Weddings Bridal show help

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
Patrick

Patrick

Just One Day At A Time
Sep 2, 2011
1,490
813
51
Martinsburg WV
www.patrickryanlewis.com
Hey all, we have decided to try a run at a bridal show in February. Many of you may recall the last time we did a bridal show...it was not pretty. But, we did only have a week to prepare for that one, so part of the unpleasantness can certainly be placed at our feet.

Since we have plenty of time to get it correct this time, I am looking for any and all suggestions on what we should do and not do here. We are placing a full page ad in the show's program (see it below) and I am thinking of using this as the flyer to hand out at the show as well.

Once again ANYTHING you can add (besides don't do it lol) would be a help.

View attachment 24472
 

Attachments

  • bridal show.jpg
    bridal show.jpg
    112.3 KB · Views: 22
Is the ad going to be in color? Right now that would be my biggest concern.
 
You are there to book dates on the spot and get as many qualified leads as possible. Equipment is not a biggie unless they are using you for all the announcements or background music.
A slide show would be helpful on a large enough TV/Screen.
Do not put a table in the front of the booth, rather place it to the back. Let your booth be welcoming. Light a few scented candles with a fruit or "edible" flavor like "creme Brulee" or "Strawberry". This lady (I know her in Houston) have some of the finest authentic smelling candles I know. It will make draw people to your booth. http://www.simplyscentsbyshan.com/eshop/customer/home.php
Smile, smile smile!
Offer a discount for booking on the spot or throw in a freebie. This creates a sense of urgency. Don't spend too much time with one person unless they are ready to book there and then.
Have fun, fun, fun.

Do a free drawing for something tangible. NOT YOUR DJ SERVICES! This will help you to create a mailing/contact list and you can call these prospects from the very next day after the show (While the other vendors are waiting to receive their lists)
 
I would suggest color on the flyers, even if you print fewer to offset the costs. Black and white will get ignored much more easily than color. A lot of what Houston said is true. I would bring some gear for the main purpose of a light on the ceiling or a speaker on a tripod is like a search beacon to anyone looking for a DJ. I personally would never bring anything with an open flame to a bridal show...way too many chances for it to be knocked over and even then, the shows around here don't allow open flames, even a caterer's sterno pack has to be closely watched.
 
Check spelling "ever" should be "every", "insure" should be "ensure".
 
I agree with Houston on everything 100%.....except the candles
a nice touch, but as Mac said, the insurance laws will probably not allow it.

personally I would not hand out the exact same ad that is in the program. (color or not)
if they see it once, they will disreagrd it when they see it the second time.

hand out something that is less "sales-ish"...
like "TEN TIPS ON MAKING YOUR RECEPTION A SUCCESS".
with your name and info at the bottom.
makes you appear to be more concerned with their well being, rather than the sale.

do not be the ONLY person at your booth...
the crowds come in waves, and it will be too much for one guy or gal
(and ya gotta pee now and then, NO?)

also, be sure your first question is "what is the date of your event"
bring an appointment book and check your availability right on the spot
prevents you from double booking, and gives the appearance you are real busy
(of course, if your appointment book is empty..it could backfire...so dont let them see it)
 
Also, do not stand in front of your booth, but on the sides. Yes, not only bring someone with you, but one of your DJs and as we do, one of your former brides! This way, it's first hand experience about your services. We have 2 former brides that love to come to our shows! And afterwards, we offer them dinner, their choice!
 
I think the ad is a good idea, a great photo, my only suggestion is the ad is a little wordy... I would try to reduce it if possible.

Maybe cheat a little bit, and browse though a wedding magazine and see what ad catches your eye and keeps you there... then put those elements into your ad.

The last piece of advice would be to give them something to take with them (brochure and / or handout) and to get a free-standing vertical banner (VistaPrint can have it to you within a week).
 
Typically we give our brochure and biz card. That's it. We'll go over our pricing sheet with them, if they bite, then we ask for the consult. Last year, it worked out great! We had 1 certain bride that really wanted us. I told her we stop at 3 and come back. She did with $ in hand for a deposit. Does this happen all the time? No. But, it's nice when it does.
 
We booked a client last Sunday and a great response for several more. We went in bare bones on a one day show. The turnout was great and we most likely will sign (modest count 6) I will keep you posted. Some of the DJs sit and wait for brides to come to them we go to them in a very soft sale approach but get them in a positive mode. We also play music. This one we had in auto mode and mostly old school R&B which had a huge attraction. Our vendors and potential clients all dancing and commenting on the great music. Two of us sold and for 6 hours we got information and spoke with 41 Brides. I will keep you posted PAtrick as to our success. Good luck with yours pal. YOu sell you. Brochures and information are only tools to explain you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back