29 December 2009

Bridal Shows 2010




'Tis the season for bridal shows. The first one of the 2010 in Indianapolis is January 3,  at The Ritz Charles - (more details below). The Ritz Charles always has an amazing show and I am sure this one will be no exception.  Everyone is full of renewal and grand thoughts for the new year. As a bride (9 years ago), I was able to go to several shows in my area. I liked both the smaller ones and the larger ones. The small one where there may just be a few vendors has a more intimate feel. I would strongly urge you to try to attend one of the smaller ones first. You may just find your vendors there. You will definitely have more 1:1 time with your vendors. The larger ones are a little more tricky. I remember being completely overwhelmed when I attended the first one as a bride. 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.
*Check with your wedding planner for free tickets. Most times, the bride and groom receive free tickets.
* Grab a bag or two. 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. Your second bag can be used to discard some of the items thrust upon you that you don't want and have a hard time telling the vendor "no, thanks". Just remember to recycle.
* 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?
*Go later in the day.  The busiest time is at the very beginning of the show. Rest assured the vendors will still have plenty of items on hand to pass out to you.
*Take your camera or camera phone.  For photographing some of the displays.
* Have a plan. Most times, the same vendors will be at each show. If you believe you will be overwhelmed by the size of the show, then just visit a few vendor categories to visit.
*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!

January 2010 Shows:

January 3, 2010 Indianapolis Monthly Bridal Show
Ritz Charles
Carmel, Indiana
Admission: FREE
11-3PM
More info here


January 9th & 10th 2010 Perfect Wedding Guide
Scottish Rite Cathedral
Indianapolis, Indiana
Admission: Free for Brides and Grooms (must register)
11-4PM
Register here


January 17, 2010 Ace Party Rental, LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Indianapolis Executive Airport
Indianapolis, Indiana
2-5PM
More info here






Photo credit: Lemongrass Photography

e-vents Engagement Contest 2009


With the start of one of the biggest engagement times of the year, e-vents: a wedding and event planning company is having an Engagement Story Contest!
Did he get down on one knee? Did he take you on a special trip, Did you propose to him? Did he involve family and friends?  We want ALL of the details! The more details the better.

Who is eligible?

Anyone with an engagement story from 10/01/2009 - 1/05/10


What do I need to do to enter?

1.)Submit a photo of you and your fiance' to egrego160@gmail.com

2.)Submit your engagement story with full details to egrego160@gmail.com  

3.) Engagement story must be at least 250 words.

4.) Wedding must take place in 2010 or 2011 and be in the Indianapolis area - including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Avon, Brownsburg.


Please note - all entries will be posted on the e-vents blog page.

What does the winner receive?

Month of  wedding coordination package  from events: a wedding and event planning boutique (based on availible dates in 2010).  $1200 value

Complimentary admission to ALL  e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique  Bridal Boutique wedding workshops.

 
What are the rules?

*Engagement stories must be from NEWLY engaged couples from 10/01/09 to 1/05/10
*Deadline ends midnight 1/05/109 - no exceptions

*Winner will be announced on this blog on  1/14/10.


Who are the judges?
*e-vents: a wedding and event planning company owner, Erika Gregory and team members.
* The Grooms Guide owner, Shaune Shelby.
*VOTES cast on our blog,  by readers. Be sure to send your friends and family here to vote!


Good luck to each of you!



Photo credits:  The Amazing Brooke and Pedro Photography

BTW - If you haven't seen Brooke and Pedros website, you MUST click the link above for some true eye candy.

11 December 2009

Wedding Weekend Buzz in Indy

The next few months will be FULL of wedding related events (bridal shows, open houses,etc.) in Indianapolis. I want to be sure our Indy brides and readers are kept abreast of all of the happenings in and around Indy. Be sure to send us any special wedding related event you may know of at erika@e-ventswedding.com  and we will post each Thursday night!

Bridal Happenings for 12/11/09 thru 12/13/09:





21 S Range Line Road, Suite 100

Carmel, Indiana 46032

317-564-4856


Be sure to stop by and see Heather Lapham Kuhn at her beautiful new boutique. Tell her we sent you.....


05 December 2009

Classy Engagement Photoshoot

 









Many of you know my love of great wedding photographer's websites and blogs. I could spend most of the day viewing the sites. Lucky thing that I get to do this when researching photographers for brides or for info for this blog. I really enjoy the fun and flirty engagement shots most couples do. However, when I came across these photos from Megan W. Photography, I was IN LOVE (again) with the dressed up  engagement photos of Matt & Erica. Erica is a girl after my own heart with her Tiffany bracelet, stilettos and pencil skirt.
One of my all - time favorite Indiana photographers is Megan Wynn-Grandi.  Her photography seems to really give you the feel of love for each couples she photographs. You can also tell she really connects with her couples. I can not stress to brides how important it is to connect to your photographer. You will be spending A LOT of time with your photographer and you need someone who will make you and your fiance feel comfortable.

Photos Courtesy: Megan W. Photography

04 December 2009

Thanking Your Wedding Party ( a post by GetMarried.com)


Etiquette and gift ideas for thanking your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
There are two ways to go when choosing thank-you gifts for those great friends who saw you through thick and thin (and probably a few wedding-planning meltdowns). Give him or her all the same thing or give each person something different. If you choose an all-the-same gift, try to personalize it by engraving their initials and/or the wedding date on the gift. If you go the something-different-for-each route, wrap them all identically with paper and ribbon that matches your wedding theme.

When and where?

A bridesmaids’ luncheon is a great opportunity to present your presents. Die-hard traditionalists indulging in the bachelors’ dinner can gift their groomsmen then. The rehearsal dinner is also a good choice if you’d like to give everyone a big thank-you at the same time.

How much to spend?

Since the Best Man and the Maid of Honor usually play more substantial roles on the wedding day and in the preparation leading up to the big day, their gifts should reflect that. Gifts for the rest of the attendants should be of equal value if you decide to give each person something different.


Gift Ideas for Your Bridesmaids

$

• A Personalized Manicure Set

• Lovebirds Chrome Bottle Stopper

• Monogrammed Jewelry Pouch

• Monogrammed Cosmetic Travel Bag


$$

• Monogrammed Weekender Tote filled with spa goodies

• Photo Album filled with memories of your friendship

• Personalized Spa Slippers

• Crystal and Pearl Personalized Friendship Bracelet


$$$

• A deluxe picnic cooler —complete with blanket and a bottle of wine

• Theater or concert tickets

• A gift certificate to her favorite spa

• Hanging Toiletry Bag



Gift Ideas for Your Groomsmen

$

• Chrome Top Hate Bottle Stopper

• Monogrammed Shot Glass

• Movie Passes

• iTunes Giftcard


$$

• Engraved Bottle Opener Key Chain

• Engraved Stainless Steal Army Knife

• Leather Money Clip

• Catch All Tray = making men more organized, one groomsman at a time


$$$

• Monogrammed Silver Cuff Links

• Leather Travel Case

• Deluxe Grilling Set

• Personalized Bar Sign = complete bragging right

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Wedding Planning