Bridal Show Worth It?

Business By PhunCakes Updated 3 Feb 2015 , 3:49pm by cakesbycathy

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PhunCakes Posted 20 Jan 2015 , 5:33am
post #1 of 9

ASo there's an upcoming bridal show nearby happening soon. The vendor fees are $300 for 2 days 9am-9pm and 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday respectively. I feel like this is ridiculously expensive but there will be over 2500 registered brides and I will be provided a list with all their names and contact info after the event. Is this worth it? I figured just one small wedding cake could cover the costs. What kind of experience do you guys have as far as bookings from bridal shows? Should I do it?

8 replies
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Snowflakebunny23 Posted 20 Jan 2015 , 10:14am
post #2 of 9

I would say that seems good value.  I pay about £90 for one day, from 11am-3pm.  The most brides I have ever had come through is 128...and that was a record for the organisor!  I think bridal fayres are hit-and miss.  I have done 3 now and some yielded nothing, but i took 4 enquiries within 12 hours of the last one and haven't even sent out follow up emails yet.  In terms of the cost though, you must bear in mind the 'secondary costs'...banners, flyers, cake samples etc.  And it is HARD work...but fun :-)

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anglicamark110 Posted 20 Jan 2015 , 11:47am
post #3 of 9

If you're going in there looking for anything, be sure to look at just that. I know it sounds weird, but my mom and I went to a bridal show a few years...

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Scarves Styles

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Motta Posted 30 Jan 2015 , 2:28am
post #4 of 9

Yes, totally worth it. That price is very low in comparison to bridal shows around here in Canada. Plus you sell one cake for $300 and you've made your money back. Plus getting the list of brides is a great way for you to send them a direct mail piece - don't email them. Make it personal and pretty and they'll call you.

 

The networking that goes on at bridal shows is great too. Get to know the other wedding professionals in your area and start a referral network of people you trust. Good luck!! 

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leah_s Posted 30 Jan 2015 , 4:37am
post #5 of 9

A[INDENT][/INDENT]That is a ridiculously LOW vendor fee for a show drawing that many brides. You're paying 12¢ for a qualified lead. Super cheap.

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Lizzybug78 Posted 3 Feb 2015 , 10:18am
post #6 of 9

AWow, I'd kill for that sort of footfall! My last one was £130 for one day, 11am to 3pm, and I was very happy having spoken to maybe 4 dozen couples out of the hundred or so that attended.

I do know though that I get business from this fair - the couples that come seem to be quite focused.

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petitecat Posted 3 Feb 2015 , 2:22pm
post #7 of 9

It's basically gambling- can you afford to pay $300 (plus secondary costs like snowflake bunny said) if in the end you don't get a single booking out of it? I have to say, getting a stall at a fair AND getting a list of brides and their contact info seems to be a pretty good deal to me.

 

If you do decide you'd like to take that chance, go very well prepared with business cards, samples, well made dummies, etc. There are some threads about tips for decorators who go to trade fairs- have a search and you should get a lot of tips.

 

Oh and if you do go, I second what Motta said- send them mail rather than email, preferably on very nice letterheads.

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cupadeecakes Posted 3 Feb 2015 , 3:30pm
post #8 of 9

Yep, $300 for 2 days and access to 2500 brides is super cheap!  Most shows in my area are closer to $1000 for ONE day and usually not that many brides.

 

Like you said, one cake sale will more than pay for the booth.  Go for it!!

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cakesbycathy Posted 3 Feb 2015 , 3:49pm
post #9 of 9

The most popular bridal show here charges $1000 for a table for 2 days. 

$300 is a STEAL.

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