Read more . . .  http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/celebrity-style/staticslideshowmc.aspx?cp-documentid=26869207

Princess Diana’s wedding dress still makes an impression!
See it on tour!

Imagine a bride sitting in a salon. Magazines are there to peruse, often they are bridal magazines. But does she needs to purchase it now?

With the many web sites, online bridal registries and more, there is a multitude of ways for a bride to get the information she wants and needs. There is more than she needs!

We say goodbye to Modern Bride magazine and possibly a few more. Remember how well they served us through the years. Thank you, Modern Bride.

Related story  http://www.doublex.com/blog/xxfactor/if-modern-bride-has-been-what-does-make-me#

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/publishers-changing-at-conde-nast-too/

Knowing that each show has a unique flavour, the answer truly lies in the needs of the participant.  When many producers stress the desirability of their shows, does that really mean the show is right for every business? No.  If you are interested in participating in bridal shows, you should assess each show first.  Shows cost money and time.  If not managed wisely, the efforts can be futile.

When considering a bridal/trade show, here are a few questions to ask.

• Is the show taking place in my business area? Alternatively, am I willing to travel to my clients?
• Is the venue suitable for the client’s I want to attract (think about accessibility and focus, too)?
• Is the booth space within my budget?
• If this is an unexpected show and I did not budget for it, do the demographics suit my needs?
• Do I have the staff to operate it?
• Do I know how to work it?

These are just a few questions.  Times have been tough for businesses lately, but that can justify the need for participation and increased exposure.  Let us face it; if you are still in business, you are doing better than many small-to-medium companies that shut their doors in the past twelve months.  Good for you!  Now, continue to build on it!

Our company currently produces two distinctly different bridal shows—the Western NC Bridal Show and the Brides & Beaus show.  We focus on the Carolinas with our base being in the Charlotte area.  It has not always been that way, though.  We have promoted across the Gulf Coast states, including Texas, where it all began in 1985.  As part of our shows, we offer workshops for exhibitors to learn how-to exhibit at the show.  Held several months prior to the actual show, it allows business owners to better prepare their booths and staff for the marketing venture.  Yes, bridal shows are for marketing and interaction with potential customers in a neutral setting.  You should budget for them and take advantage of offers that will help you succeed. 

Our workshops are available to each participant’s entire staff at no cost*.  Where your product or service may initialize a new customer, service will make the difference.  Take the time to ensure your staff is doing what is expected—before, during and after a show.  They are paid to perform a job and with the proper tools, they can do it better.  We provide this seminar on how-to work a trade show as another tool for you to use.  This means a more thorough interaction with the participation in a bridal show.  It is up to you to make it work for your specific business.

Assess the shows in your area or region.  Remembering that the show can help you build your business, ask questions. Then, take advantage of the offers available to help you toward a successful show and more business.

* Limited seating.  R.S.V.P. is required. Available to paid participants only.

Let us say that a bride wants to get married this year.  No matter the reasons, the wedding will happen this year– 2009. Does this mean that when money is tight, she cannot have a beautiful ceremony? No. Ceremonies exist in all sizes and styles.  But what are the current businesses doing to make their services more affordable? This may be a discount, a sale or special, or perhaps payment plans.

Do you know a business that is reaching to the economical bride?  Please share what information you have with us!

So many have said they would have loved to do something like this. Remember, it is YOUR wedding! Make it meaningful to you. Your guests will remember your day, too.  It can be a reflection of who you are.

Bridal shows bring a variety of services together in one location. It serves as a “shopping mall” of bridal opportunities.  Exhibitors can display their services and products.  They can also see who is there competition. Brides get to window shop without the pressure of decision making.

Let’s face it. Shopping is fun! Getting new stuff is fun! Having to work within a budget make it harder. Bridal shows are a planning tool—a place to gather information and feel for what’s available.

Are bridal shows worth it? Yes! For the bride AND the exhibitor, a bridal show is a worthwhile endeavor with much of the criteria being the same.

How do you know which shows are right for you? There are several things to consider. Ask yourself a few questions.

• Is the location in an area where I want to do business?
• Is the show price in my budget?
• Will I make contacts or gather ideas that will benefit me?

If the answers to these questions are YES, then you have already determined it is a possibility. Now find the shows that are right for you.  WNCBridalShow.com