Some tips for getting the
most out of a bridal show:
Take a notebook or daily planner so you can write down information
you'll want to remember. Don't count on your memory to keep track
of every contact you make or idea that catches your fancy.
Bring a friend: your maid of honor, your mother -- even your
fiance. A second opinion or different perspective can be useful,
and besides: the show is more fun if you have somebody to share
it with.
Expect to fill out registration cards at many, if not all, of
the booths. Besides the chance of winning door prizes, this lets
the vendors whose work you're interested in send you information
and offers that can help your planning.
To save time (and avoid writer's cramp!) while filling out registration
cards, consider bringing a set of return-address labels that include
your basic contact information.
Even if you aren't sure you'll need a particular vendor's service,
at least pick up a business card or brochure. Add them to your
planning file so you can find them easily if your needs or plans
change.
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Wedding shows
A great opportunity to meet professionals,
gather ideas
Schedule of shows | Planner
index | Getting organized
| Your wedding timetable |
Budget worksheet
Cape Fear Wedding Show exhibitors: Log in to download lead information
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008
The third annual
12 to 3 p.m. Sunday November 2, 2008
The Schwartz Center, North Front Street
Downtown Wilmington
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As you browse this site,
or read your Cape Fear Wedding
planning book, you'll find plenty of good advice and see listings
of the many local wedding services. But to shop and compare dozens
of these wedding professionals at one time, there's nothing like a
well-organized bridal show.
Each year, several wedding shows are held
in the Wilmington area, primarily in winter or early spring, but with one
in the fall. Smaller, more specialized events may be held at other times of year.
These shows offer you a wealth of resources
under one roof: gowns and formal wear, caterers and reception sites,
cakes and flowers, invitations, photographers and videographers, limousines
and many other products and services. Besides seeing their work up
close, a show gives you the chance to talk directly with these professionals,
get brochures, price lists and samples, taste the work of bakers and
caterers, and see examples of the latest wedding fashions.
Sometimes a show may be sponsored by a major
hotel or reception facility, in affiliation with the bridal registry
of a large department store. The sponsors may not open their shows
to their competitors. A show that's organized by an independent entrepreneur
may offer more choices in some types of service. Some shows are "exclusive,"
with only one or a limited number of exhibitors in any business category. Others
are open to all vendors. For these reasons, it may be worthwhile to attend more
than one show.
Expect to leave any show with a list of new
ideas you hadn't thought of before.
Bridal show schedule for 2008-09
2008-09 Member
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The Cape Fear Wedding Show
When: Sunday, November 2, 2008
Where: Schwartz Center, Cape Fear Community College
North
Front Street
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Admission: $5
Contact: Kate Meyer (910) 392-5228
This unique bridal showcase is sponsored by Cape
Fear Wedding. It will feature a continual bridal fashion show, live remote
radio broadcast and Bride & Groom's lounge.
2008-09 Member
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Carolina Wedding Guide Bridal Expo 2009
When: Sunday, January 11, 2009
Where: Schwartz Center, Cape Fear Community College
610 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Admission: $5
Contact: Mike Raab (910) 259-8323
The oldest wedding event in coastal North Carolina,
with over 80 vendors
Southern Cape Fear Coast Bridal
Showcase
When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009
Where: Southport Community Building
223 E. Bay St., Southport, N.C.
Sponsored by Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce.
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Contact: (910) 457-6964
Focusing on vendors serving the Southport, Oak Island
and Bald Head Island area.
2008-09 Member
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Sea Trail Spring Bridal Showcase
When: Sunday, March 15, 2009
Where: Sea Trail Convention Center, Sea Trail Golf Resort
75A Clubhouse Road
Sunset Beach, NC
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Admission: $5
Contact: Mike Raab (910) 259-8323
Second annual bridal event in western Brunswick County, produced in cooperation with Carolina Wedding Guide.
More: email to: michaelraab@bellsouth.net
Other resources
Association for Wedding Professionals International
This trade association has a detailed calendar of bridal events around North
Carolina, as well as nationwide and international directories.
AFWPI NC events calendar
Watch this page for other upcoming bridal events. |
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Some tips for getting the
most out of a bridal show:
- Take a notebook or daily planner so you can write down information
you'll want to remember. Don't count on your memory to keep track
of every contact you make or idea that catches your fancy.
- Bring a friend: your maid of honor, your mother -- even your
fiance. A second opinion or different perspective can be useful,
and besides: the show is more fun if you have somebody to share
it with.
- Expect to fill out registration cards at many, if not all, of
the booths. Besides the chance of winning door prizes, this lets
the vendors whose work you're interested in send you information
and offers that can help your planning.
- To save time (and avoid writer's cramp!) while filling out registration
cards, consider bringing a set of return-address labels that include
your basic contact information.
- Even if you aren't sure you'll need a particular vendor's service,
at least pick up a business card or brochure. Add them to your
planning file so you can find them easily if your needs or plans
change.
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