By Audrey Eichelberger and Kosha Patel
Guest Columnists

Having a chance to talk with vendors from every branch of the wedding industry who are all in one room and all in the same day sounds like a busy bride’s dream, right? Wrong! For some, walking into a sea of vendors and a room full of equally stressed brides can be more overwhelming than walking down the aisle.

But this is the time when wedding visions are supposed to become clearer and to-do lists to become increasingly shorter. So how can you, the bride, overcome the vast wedding wonderland before you?

First, have a goal. Most brides walk into a bridal show and aimlessly begin to wander the aisles with no clear idea of why they are there. Your primary focus should be to shop. Before heading to the event, make a list of vendors that you still need to hire and make it a point to visit each booth that showcases those needs. Every attending vendor will be prepared to talk to you about their pricing and wedding packages. Most will also be prepared to write up a contract for you should you want to sign up for their services.

That leads us to our second tip ... be prepared to leave deposits. Not only are vendors equipped to talk about their services, most of them will have also created a bridal show special discounting their services. That means great deals for you! However, the specials usually expire or decrease in value at the end of the show. So being ready to leave deposits and sign contracts will ensure you get the best savings.

Our third tip is to be organized. Over the course of the show you will be exchanging information with a countless number of people. Creating a system for both gathering and giving information will help cut down on confusion. For gathering information, take a tote or folder for loose literature and giveaways. Taking an additional folder in which you can place important documents, such as contracts or vendor information you are truly interested in, is also a good idea. Be sure to carry a pen for taking notes as well.

For giving out your information, take printed labels with you that list your name, phone number, address, e-mail address, and wedding date. These can be used to add your name to vendor sign-up sheets, a tip that will allow you to get in and out of booths quickly. If anything, it will save you from having to rewrite the same information over and over again!

Our fourth tip is you should bring a back-up! Ask your mom, your maid of honor, or your groom to come help you field the sea of vendors. Lure them there with the promise of free food and cake samples … a temptation few can resist! Not only will they help you stay focused and organized, they will also ensure you have a great time.

Our fifth and final tip for you is to have fun! Soak up all the attention being paid to you and take pleasure in having so many professionals dote on you! Watch the fashion shows, eat cake, and enjoy all the wedding ideas surrounding you.

Audrey Eichelberger and Kosha Patel are wedding designers and co-owners of Timeless Beginnings. Find out more at www.timeless-beginnings.com or by calling 355-2758 or 363-5398.