Bridal Show Booths

[E3_Photo_Studio]

Has anyone here ever done a booth at a bridal show? If so, what sort of stuff did you do for your booth? (ie - Pictures, brochures, video, etc.)

We're attending our first bridal show this weekend, but only did the bride bag thing. We want to do a booth the next time around, and just want some ideas. Thanks!!

[tnicol]

Hi Erica...I did my first bridal show a couple weeks ago outside Chicago. I knew a little about what to expect because I attended one a while back just to see if it looked like something I should do. I was nervous at first, but in the end it was fun. I got about 150 contacts out of it and figure if I get a couple jobs it will have been worth it. So far I've gotten two contacts, but not bookings yet. I had a banner made and some proof books, one from Blurb, one from Picassa, and a third just 4x6 prints in an album. I had a flyer and business cards. Otherwise that's about it. It wasn't fancy. I didn't want to spend a fortune on props and booth amenities. I'd do another one, but would like to see if either of these contacts pans out. The only question I can't answer is why do all these show seem to have those monkey-stuff yellow curtains? Good luck. Tom...
http://www.tnicol.net/bridal_show_booth.jpg

[LeesaB]

I know there is a thread here somewhere on that..Do a search..

Now a days..people are doing slideshow presentations...Nice Large sized portraits...

Make sure you have a nice sign...and something to give away..

Also..have a drawing for something..I did a free engagement session...I had over 240 names...THOSE names are all contacts...and it has worked out well for me.

Some people give out candy, or pens..a flyer with your prices, your business cards...Lots of examples of your work

Wear nice clothes and put on your best..because you are on display also...I got one booking just because the woman liked the way we looked.

[LeesaB]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=260498&highlight=bridal+expo


go to this link...Tons of great advice there..

[Lin-z]

I had a banner made and some proof books, one from Blurb, one from Picassa, and a third just 4x6 prints in an album.



How are the quality on those books? I didn't even know Picassa did books. How is it, price & quality wise.

[E3_Photo_Studio]

WOW! Thanks all. Tom I love you're banner and the idea of proof books. And Lisa I really wanted to do a slideshow. I just worry that we'll get a booth and it'll look empty. But I also, don't want to spend a fortune if it's not going to pan out.....But i've got till the end of May to decide. Maybe I'll get some really awesome ideas this weekend. I'm so excited. :)

[LeesaB]

I got called about a week before the show...I was not going to do it, but they offered me a special deal, so, I jumped on it...

I had not time to make a proof book, so I used my old ones I had around here..

I had a slideshow, but I redid it...we copied and copied and copied and stapled and stuffed till we could not see straight...

we totally forgot about decorating and had a plastic banner made up the day OF. it was plain but really stuck out. we bought some toleing and put it around the tables...and sign..

we used 4 wine glasses and a piece of glass as stands to put some of our framed pics on.

all and all it was a great success..we learned alot, walked around at times, met people...

It was a great experience...

Do what you can...

[tnicol]

How are the quality on those books? I didn't even know Picassa did books. How is it, price & quality wise.
The Blurb and Picassa books were similar, but different. I had the same images put in both to better compare them. I ordered the smallest size (20 sides), rush shipped, and paid about $50 for each including the express shipping. I thought they were Ok, nothing really special, but everyone at the show really liked them. They're viewed as nice coffee table books and also as gifts for parents and friends. I think with more pages, they'd appear more substantial and probably look better. The quality was fine for the price. They're also easy to make. From the time I started to the time I uploaded the book for printing was only a couple hours, maybe less. I like the Blurb book slightly better, but only slightly.

[tnicol]

WOW! Thanks all. Tom I love you're banner and the idea of proof books. And Lisa I really wanted to do a slideshow. I just worry that we'll get a booth and it'll look empty. But I also, don't want to spend a fortune if it's not going to pan out.....But i've got till the end of May to decide. Maybe I'll get some really awesome ideas this weekend. I'm so excited. :)
Thanks for the kind words. In addition to the books being a rush, so was the banner. I wish it were a little bigger, but that's how it goes. I called a couple of sign place and they wanted almost $300 for a vinyl banner. The one I got came from FedEx-Kinkos. I took in a TIFF file and they just printed it on vinyl. All for less than $80. Tom...