Since we are promoting (on our wedding budget page) the idea of doing lots of shopping and seeing vendors in ALL price categories, (even if you think a particular wedding vendor is out of your budget, you should still look for reference purposes), we highly recommend Bridal Shows and Bridal Faires. Bridal Shows are the best opportunities for you and your fiance (yes, you WILL drag your GROOM to at least ONE bridal faire!) to see many wedding vendors, chat with a few and, most importantly...GET INSPIRED!
THE FASION SHOW, WEDDING DRESSES
Many Bridal Faires are also FASHION Shows, i.e., they have a fashion show of Wedding Dresses and Apparel. Seeing a fashion show can be very imformative to a bride who is still in search of her dream wedding dress. Often, a bride to be will attend a bridal faire 2 years before her actual wedding date, which makes going to a bridal fair a great opportunity to check out the latest trends, fashions and wedding dresses.
Tasting is another great benefit of going to the show. Many caterers and cakery's bring their edible goods for display and tasting by the many people who go to the show!
TALK AND SEE MANY WEDDING VENDORS
Speak to as many vendors as possible. Pick the brain of the person working at the booth. Get as many ideas as possible by asking what other brides are doing. Get as many pamphlets as possible and read the materials at a later date.