Podcast

I recently asked a question in our free Facebook group, The Wedding Vendors Community, about wedding shows.

The question is “if you’re doing a wedding show in the near future, what feels stressful about it?”.

We got so many interesting results.

The first one we got was getting people to come over and talk.

That’s what we’re addressing here in this episode.

1. What you do with tables makes a huge difference.

Let’s discuss what not do to. Do NOT sit behind a table. Please. We see so many people doing this at shows, they’re the same people who feel like shows don’t work for them.

What you do with a table depends on what services you provide in the industry. If you don’t need a table at all, either ask for no table, or use a round high top cocktail table to encourage conversation.

If you do need a table, put it at the back of your booth and stand in front of the table.

Many shows have rules against being in the aisle, and it can be bad manners depending on the situation, so make sure you have your table back into your booth far enough that you’re within the bounds.

Have something inviting at your table, a book to look at, something to sign up for, a freebie, or sample decor.

Please please please always use a nice linen table cover that goes all the way to the floor.

2. Always give first.

This one goes along with getting people to come over to talk a little too.

To help break the ice with them, give them a compliment.

Anything, just make sure it’s genuine.

Their engagement ring is always a great place to start, just make sure they’re wearing one before using this one. Lol

They’re always excited to show it off and for it to even be noticed at all.

Aside from that, anything you genuinely like that they have going on. Hair, nails, clothing, their smile, etc.

It will instantly let their guard down and create a bond with them.

3. Show up on video on your social media weekly before the show.

I know you might not want to. If you can possibly overcome it (and we have lots of resources to help with that too), it’s worth it.

When they’ve seen you on video on social media, then they see you at the wedding show, there’s an instant connection.

We learned this shortly after when we first started using video several years ago.

We would be at a wedding show and someone would wave us down from far away, just within our sight.

They felt like they KNEW us. Like we were a friend for them to connect with at the show. A familiar face. A connection.

Hot tip: Connect with fellow vendors.

Even if not one person showed up to attend the show, connecting with the vendors alone would be worth all of the money, time, and effort you put into the show.

Good vendor connections, even vendors who are in the same specialty as you, who you would consider competitors, are your best business asset, and you are theirs.

They become friends, then you get to work with your friends every weekend!

They become a resource for your couples, as you get to know them and become comfortable referring to them.

They become how you fill your calendar, as they get to know you and become comfortable referring to you.

See the pattern here? Even the point we made here today about showing up on video on your socials applies to vendor relationships.

When they meet you at the show, and they’ve seen you in action on social media, the connection you make with them at the show will be faster and stronger.

Once you make the investment and look toward investing your precious time on a wedding show, you’re going to want to maximize the results you get.

Go to https://www.bridepath.com/weddingshow to grab more free tips for making your next show successful.

Thank you as always for being here!

Other important mentions:

Check out our fun challenge at www.thenetworkingchallenge.com for even more help in getting connected!