I started the day so nervous. I was going to be on display in front of a lot of people. Don't get me wrong; I knew what I signed up for but still it was a bit nerve wrecking. Not only could I be rejected by brides and their mothers, vendors could not be a big fan either. Some of the booths/vendors have been in the wedding industry for years and I still haven't even hit the year mark. I am confident in my work and what I do but approval is important.
I did learn a lot and in true Katie fashion made a list of those things:
1. Carry cash: This may seem silly but such an important thing. I wanted to get to the fair fairly early so that I could carry a few remaining things in and get everything in place. First mistake was not having cash. When I arrived the day of the event to park I needed $11 in cash. No idea. I sweet talked the garage attendant to let me park and I promised to come back and pay him then I was on the search for a ATM. I asked a cop to help show me where one was. He joked with me about being honest and going back to pay even though I already parked. Hello...southern character y'all. I used the remaining money to grab a soda and a bag of chips!
2. Ask questions. Maybe I got caught up in all the excitement but when I signed up for the booth I didn't ask many questions about the day of activities. I knew their was a meeting at 11:30 the day of the fair for vendors but I didn't know where to even go in the convention center. On Saturday (set up day) Rusty and I walked all around the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. All. Around. It. I finally called my bridal fair consultant to ask where to go. She helped us and then I learned their was a loading dock! It was considerably closer to my booth than the other parking garage we had gone too. We paid $9 for 20 minutes of parking before finding out about the loading dock. Needless to say I know what type of questions to ask next time!
3. What about lunch? Tummy growl! I didn't even think about what to eat. I got to the fair around 10 am and didn't leave until 6 pm. I had a little bit of money for a soda and chips at the concession but saved my remaining dollars to tip the guys who would load everything into my car. When things died down at points I would run to other vendors and sample their food. Added bonus was my booth was next to a bakery. They let me have too many cake samples. It was delicious!
4. Did I really wear those shoes? Self explanatory. Totally my fault but I looked cute.
5. Don't force it. The biggest thing I can't stand is a vendor jumping out in the aisle to grab you. If you are like me you like to be nice to everyone but a pushy vendor is not fun. The one thing that I strive to do is make eye contact and offer a warm smile. Most brides know what they want. If they smiled at me I would kindly ask if they had a wedding videographer. Some lie, say they do and keep walking. That is okay! If they said no they didn't have one I would offer them pricing information, my card and go over the basic package that most of my brides choose. They had the option to leave their contact information with me for further follow up but didn't have to if they weren't further interested. The brides were kind! I want a bride who knows what she wants and is confident. Those brides don't need a pushy vendor; they need a helpful vendor full of spunk!
6. Remember how it felt to be a bride. After going over my information, I would smile and reassure each bride. I can remember bridal fairs. Loud music, tons of people, countless vendors, lots of walking and information overload. It is a lot to digest in one day. I worked to make sure each bride I met realized that I was also their to help. Not only do I want to film your wedding but I want each bride to have a great wedding! The wedding they have dreamed of. I told brides to contact me for any questions about wedding planning, videography, was taffeta was the material for them...anything!
7. Thank goodness for a stool. I am so glad I thought to bring a stool. Even though I only used it for the last 20 minutes or so, it was beyond beneficial.
8. It is all worth it. I talked to numerous brides but even if I only get one or two weddings, it is worth it. You don't realize how doing a bridal fair can boost your confidence as a vendor. I love interacting with brides. I met a few brides and grooms yesterday that were amazing! They are the reason I signed up. They were such dynamic couples full of love and life. Those are the couples I want. They make it worth while!
9. Networking. I also loved getting to meet new vendors. Florist, caterers, bakers, travel agencies, other videographers, photographers...everyone. Each vendor has something new to offer whether it is a recommendation from them about me or words of advice. I am grateful for networking!
No post about a bridal fair is complete without numerous amounts of pictures. The theme that I wanted my booth to have was vintage and rustic charm. I decorated my table with the thought of what I would want another wedding of mine to look like. Let's take a look:
I had a lot of brides stop and take pictures of my banner. I explained how simple it was to make and hopefully sent them away inspired! I am so blessed to have been a part of the bridal fair and to meet so many wonderful brides! Happy Monday folks!
aw sweet photos!
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