Bridal Show Demeanor

 

So now that you have done your research and decided to be a vendor at a bridal show, what are the next steps for you to take?

After you sign the contract, now is the time to think about how you want to "display" your business during the bridal show. 

• I'm a firm believer in keeping your decorations to a minimum.  Less is truly more in most cases.
• If the show sponsor provides you with a list of pre-registered couples, send them a message notifying them of your booth and that you'd love to meet them.
• One show day, make sure to have a sign prominently displaying your business, marketing materials, business cards, photographs of your work, a registration sheet and a giveaway item.
• Bring your own linens and florals for your booth.  Create a design that not only will showcase your talent, but also the type of couples your seek.
• Dress business professional...the way you'd be dressed for any meeting you'd have with vendors and/or clients.  But make sure to wear comfortable shoes.  You'll be standing much of the day
• Engage the couples that come to your booth.  Don't just stand behind the table to speak. Come near them. Shake their hand.
• Also take time to visit the other vendors booths. No you won't have time for a long conversation, but introduce yourself, grab a business card and follow-up with them after the show.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.trufflescatering.com )

How Much Does This Business Cost?

I remember when I started out in this business almost 13 years ago, I had no clue about what I needed nor was their anyone around to ask questions about business start-up expenses.  Opening the doors of your wedding and event planning business isn't going to cost you an enormous amount of money, but you do want to invest wisely in your image.  Because what the client sees is what helps then decide to make that call or send that e-mail.

Below are some estimated start-up costs for a wedding & event planning business*:

• Logo Design - $100-200. Hire a graphic artist to create your business color palette and a logo. This is the foundation of your business branding process and will follow you for many years
• Website - $800-$1,000.  If you can finance it, I suggest you hire a web designer to create your site. Although there are some really good website companies that have over 200+ templates allowing you to create/design your own site for a nominal monthly fee, there is a BIG chance that someone in this industry will have your website design.
• Business Stationery (business cards, letterhead, envelopes, media kit, brochures) - $500. You want all of your stationery to be off good quality and to match your website design. This will show cohesion within your business.
• Office Equipment (desk, chair, computer, printer, software, cell phone) - $2,000. You MUST have a designated space and items to create a workspace. This is your business and where the motivation and creation begins)
• Legal Fees - $300. Have a lawyer review any information, especially contracts, that you will be asking your clients to sign. You want to be in compliance with the law and to make sure you are covered.
• Business Licensing - $50 per month. You want to make sure your business is covered. If you are going to have a home-based business, contract your homeowners insurance company to discuss your options.

*these prices are only estimates and not concrete figures. Do the research within your area before making purchases.

Until next time...WEDologize!