The Great Bridal Expo’s spring tour dates and cities is now posted on our website, along with a list of vendors slated to participate in each show. I hope you’ll check it out and join us in a city near you!

Happy holidays everyone!

We’re wrapping up our fall tour in Chicago this weekend. Hope to see all you Windy City brides at the show, and we have an early holiday gift just for you — 2 free tickets! Go to www.GreatBridalExpo.com and use coupon code CHSMP at checkout.

The show will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2009, at 12:00 noon.

Address:
HYATT REGENCY O’HARE
9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago (Rosemont) , IL 60018

You can see a complete list of all the exhibitors at the Chicago bridal show here.

And you can watch a preview of the Great Bridal Expo’s show here.

We hope to see you there!

As the founder and CEO of The Great Bridal Expo Group, Inc., the nation’s only national touring bridal show, Bill Heaton has been presenting professionally produced bridal events in major U.S. cities for over 30 years. Heaton’s events feature a balanced mix of national and local exhibitors, three New York-style fashion shows, and amazing sweepstakes and contests throughout the event.

He shares some tips about what to look for in a vendor at a bridal show here:

1. Take time to visit every booth and talk to the exhibitors one-on-one to determine whether you feel comfortable with them. If you choose to work with them on you’re wedding, you’re going to be spending a lot of time together! Make sure they take the time to answer your questions, and are willing to spend more time with you in the future at their studio or place of business.
2. Look for wedding vendors who have friendly attitudes, reach out to communicate with you, and have samples of their work on display.
3. Don’t miss the fashion shows. At many shows, you’ll see the most current styles straight from New York’s runways.
4. Great bridal show exhibitors will show you samples and examples of their products and services that are relevant to what you envision.
5. An organized, well put-together bridal show booth typically indicates an organized, well put-together operation and, therefore, wedding!

Visiting a bridal show is a wonderful way to meet a large number of local and national wedding exhibitors in one magical place. Typically, there are gorgeous displays featuring florists and reception venues, samples from bakers and caterers, and of course, there’s always a glamorous fashion show!

When you go, remember these 5 tips, and you’re sure to have a great experience.

1. If the show offers online registration, take advantage of it, as it will save you time at the entrance. Try to arrive about half an hour early to secure a good parking spot and a great place in the entry line.
2. Bring a notebook, pad or planner to make important notes about the service providers you meet. Pre-printed, self-adhesive address labels are also great to bring if you have them; they’ll save you time filling out information at each booth.
3. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely spend up to four hours experiencing all the show has to offer.
4. Make sure you pick up the goody bag at the entrance. Not only does it contain valuable information, it also gives you a place to keep brochures, your fashion show program and other swag you’ll pick up inside the show at the booths.
5. Bring the groom! He can carry all your stuff, and it’s his wedding, too.