Bridal Fairs

[Breezy]

OK I have to know.
Are they worth the money?
I am looking at one and since we just got here I think it would be good exposure, but just curious if they are "worth" the money?
It is cheaper than some I have seen the time is 1-4 and at a local mall.
Would you drop the money on that or market in another way? If another way any suggestions?
Thanks In Advance

[toverman]

Depends on how well-advertised it is. If they're counting on normal mall traffic, I expect it won't be so worthwhile. Is one of the stores in particular coordinating it/hosting it? That could be a better deal.

[Breezy]

Thanks Todd
Honestly I am not sure what kinds of advertising they are doing. I will contact them with the questions.
Thanks

[HotHolly]

Im starting to think bridal fairs are a necessary evil. There are some that are like a cattle call - brides march through and there hasnt been much thought about how to make it fun for brides or help the vendors benefit from being there. And then there are others who makes sure EACH brides stops at each booth (to be eligible to win prizes), run great ads, and have large turn outs of real brides.

Here are some things you'll need to find out and figure out:

• How many of the same vendor they allow (you dont want to be next to other photogs)
• How long they have been doing the fair (newer unadvertisied fairs have less traffic)
• Advertising for the event
• Number of anticipated BRIDES (not total head count)
• What kind of info capture they do
• Are you are given access to that capture/brides list

The bridal fair should not look like a craft fair, all thrown together at the last sec with a bunch of grandmas wandering around b/c they have nothing else to do. That's a waste of money. And this may sound awful, but no one has lied to my face more than the local newspaper. They sell what ever they can however they can. Pay attenetion to the bridal fair sponsor. Talk to vendors from last year. If they track their brides, ask how many came in b/c of the bridal fair and how many booked.

Usually booking 1 wedding more than pays for the booth in smaller towns. And it is difficult to get that kind of exposure that fast. If the fair doesnt do the capture and make sure each bride stops at each vendor - you need to figure out how to get them to. Usually a give-a-way works and you get all the info you need. I disqualified them if they didnt fill out the whole form and got all the info I wanted.

[Breezy]

Thanks for all of the great info Holly.
I do know I would get the mailing list for the brides, but that is the only thing I can answer right now.
Thanks again!

[bondarnes]

I would want to know how many actual (a ring & a date) brides they had last year and how long after the show would I get the "list". I would also like to get a vendor list and start networking with them right after the show. During a slow time during the show make an effort to introduce yourself to as many other vendors as possible.

We always have an additional drawing at our booth and start working the hot leads right away. Our registration form asks, "Would you like for us to contact you about photographing your wedding? If so what is the best time to reach you?" Those are the ones we contact first. We start with the closest date and work into the future.

It is good to have a "show special" that is only good for one week following the show.

[Breezy]

Thanks all
I actually spoke with them just a little bit ago.
They have between 2-300 brides come through and a total of about 1000 people.
The cost is 650 They gave me 3 refrences. I called the photograper. She was very nice and helpful. She said he averages 3-4 bookings from each show, but the last one that was just in June she has already booked 6.
You get the list of brides within the week.
It is a 10X10 space.
I have to call them back with the other questions as the kids were on the computers at the time they called me.
Don I love the idea of having a "special" just for the show.

They aren't having vendors donate stuff, we get to do our own thing at our booth. And they also are doing where you can send a flyer, post card etc... to be put in the goodie bags.

So tell me so far what yall really think.

[bondarnes]

Sounds like they have a successful show and are upfront with everything. I think it would be a good investment IF you have a plan to work the leads immediately following the show. Sending a letter or postcard follow-up is not enough. You have to make personal contact, either by telephone or at least by e-mail.

[Breezy]

Thanks so much for the input Don.
I greatly appreciate it.
Right now I have nothing better to do lol as business is slow since I am still trying to get my name out there.
Thanks again all.