The Joy of Bridal Expos

In October, I attended my first bridal expo. This one was hosted at one of the most expensive restaurants in the area. Very ritzy. I really had no idea what to expect!

I went with my FSIL (who at the time had been engaged) and my FMIL. There were a TON of vendors, so it was a little bit overwhelming.

I collected information on photographers. The husband-to-be does photography, so I thought I would get him info. At this point in the game, he decided he would do our own photos to save money. I also was looking out for reception venues and salons.

There were about three bakeries with cakes to sample, which my FSIL loved!

I collected many a pamphlet on anything I might be interested in. We also watched a fashion show, where my FSIL could see the dress she had fallen in love with on a person.

All in all, this one wasn't too bad of an experience, if quite a bit crowded.

My second expo I went to was in March. I went with a co-worker who was also to be married this year. This time it took place at a convention center type facility out in Clarence. It was much larger than the previous one, but because it was March, I was there for very specific things.

This is where I found my cake for $99, which could feed 100 people. Most cakes of that size were at least $160 and up, so I saved a few dollars there.

They had a raffle and I won a $500 gift certificate to an expensive jewelery shop.

They also had one of the "ritzy" salons there with free hair and make up. It was the worst experience ever. I had very short hair and I had no idea what to do with it, so I gave the girl Cart Blanche with it. She gave me this Marylin Monroe curly thing, which I looked terrible with AND she burned my ear and scalp with her curling iron. My ear was peeling for over a week afterward! The worst was that she was full of excuses. "Oh if we were at the actual salon we'd use different equipment and that wouldn't have happened..."

I'm sorry, but a professional knows how to use whatever equipment they have on hand without hurting someone. I immediately scratched this place off my list.

I had a great time over all at this events. Here are few points I want to share:

*Both events were free to attend

*It is way more fun to go with a friend than alone

*Be VERY careful of which vendors you give your number to. Don't enter the sweepstakes with the $10K cash prize and cruises. They are a scam and will harass you. When you ask them to take you off their list, they get nasty and tell you that you opted in. I got nasty back and said I entered a raffle for a cash prize, not to get harassed on cruise deals, that I knew exactly who they were and that I highly recommend they not call me again. They hung up.

*This is a good time to compare prices, as you have so many of the same type of vendor in one spot. Also, you get a chance to gauge the attitudes and personalities of the people you could potentially hire. Also some have a "special" price if you book that day. I personally don't like to make a quick decision like that, but if you're certain about it, then this is a good way to save a little.

*If there is a coat check, use it. It gets very hot in these facilities, so even though it was the middle of winter, I was sweltering. I ended up carrying around my very bulky parka. It was quite cumbersome!

*There is bound to be at least one hot guy that you want to take home from the fashion show.