Brides & Weddings Magazine
Tips for Vendors
By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings
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Wedding shows are finally back, and as a wedding vendor, you want to make the best impression with potential clients and do everything you can to get your business booming again. Even if your business is thriving, remember that consistent marketing is crucial for keeping your pipeline full. But how do you catch the attention of engaged couples as they restart planning the big day?
One answer is wedding shows. So today, we’re sharing a few tips for what to do before and after the event to maximize your investment.
Advertise and promote the wedding show
As a vendor, you should always take advantage of an opportunity to market yourself before a major event. Use all available communication channels to promote your involvement in an upcoming wedding show, including email, social media, snail mail, or phone. Also, be sure to use the show’s hashtags and tag the venue, the show, and some of your vendor friends who will also attend. You likely have brand followers waiting for a chance to see your products in person, so take advantage of this opportunity.
Give your wedding show booth a unique design
Your brand competes with dozens of vendors at a wedding show for attendees’ attention. So your booth needs a unique look to stand out. Consider the help of an experienced professional in creating an immersive experience to help your brand stand out. After a year of virtual meetings, couples will want some real-life interaction. Using photos, signage, furniture, and other elements will create an inviting, informal booth that encourages couples to stop and look through your portfolio, samples, swatches, or whatever you may be selling. Utilize QR codes in your signage to help people book appointments, enter contests and giveaways, and capture information in a pandemic-sensitive way.
Prepare everything in the days leading up to the wedding show
The key to making the most of your time at a wedding show is preparation. Several days before the show, ensure every presentation aspect is in order. This includes the booth, products, signage, business cards, food, or anything else you intend to offer potential clients. Also, don’t wait until the last minute! If you wait until the day before or the day of the show to take care of any loose ends, this will only add unnecessary pressure to setting up and presenting.
Use giveaways and samples to entice potential clients
Wedding show giveaways and samples entice couples to interact with you and make your booth more engaging. Additionally, they provide you with a platform to show off your brand in a creative way, leaving a stronger impression on potential clients. Depending on your business, you may also want to give visitors branded samples of your product, giving them a hands-on experience with what you’re offering them. Finally, raffles that require the submission of contact information are a great way to leave the wedding show with new leads.
Follow up with leads and industry connections within a week or two
The most successful wedding vendors prioritize collecting as many contacts as possible and following up with the connections shortly after the show. Utilize a raffle or giveaway to entice potential clients to share their information, and offer a discount on goods/services as a powerful incentive for potential clients who may be hesitant to provide this data. Work up an email drip campaign to follow up on those who visited your booth and one for those who did not. Apart from clients, wedding shows are also a great place to expand your network with other vendors who can provide referrals for your business and vice versa.
Showcasing your brand at a wedding show gives you a unique opportunity to cultivate new relationships, find clients, and build your network. Make wedding shows a focus in your marketing plan! For more information on upcoming wedding shows in your area, check out our events page.
Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Brides & Weddings and organizer of Women’s Wedding Network. She has more than 25 years of experience in business and marketing and is a trusted expert in the field. Rebecca is passionate about helping wedding professionals grow their businesses. She is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry events and has been featured in numerous publications. Schedule a call with Rebecca to get a complimentary marketing review.
