Are Wedding Expos Really Worth Your Time?
Wedding expos can be beneficial for couples deep in the planning process but whether they are "worth it" can vary based on individual preferences and circumstances. Here are some benefits to consider when an expo is announced in your town:
Exposure to vendors - Wedding expos typically host a variety of vendors including photographers, florists, caterers, entertainment and more. This allows you to potentially meet all the vendor types you’re searching for under one roof.
Inspiration and ideas - Expos are sure to showcase some of the latest trends in wedding themes, decorations, attire and more. They can provide a good source of inspiration if you’ve found yourself having trouble moving in a certain direction.
Deals and giveaways - Vendors will sometimes offer special deals or giveaways at their booths. You might find cost-saving opportunities or exclusive packages that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Face-to-face interaction - Meeting vendors in person allows you to assess their personalities, professionalism and the quality of their work firsthand. Anyone can look good on a website but, for something as important as your wedding, you want to make sure these people are the real deal. I always encourage people to at least talk on the phone with vendors before making a decision.
Convenience - Having multiple vendors in one location can save time compared to researching and meeting vendors individually. It also makes it easier to make mental comparisons between them when you’re meeting them so close together.
While I’d love to say that wedding expos are all unicorns and rainbows, this isn’t true. Following are some potential downsides to checking out the local show:
Overwhelm - Wedding expos can be overwhelming for a number of reasons. Due to the sheer number of vendors and information being given you may find yourself curled up under someone’s booth, sucking your thumb in the fetal position. I like to think of it as Black Friday Shopping - it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of AND, if you’re not careful, you can lose sight of what’s really important.
Pressure - With so many people to meet and chat with you may feel pressured to book everyone you need at this one event. This isn’t necessary (unless your wedding is the following day) and you should never feel pressured to make a decision you’re not ready to make. Try to see it as a place to get a sense of what’s out there. If you feel like you click with someone, make note of it and follow up with them when you feel comfortable.
Limited Options - While expos offer a variety of vendors they definitely won’t include every vendor in your area. Some smaller or more specialized vendors, that may be a great fit for you, might not attend these events. Because of this it’s good to remind yourself that you don’t need to leave an expo with everything figured out.
Ultimately, whether a wedding expo is worth it for you depends on your wedding planning style, preferences and needs. If you enjoy meeting lots of different vendors and gathering ideas, attending a wedding expo might be a good move. However, if you prefer a more intimate or less hectic selection process you might find other methods of researching and meeting vendors more your speed. Consider looking over the list of vendors and doing some research beforehand, being prepared with questions to make the most of your experience.