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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.
 
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
Cape Fear Wedding Show
12 to 3 p.m. Sunday November 2, 2008
The Schwartz Center, North Front Street
Downtown Wilmington
   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

A member of the Cape Fear Wedding Association
2008-09 Member
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.


A member of the Cape Fear Wedding Association
2008-09 Member
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
Sponsored by Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce 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.


A member of the Cape Fear Wedding Association
2008-09 Member
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.

   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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