Weddings Upcoming local bridal show

Ive done a few of the bridal fairs...couple things to think about. It all sounds good so far but be sure on the lights and sound according to the rules...meaning that in the past the sound gets to loud and the people sponsering the fair may have a sound and light limit...just be sure.

One of the things Ive noticed more the last 2 years is that all the djs are talking about equipment and price....I refuse to play that game. I would find out where when and what they had in mind and then begin to paint the picture based on what they told me....I would rather speak to 50 brides and grooms than have basic contact with a 1000.

Make everything you say about them...not what you've done or where you've been....lets be honest who cares....if I was the customer my only goal would be what can you do for me....thats where one on one talking gets you further with each bride/groom.

Something else to consider...dont put a table or anything between you and the brides and grooms....this says your not approachable...you want them to approach you. All tables or equipment should be visible but not in the way of the people you are trying to get to come in....invite them in be friendly...as if your inviting them into your home.

You may want to have the g/f there to pass out flyers to those with some interest while you are working on the ones who seem to show more than just a casual interest and want to know more.

Wear comfortable shoes...I know goes without saying but then again it really doesnt....you wont have time to eat for the most part...be prepared. If you do have someone who wants to book try and have the g/f get all the info for you so you can get back to selling you to someone else....Above all stand back once you are set up and take a good long look at how the set up looks ...does it look to cluttered...is it overkill....is there a flow to the booth..meaning....come in ,sign up, lets talk, leave....or will everyone be bumping into each other to get to the sign up while your talking to someone...just some thoughts

Ducky and I have done the big bridal show in our area the past two years with nice results. Our trick is we don't try and sell the equipment (in fact we don't bring any), instead we sell the music and our personalities. We also listen to the clients, in our area that's a biggie.

DJ J Mac said:

Ducky and I have done the big bridal show in our area the past two years with nice results. Our trick is we don't try and sell the equipment (in fact we don't bring any), instead we sell the music and our personalities. We also listen to the clients, in our area that's a biggie.

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That is the best piece of advice ever!
At that point in time, your potential customers are not interested in equipment or lights. Instead, make yourself a presentation book, or do a slideshow on a PC/flatscreen TV. Make sure you include lots of pictures of people having fun from your past events. If you have any written recommendations, scan those in and show them. The main object of your being there is to make eye contact and introduce yourself to as many would-be brides, as you possibly can. Follow up is absolutely important. Do so, the very next day. Do not let those leads get stale, because someone else may either beat you to it or the prospect may forget who you are.
You may want to give out a discount certificate (with an expiration date) to your prospects. This will be one of the reasons why you will be calling on them after the show. For those who want to sign up with you at the show, you can either give a discount or all the same fee you can throw in an extra feature such as extra lights, etc.

I make up contact slips as well and give them tell them if they'd like to set up a free consultation they can fill one out and we'll definitely be in touch.

Get all contact info, wedding date/location, if they need ceremony as well as reception service, etc. Everything you need to get back with them and give them a quote!

This gives you info you need to follow up. Don't rely on or worse WAIT FOR the lists the shows give you after the fact. Make your own list during the show.

I'm going to try the slideshow/lcd monitor thing at the next show I do in April.

So far I've stayed away from giveaways because they seem to attract too many people who aren't considering services, but I'd be interested to hear how it works for you!

Good luck, and have fun!

If you do have a drawing of give away....one of the things to make sure they put down is any email address....you now have the info before the bridal fair folks send it out....so sound to go has the right idea

All great advice!

Like others we don't even bring the equipment to the show, and instead try to make our booth look "pretty."

Put some flowers in a vase, put some chocolates in a fancy bowl for the attendees.

Ask questions and listen to their answers.

Personally, I like the shows as it gives you some face to face time with potential clients.

Kirby Ball said:

Put some flowers in a vase, put some chocolates in a fancy bowl for the attendees.

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If there are places giving out samples of food, have a bowl of lifesavers type mints for people to have. People loved us for having those available.