THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - sneak peek

Thanks to Kathy Strukel and Jesse Vogel......

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A BRIDAL SHOW......

I always prepare my brides for their first bridal show. The trick is to go prepared and to understand that there will be ALOT of people at the larger ones. Lots of vendors AND lots of other brides, MOB, Bridesmaids,etc. Below are some pointers to keep in mind when you go. They are in no particular order:
*Pre-register. Chances are you're going to have to pay a few dollars to go in. Most times, you can pre-register online and save some money, so do this if it's an option. It will also save you some time at the door. That means more time on the floor to research vendors.
* Grab a bag. If you're handed a bag when you enter, take it! You're going to be collecting lots and lots of paper with vendors information on it and it's nice just to be able to slip into the bag. My brides LOVE the bags they receive at the vacation booths.

* Take a pen. This way as you collect those pieces of paper you can make a star on the ones you like, so if there are a lot of vendors you can remember who's who when you get home.

* Ask questions. That's what bridal shows are all about -- getting to talk to the vendors. Find out exactly what they mean by on their handouts. Ask details about the packages they offer or how flexible they are about customization for your wedding. Also, make sure they have your date available. If there is a vendor you are really interested in hiring, make sure you grab a business card, info and make an introduction. It is very likely that they will remember something about you. You'll have more time later to chat if you can schedule something with them a few days after the show.
* Avoid entering your name into every drawing. Most times, you will only receive a lot of solicitation phone calls from vendors you really are not interested in anyway. Only enter if you are really interested and won't screen their calls.
* Limit the people you take with you. You will have a ton of vendors to review and this is truly for you and your groom. I would suggest taking: the groom, planner, mother or anyone who is close to you and you feel will be helpful. Just make sure to keep your number to two extras per show.
*Allot enough time. For a larger show, this means at least 3 - 4 hours. You don't want to feel rushed. Why not make a day of it and have brunch or dinner afterwards?
*Wear comfortable shoes! Whether comfort to you is sneakers or stilettos, just be sure to wear what is comfortable for you. ( My husband thinks I am crazy because heels are MUCH more comfortable for me) You will be walking A LOT and most times the flooring is NOT carpeted.
What tips have you found helpful? I'd love to hear them!

THE INDY AREA VENDOR SHOWCASE - BRIDAL SHOW 2009

Don't miss out on this event! Brides and others will be able to view the newly renovated Sheraton - City Centre Indianapolis. The event will be held on the entire 21st floor featuring the Panorama Room - with spectacular views of Monument Circle. Come and see the new space as well as sample tasty food treats from The Sheraton Catering and Dining Divas, champagne, non-alcohoic beverages (margaritas,pina coladas,etc) and wonderful cake samples from Heavenly Sweets and Cakes by the Pound. Fabulous hourly door prizes and THE SIGNATURE BRIDAL SWAG BAG for the first 100 registered brides.

When: Sunday, March 29th

Time: 12pm-5pm

Where: The Sheraton City Centre

31 West Ohio - 21st floor

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Cost: $5/person - a portion of the proceeds to benefit THE PINK ENVELOPE PROJECT a division of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pre-purchase tickets here.

Participating Vendors:

Cocktail Sax Jazz Band

lemongrass photography

Enflora Florist

Heavenly Sweets

Dining Divas

Indy Photo Booth

Entertaining with a Flair

Setting the Mood with Jamie

BBJ Linens

Connie Duglin Linens

Goldberg Photography

Cc Elaine Bride Chic

eyeMax by Kiralee

Bridal Beauty Studio by Blush

Westwood Paper Company

Roger Muller Videography

My Bar to You

Four Season Travel

Tommy Bahama

Arbonne

Fitness Now

The Guyer Institute

Indianapolis Wedding Blog

the simple dj

katie and kristin photography

Cakes by the Pound

Soul Purpose

Clenapure

Hodges Massages

Starr Strung jewelry

baby and me gifts

JC Disc Jockey Service

Eclipse DJ Service

La Beaute Sap du Jour

Sweet Occasions

Flowers by Melissa

Air- Tan

cdk management

Bustle

the simple dj

Carpentar Realty

Mass Mutual Financial

Lia Sophia

Studio 135

Sprinkles Wedding Favors

Concept Design Studio

Markey's Audio/Visual

Be sure to stop by the e-vents room for beautiful tables scapes and a special treat for the bride and her friends!

FRIDAY FAVE - a revival

If you are planning a honeymoon to a tropical resort or any warm weather place, these items from Tommy Bahama are sure to please. I remember buying all sorts of warm weather gear for our honeymoon - great tried and true classics. Most of which I still use today. I had these great dreams of riding horses on the beach . Very romantic -right? Wrong! My husband and I along with 50 of our new "friends" rode the horses thru Negril and then made our way to a not so sparkling bit of water/beach. Needless to say, we did not make it to the water. However, I must say I looked pretty cute aboard my horse with my fabulous tropical gear. The items pictured above remind me of that whole vacation. Anyway, enough of my vacation story.

I love the straw hats and the flowing feel /look of the materials. Don't they just scream HONEYMOON????

Tommy Bahama also has a wonderful fragrance collection!

Indy Brides attending THE Indy Area Vendor Showcase - BRIDAL SHOW 2009 have a chance to win a WONDERFUL fragrance basket from Tommy Bahama. You will also see some of their great items as they are presenting at the BRIDAL SHOW!

AND...... the first 100 brides to register on line will receive an extra special gift from Tommy Bahama in the SIGNATURE BRIDAL SWAG BAG. Makes me wish I were a bride again:) ( same hubby - of course!

Be sure to sign up at http://www.indyareavendorshowcase.eventbrite.com/ soon. The showcase is March 29th from 12pm-5pm @ The Sheraton - 31 West Ohio Street - Indy.