Attending a wedding showcase is an exciting and informative experience. You’ve explored several vendor booths, tasted delicious cake samples, admired stunning wedding dresses, and gathered brochures, business cards, and inspiration. Now that the event is over, you may be wondering, “What’s next?” To help you stay organized and make the most of your showcase experience, here are the essential steps to take after attending a wedding showcase.
After the event, you’ll likely have a collection of flyers, business cards, and promotional materials from various vendors. Take time to go through everything and categorize them based on vendor type, such as photographers, florists, caterers, and venues. This will help you sort out what caught your eye and allow you to easily reference contacts later.
If you took notes or snapped pictures during the showcase, now is the time to review them. Recall the vendors that stood out to you and highlight any key details that might help you make decisions later. This will ensure you don’t forget any essential details that might have sparked your interest during the event.
After reviewing all the information, sit down with your partner and discuss your impressions. Share your favorite vendors, products, and services, and compare notes. Together, you can narrow down your top choices and decide which vendors you want to follow up with.
Now that you have a clearer idea of available services, take a look at your wedding checklist. Prioritize the most crucial elements, such as securing your venue, booking a photographer, and finding a caterer. Knowing what is most urgent will help guide your next steps and prevent last-minute stress.
If a particular vendor impressed you at the showcase, don’t hesitate to follow up with them. Many vendors offer special deals for couples who book shortly after attending the event. Reach out via email or phone to ask additional questions, schedule consultations, or request quotes. Don’t forget to take advantage of those specials offered during the show!
If you discovered potential venues or caterers at the showcase, schedule site visits and tastings. Seeing a venue in person and sampling a caterer’s menu will help you make a more informed decision and ensure their offerings align with your vision.
While it’s tempting to book the first vendor you love, it’s wise to compare packages and pricing. Make a list of pros and cons for each vendor, considering their offerings, experience, pricing, and overall impression. This will help you choose the best options for your budget and preferences.
Wedding vendors can book up quickly, especially popular ones. Once you’ve made a decision, confirm availability and secure your bookings by signing contracts and making deposits. This will ensure you don’t lose out on your preferred vendors.
Use the information gathered at the showcase to refine your wedding timeline and budget. See if your wedding photographer can help guide you in creating a timeline if you don’t have a planner to help you. Set clear deadlines for when you need to finalize decisions, make payments, and complete essential tasks. A well-organized timeline will help keep your planning on track.
After booking vendors, maintain communication to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Regular check-ins can help address any concerns, finalize details, and keep everyone aligned with your vision.
Engage with other engaged couples through wedding planning groups and forums. These communities can provide valuable insights, vendor recommendations, and support throughout your planning journey.
Most importantly, enjoy the wedding planning process! Attending a showcase is just the beginning of an exciting journey toward your big day. Stay organized, communicate with your partner, and have fun bringing your dream wedding to life.
By following these steps, you’ll transform your wedding showcase experience into actionable plans, making the wedding of your dreams a reality!
Happy Planning!
-Jessica
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