Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful, we totally get it! We have broken down exactly what you need to know to help you get the most out of the unique experience that is attending a Wedding Show!
With over 25 years of Wedding Show experience, we are here to provide our insider tips to prepare you for the show!
BEFORE THE SHOW
Buy Your Tickets Online
We are doing our part to cut down on paper usage! We no longer sell tangible tickets at the door and are now online only. But, by buying your tickets in advance, you and your wedding tribe will save time at check-in where you will receive a welcome bag with fun goodies!
Gift yourself the VIP Experience
The VIP experience is a way to enhance your time at the wedding show with a champagne entrance, VIP lounge, and a tote bag sponsored by Cheers to that Shit. VIP gifts include a Bride t-shirt, 18-month wedding planner, and so much more!
Create A Wedding Email
We recommend creating an email address specifically for your wedding – like mywedding@gmail.com. Keep in mind that email addresses like .edu or .gov may be blocked! Creating a temporary email specifically for your wedding will help keep your life organized during this planning process. You’ll be receiving a lot of valuable information and most of your communication with vendors will be via email. You don’t want anything important you’re waiting for to get lost in the mix of your personal emails!
Create A Show Plan
If you’ve already started your wedding planning, then congratulations! Our shows are a great tool for any couples that are just starting out or only need to check off a few more items from their list. We strongly suggest that you and your wedding planning team decide which vendors you will need to target.
Stylus DJ Booth at the F&Co Winter’23 Wedding Show
Who do you still need to book to make your big day a success? If you’re just beginning to plan, decide on the top categories to book first (venue, wedding planner, photographer, caterer) and look to meet these vendors at the show.
TIP – You can start your research early by checking out our online vendor directory.
Come Prepared With Questions
The show is your chance to ask the vendors everything, so don’t be shy. Come armed and ready with a list of questions!
Bring The Important Stuff
Remember, the shows are here to connect you with your perfect wedding pros! Items you should have on hand are:
- Your wallet – Many vendors offer show specials if you sign with them that day, so be prepared.
- Calendar – You may want to meet with a wedding pro at another time outside of the show to discuss things further. Bring your calendar to schedule future meetings immediately.
- Labels or Stamps – Pretty much every wedding pro that you speak with will ask you for your information to be entered into drawings or to send you follow-up information. Be sure to bring pre-printed address labels or a self-inking stamp. Either way, include: your name, contact info (phone and email), and wedding date!
- Planner – Your wedding planner/organizer should be one of your “go-to” items during your planning process! You can keep track of your budget, booked vendors, meetings on your calendar, etc! During the show, VIP’s should reference their 18-Month Spiral-Bound Wedding Planner they received at check-in!
AT THE SHOW
Bring Your Wedding Tribe
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting (and stressful) things you’ll do in your life. Bring the people whose opinions you value most. Your wedding tribe should provide support, input and suggestions and should be who truly knows what is most important to you and your significant other! Bring your fiancé! We promise they will have a great time too! Our shows offer something for everyone!
Stay As Long As You Like
Other than meeting new wedding pros and gaining knowledge, our shows are just FUN! Plan for plenty of time to meet your prospective wedding pros, taste the food, wedding cakes, beverages, and of course, watch the fashion shows. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, talking and collecting material. VIP’s, you can carry all your goodies in your super cute new tote and we also suggest that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing on this busy day! On average, our couples will spend about 3 to 4 hours at the show.
Come Hands-Free
At the show, you will receive a welcome bag to help you collect literature and detailed information on the wedding pros that you meet. Coming to the show completely hands-free is strongly recommended. The last thing that you want to do is juggle your coat, a bag and your purse, while filling out information and navigating through the aisles. Engage with the wedding pros & ask lots of questions. This is your chance! Don’t be shy! Our wedding pros want to help you, so find out everything you need or want to know to make your wedding perfect.
Take Lots Of Pictures
This is the best place to capture images and inspiration. We love Pinterest, and our show is just like Pinterest Live! So get inspired, aim and shoot! But, don’t forget to also capture all of the memories of you and your wedding tribe at the show, you’ll enjoy looking back on them later.
Stay For The Fashion Shows
The fashion shows are a must-see. You’ll have a chance to get a sneak peek at some of the latest wedding fashions for you and your entire wedding party. You can also get a glimpse at what may turn out to be your entire look!
Parking
Parking for the Forever & Co shows is free!
AFTER THE SHOW
Relax
You just attended a wedding show and kick-started your wedding planning in the best way possible! You’ve made your planning so much easier by avoiding endless hours of phone calls, meetings and appointments. Now kick up your feet and take in all the new information, photos, and materials you collected throughout your Wedding Show experience! 
Start Organizing
When reflecting on the connections you made, we recommend organizing the vendors by categories. Some wedding pros have time-sensitive offers and promotions; so don’t put it off too long. Figure out what vendors you need to book first, and reach out to them from there.
Schedule Follow-Up Meetings
Narrow down your wedding pro categories to those that really stood out to you. Schedule follow-up meetings to go over any other questions or concerns you may have thought of since the show.
TIP – For VIP’s, don’t forget to use the calendar in your 18-Month Spiral-Bound Wedding Planner!
Keep Planning
Keep track of your wedding pros, stay on budget and manage your guest list. You’ve got this!