Thinking About Bridal Expo...expesive Though
Business By melodyscakes Updated 4 Sep 2006 , 1:43am by melodyscakes
hello cc'rs! I haven't posted any pictures in a long time, because I always forget to upload pic. to computer before I delete them. (just so you know before you click on my pic. and say "where's her wedding cakes?")
okay, I will be totally legal soon, and I am ready to hit the ground running! I am ready to advertise like crazy...although I don't have the money. haha
anyway, I am thinking very seriously about being a vendor at the huge bridal expo in jan. It cost $1,500! and that is freaking me out.
there will be 5 other cake vendors there. but the attendance is expected to be over 1000 brides. and with that $1,500 I also would get a small ad in the back of the area bridal magizine, which distributes 36,000 and it comes out twice a year, and it is all local wedding businesses.
i have read all your past post about bridal expo's and have taken notes.
here is what I would do: I would offer samples to all the brides, and mothers ect.. then ask if they would like to take a sample home for the groom. then ask them if they would just like to sign up for a tasting.
I would have one tasting a month, on a sat. and would have it at a romantic spot...not my house (4 kids and hubby take out the romance, haha) each couple would get cake, different fillings and they can put togethe which they like the best. Then write down what they like on a contract. then move on to styles, shapes, #of guest and so on. then consult with each bride and groom, have them sign a contract and give me a depostit that day.
in theory this all sounds good....i would like to hear from those of you who actually do consutations to see if my plan would really work.
I've read that most of the bride and grooms that do a consultation actually book a wedding cake. is that true for most of you?
I would like to hear from some of you that have done the bridal shows, or have some experience with them at all....because I have to be able to make my $1,500 back, because that money would come out of my familes savings....and thats just alot of money.
also, would you tell me what you think about the numbers, such as 6 cake vendors and 1000 brides.... also, some of the cake vendors have been doing this along time, another is a chef from new york, what I am saying is, I don't have the experience that the rest of the cake vendors....of course my prices would reflect that. as a beginner in the business, I am just not ready to charge as high of prices. my cakes are good, but not quite the same as those with all that experience. I think I would still have a market for brides who cant afford those prices. this is where i need your help also.
my stomach is in knots, debating whether to pursue this or not.
thank you for all your input!
melody
okay, one more thing I forgot to say, I have been contacted by a photographer that is new to this area and has agreed to take pictures of my cakes, in return for telling my brides about him. currently I dont have many brides, but I told him that I was thinking about doing the expo...so I would have professional pictures of my cakes to display....along with some dummy cakes.
one more thing, I am really good with gum paiste flowers. not to brag, but they do look incredible. I actually just ordered a bunch of gum paiste cutters from scott whoolley and should have them next week. when I get them I will be able to make the cala lilly, orchards, and other big and beautiful flowers. most of the vendors, from what i've seen on their web pages dont really work with gumpaiste flowers...so I would be different.
just something else I thought of.
thanks guys
That sounds like alot of money to me for a space,but I am in an area where most of the spaces may run from 350-500 for a bridal fair. Not only will you incur the cost of the space, but your cards, brochures, your samples etc. It sounds like you will be up against some pretty heavy competition. If there are 1000 brides, 6 vendors would have a shot at 166 brides each, if you jump in that takes it to 144 each. You will have to really do something to outshine the others. Can you find out who the vendors are? You might do some research on them, their style, pricing, their specialtys, etc. You would then have a little ammo to work with. Your booth needs to be stunning, elegant and professional. Dress to kill. Have a killer dummy cake. Offer a drawing for a special gift. That way you have their name and phone number and maybe the date their getting married.Have a good looking knock down gorgeous guy with a tux on giving away your cards are better yet offering them some cake. A computer slide slow of your cakes. I could go on with this, my point is that since you are kinda the under dog, you need to have a good bark. If you just get 10 of those brides, you could maybe pay your expenses and make a little profit. Good Luck and let us know what you decide. Plan...
Plan... and Implement.
okay, so that show cost way too much!!! I'm not going to do it, but I will be doing another show....."The Perfect Wedding Guide" show, thanks to golfgirl for telling me about it. it is going to be half the cost!
but the same other cake vendors will be at this one also. so I have been researching and researching their styles, and prices. I do not have the experience that they have, so my prices are lower....hopefully I can get lots of brides...and lots of experience so that one day my prices will be like theirs.
I cant sleep...all I do is think about cakes, all day and night.....its crazy!
could some of you that have done shows, or experienced with wedding cakes tell me what flavors you do to pass out for samplings? I would appreciate it very much.
melody
My only comment, from a business perspective, is don't have prices that are TOO much lower than the other vendors. That can lead people to believe that there must be something wrong with the cakes. So you can price a bit lower but still be competitive. What someone said about dressing to kill cannot be overstated. People like to deal with professionals and that means looking professional: skirt and jacket, with heels. Pearls always seem to exude bridal professionalism for some reason. Have a decent haircut.
I have some marketing experience and customers will usually buy from someone they trust or that makes them feel good/confident. Have professional business cards (not computer made), etc. And, SMILE lots. It's as much about YOU as it is about your product. Good luck!
I've done wedding fairs before for my wedding business (tiaras, veils, accessories, not cakes). I'm talking huge, 3000 brides, 10k attendees kind of events. And the "price" for a 5 foot booth at that fair is about $1,500. BUT I've never paid more than $500. I generally sign up at the last minute, when they're desperate to fill leftover booth spaces. I pay $500 and end up with a 10-15 foot wide booth (instead of the standard 5) and since I get put in the dress area, my booth is 30 feet deep (instead of the standard 5). Don't be intimidated by the stated price. There's usually a *lot* of room for negotiation, especially as the date draws near. You can also offer to give a product or service for a raffle as a way to get more attention and placement at the fair.
Give out coupons. On full sheets of paper with your contact information, preferably a picture as well. Don't give out anything smaller or it'll get lost in the massive ammounts of literature the brides will be collecting.
thank you for your advise!
I am crazy busy working on dummy cakes, and tweeking prices...and stuff like that.
thanks!
melody
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