Bridal show season is about to start.  The first major show is this Sunday January 6th, at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa from 11- 4.   I thought I would post some helpful hints for those brides to be, planning a wedding, and looking for photography. 

First, be sure to bring premade address labels with your names, address, email, phone numbers, wedding date and location (if you have one yet).  This will save you time when entering vendor drawings for free stuff.

Talk with vendors and only take brochures for vendors you want to consider hiring.  You can also make notes on brochures or rate them with a star if you like them, etc.  This way, you are more likely to remember who you liked when you get home and look through the brochures.

Resist comparing by price alone as there is so much more involved.  You want to choose vendors who are professional, have experience, have talent, etc.  Remember this is your one shot and it can't be re-done.

Bring your check book and credit cards to book your services at a show.  Most vendors offer extra savings and/or incentives to book at the show.

Spend time looking at pictures and albums.  Do you like the photographer's style, presentation, quality of books offered.  Are they included in the packages offered or are they upgrades from a bottom price?  Find out what is included or extra, for example: is designing the album included, how many changes are you allowed to make before you incur additional charges, etc.

Overall, ask questions and see who you like.  You spend a great deal of time with your photographer on your wedding day.  Will this person get along with your family and other vendors?