Bridal show set-up

[akimartymar]

I plan on doing my first bridal show here locally in July. I have 6-16x24 mounted prints, 2 framed 16x20s that will go on easels, and several mounted 8x10s and 8x12s. My main concern is how to display my mounted 16x24s. I went to the last show and saw several people who had unframed, mounted prints on display hanging from a set up "wall". I didn't think about it at the time but I should have taken pictures to look at later. The one idea I'm thinking about is using decorated pegboard to hold the prints. Any suggestions on how to set up my displays?

[Ann Martin]

I think peg board, decorated or not, is going to end up looking cheesy. I'm of the mind that you shouldn't bother to do a bridal show unless you're going to present yourself in the very best light. Aim for elegance, you'll attract a more upscale bride.

I've seen a lot of booths that use doors, they're relatively inexpensive (the hollow kind are inexpensive) and sturdy.

I've seen the doors joined with hinges, where you can use them like a screen and I've seen a base built out of plywood for each individual door. There's a slot in the top of the plywood base you slide the door into for the display and out of for easy breakdown and storage.

The tops of the doors are decorated with crown molding and you can add inexpensive track lights....a display with lit images will make a big difference.

[bondarnes]

We use two hollow core doors hinged together with regulat door hinges. These usually come with the edge already cut out to accept the hinges, Assemply is so easy even a cave man could do it. They come in three basic sizes 24" closet, 30" bedrrom, and 36" entry. Standard height is 80". I prefer the largest size unless the 30" has a really great price on it.

You also have to consider how you are going to get it to and from the show. I take the seats out of my minivan and they fit with room to spare. We repainted ours a different color each year for the first four or five years. By then they had so many nail holes from print hangers that we covered them with inexpensive low knap carpet in a neutral gray color.

We usually use two sets (4 doors) and either set them as two V's or if the booth is small we set them up as two L's with one door of each set side by side across the back and the second door of each set coming from the back of the booth towards the front. In this configuration you can hang prints on both sides of the "wings". We have used these for about 15 years so they wear well.

[akimartymar]

Originally Posted by Ann Martin

I think peg board, decorated or not, is going to end up looking cheesy. I'm of the mind that you shouldn't bother to do a bridal show unless you're going to present yourself in the very best light. Aim for elegance, you'll attract a more upscale bride..

I wasn't too clear about the pegboard but I meant having it totally covered with fabric so no one would be able to tell it was pegboard. It's just lighter and cheaper than plywood. I didn't think about using doors though. That's a good idea. I was thinking something along the lines of what Don said about hinging them. Thanks for the input.

[Ann Martin]

Ahhhhh, gotcha, Martin.

[akimartymar]

I just went to Lowe's and priced some hollow door and some crown moulding to trim the top. It looks like I should be able to make 2 separate hinged sections for about $150 with paint and all. Thanks again guys for the help.