
4) Make some pamphlets that you can distribute that resume your services. You can give them with your business card too.
5) If you can, give a prize at the bridal show (may be you don't have the choice to do so?) like a free engagement photo session in studio or outside.

I did go to a bridal show with my then fiancée (and now wife ;)) a few months ago - oh what torture for a guy! :lol: - and this is pretty much what the photograph present did...

[Dans_D60]

Hello Lynn: (I have this response in the 'talk about photography' also)

We only participate in two Bridal Shows a year. Our focus at these shows is not necessarily to book weddings (although we always get a few) but more to market our name and brand into the community. I can’t’ tell you how many times we have wedding referrals from the show but not the actual couple we met at the show.

Bridal shows are a mixed bag. Our limited experience (again only two shows a year) demonstrates a rough mix of 20% high-end potential clients, 40% potential mid-tier clients, and 40% bottom feeders. Since our studio targets the top two tiers, we made the decision to put the effort into the booth that clearly sends that message. We want to spend quality time with couples (mainly brides) that truly have an interest in our services (now or future or referrals) and not fritter away time with someone looking for the $900 wedding bargain.

To that end, we promote our services with a large professional booth (including a 10 foot enlargement of a bride as the backdrop) and sometimes we bring a testimonial bride. The bride in the image below was a wedding we did about two years ago and we told her not to “sell” but just tell her story as she see’s it and how she now feels about her wedding photography and wedding album. It works!

http://www.danpettusphoto.com/bridalshow.jpg


Have fun! … Dan … http://www.danpettusphoto.com

[liza]

A friend of mine had a custom backdrop made for his show with large interchangeable photo panels that showcased his work. It was a unique setup that caught the attention of those who attended the show. I'd also have album samples, brochures, and business cards available. Having a price list available is helpful for filtering out the budget brides, too.

[lynnsphotography]

Thanks alot for the input.....I'm very excitied for the upcoming experience. I appreciate your time and good suggestions.....

Lynn

[twinsrus]

There was a thread from a month ago that asked the same question.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=222570&highlight=Bridal+Show