Happy Saturday!

It’s Wedding Fair season here in Calgary, and with it comes a slew of “Tips and Tricks for Surviving Wedding Fair” blog posts. Not that there’s anything wrong with that – they typically contain really helpful information!  It’s just that the same information is being covered over and over again… and so when I sat down to write a blog post on Wedding Fair, I was drawing a blank. I didn’t want to do the same post everyone else was doing – after all, doing what everyone else is doing is not the Lavish way! – but I did want to post an informative blog.

And so it began – here is my list of what NOT to do at Wedding Fair.

1 – Don’t wear heals. Seriously.

- I know, they look fabulous. And YOU look fabulous in them. But listen – unless you’re the kind of person that can walk for hours and hours in heels with no issue, skip them. It’s a cement floor.  Your back will thank me later.

2 – Don’t pretend to be a Bride if you aren’t one.

- This is for all of those wedding professionals out there who plan on attending the show.  It’s a GOOD thing that you attend – but don’t sign up as a Bride or Groom at the door and wear the sticker around. It really annoys exhibitors when they try and talk to you about their services (because you’re wearing a sticker that says BRIDE or GROOM, duh) only to find out that you’re a wedding professional who is just checking out the show.

3 – Don’t bring us your resume and ask if we’re hiring.

- It’s a funny thing, but for some reason we get like 20 people at each show who want to talk to us about a possible job. Which is great! But not at the show. We have put a LOT of time, energy and money into our exhibit, and we are super-excited about talking to Brides & Grooms about what we can do to make their day spectacular. We can’t do that if we’re talking to you about your resume. Feel free to approach us, introduce yourself, and let us know that you’ll contact us after the show regarding a job. And that’s that.

4 – Don’t be offended when exhibitors try and talk to you.

- I know – you feel like we’re all trying to sell you something, right? Well – we are. All of us. We’re businesses, and I can tell you that we have all put an incredible amount of time and effort into our display each year. We do that so that you can get a glimpse of what our services are, and how we can make your wedding fabulous.  There are 200+ exhibitors at the Wedding Fair, and it’s important to us that you leave at the end of the show with the information that you need to make the best possible choices. That information is what we want to talk to you about. So please, don’t scowl at us when we ask you how your wedding planning is going. We just want to help you – that’s our job as wedding planners.

5 – Don’t wait too long to contact us.

- One of the reasons we love the Calgary Wedding Fair so much is that we meet so many of our couples there. In fact, it usually only takes us a few weeks following Wedding Fair to fill up the remainder of our available dates for the upcoming summer and many of our dates for the following year. We will be scheduling consultations right in our booth – and we have only a limited number of appointment times available. If you want to know if LAVISH is the right Wedding Planning company for you – don’t wait until after the show to schedule a consultation. Sign up at the show, so that you don’t miss out.

6 – Don’t be surprised when your inbox is suddenly filled with newsletters & offers from vendors.

- We’re not trying to spam you, I promise.  But many of the exhibitors offer special promotions to couples who attend the Wedding Fair – even after the show is over. The only way we have to communicate that to you is via email.  If you’ve read any of the “Tips & Tricks for Wedding Fair” blogs out there, then you know that it’s a good idea to create a wedding-specific email address.  Then, once your wedding is over, you can delete the account.  We try and send out really helpful information in our newsletter {lavish*life} – and we are thrilled that so many brides continue to request our newsletter even after they are married!  Anyway – when you receive those newsletters & promotions, know that we’re all genuinely trying to offer you services that we think will help make your wedding an amazing experience.  Please don’t hit the “Report as Spam” button. Most of us send a newsletter that includes an “unsubscribe” button at the very end.  If you don’t want to hear from us again, just click on that. Warning though – you’ll be missing out on some fantastic behind-the-scenes stories, design tips, and amazing inspirations. Just sayin’!

7 – Don’t bring your kids. Or anyone else’s kids.

- I know, that just sounds rude. But it’s not. I’m telling you this as a mother myself – Wedding Fair is overwhelming for children!  There are TONS of people, and it is in general a sensory overload.  The grownups find it overwhelming at times – imagine how a child feels!  Plus, you’ll get way more out of it if you come without the wee ones.  The displays are not designed for strollers, and there are lots of breakable items everywhere you turn.

8 – Don’t have tunnel vision!

- Wedding Fair is an opportunity for you to see what is out there.  We are SO amazingly spoiled in Calgary – we are home to some of the worlds’ best wedding designers & other wedding professionals. Our city is often way ahead of the trends, and so you’ll probably see some ideas that you’ve never seen before.  Take it all in!  Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.  And remember – exhibitors are limited as to what they can show  you!  We only have a small space to work with.  Often you’ll see just a small sampling of what we can do.  Last September our booth was a very luxurious and romantic theme.  Though our booth was hugely popular at the show, I heard one bride comment “that is SO not my style” and she walked right by without coming in. Fair enough – but remember, you’re only seeing a glimpse of what we – and other professionals – have to offer.  We choose a different theme and style for every booth we design.  Which is SUPER fun, by the way.  But don’t assume that what you see is the only style that is available. We’re versatile and flexible and can design in whatever style YOU want. We just had to choose one style for the show.

9 – Don’t come hungry.

- This one is super practical. Food & drinks are expensive at the BMO. Have a decent meal or snack before you arrive – you’ll be glad you did. But do save a little room – there are often tons of samples and treats available for you at no cost from exhibitors.

10 – Enjoy the experience!

- OK that’s not a Don’t. But it’s the most important item on this list!  You will only be married one time, and the Wedding Fair is a ridiculously amazing experience, filled with incredible inspiration.  Soak it all in. Take photos. Allow yourself to dream. Being engaged is such an exciting time in your life.  Be in the moment, and enjoy being in love!

See you all at the show on Sunday!