I just started a cake buisness and I have entered a wedding show in January. I went to a wedding show a few weeks ago to see how things are done and to get some pointers but there where was no one there with a cake booth. Does anyone have any advise on what to do, how to do things? Thanks for all your help!
Make sure your table cloth is floor lenght- sorry, it's just my pet peeve. No matter how nice your booth is, if the tablecloth isnt floor length it just doesnt look professional.
The ones I have been to usually have a few (what I suspect would be) dummy cakes and then several small real ones also that are labeled with cake and filling flavor so that you can cut small pieces for people to sample.
Since it really isn't possible to make enough dummies to show your range of work, It's also a good idea to take a portfolio with pictures of any wedding cakes you've done to show what kind of work you do.
And business cards! Lots of business cards! Information sheets are also a good idea with lists of flavors/fillings/icings and pricing (if you have base prices for certain things, for example), and that shows your website url if you have one.
I know there's more but for some reason I'm at a loss right now. If I think of anything else I'll post it.
I just got my info packet for our January one in the mail yesterday, and I'm pretty excited about getting into it...4500 brides in two days...wow!
I couldn't find one locally by searching the web even--I ended up finding out about it because I happened to hear an ad on the radio, of all places!
I'm doing several dummies and taking samples (but I doubt I can provide 5000 samples!), business cards and brochures, AND A HELPER.
I missed the one they had two weeks ago because I didn't hear about it until 2 days prior, but there was no one there with cakes, either! I just wish I'd heard about it sooner ! 
I'd have loved to have been there.
The booths are $420 and up, $150 deposit due now and balance before the show, and they provide the drop cloth, a sign, the mailing list, advertising, and I can't recall what else.
do a search for bridal shows....there are threads that have lots of info. about this topic....I know because I've searched them, and took notes. :}
good luck!
melody
If you are going to give out samples, many bridal shows require you have a temporary site permit issued from the health department.
i think juliebugg just about covered it. make sure your display looks nice too. i did a bridal show for my real estate company and my hubby and i planned/set up everything. samples are a must! they attract attention to your booth because the brides at this show are all about the freebies! have your schedule on hand too for on site inquiries. attractive and colorful brochures w/ prices, flavours, fillings, any promotions, etc are musts also. most of these brides will not remember you when they go home so make sure they have something to take home with them! a raffle is also another good idea. you could raffle off a wedding cake valued up to x amount. and make sure your raffle tickets include places for the brides to write names, addresses (e-mail and mail), phone numbers, wedding dates, maybe even recepion location, anything that you will need to contact them in the future!
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