Many photographers make bridal shows or wedding expos a huge part of their marketing, and many don't. The past year we've booked the majority of weddings based on word of mouth advertising, and through a couple of online ad spaces. Then, we were lucky enough to find a couple of last minute opportunities to do some local bridal shows this past Spring, and we gave them a shot. As it turns out, we're the type of photographers who really enjoy bridal shows. And that's nice and all... we get to spend time together, we're not in front of our computers, we get to wear nice clothes and network with other vendors. But what's even better, and frankly the whole reason we go to such shows? They were successful for us, and led to us meeting several delightful couples who we're getting to know more and more as they welcome us into their wedding circle and plan their photography.
(This was the beginning stages of our expo display construction. Looks much better now.)
So... we're stepping up our game and giving the "big" bridal shows a shot. It's in our nature to try everything once when it comes to marketing. Word of mouth is still our best bet, the online blogs who feature our work are a lot of fun and always give us a nice ego boost, and the local bridal shows are on a pleasantly small scale which allow for a lot of one on one conversations. Next year though, we'll get our feet wet in the larger market of bridal shows and decide if they're right for us. They may be fantastic, they may be overwhelming and not worth the stress. We have no idea how they will turn out, but we'll be sure to let you know ;)
We decided to stick with just two "big" shows next year, and to start fresh in January of 2013. Our year will be kicked off with the Washington Bridal Showcase January 6th at the Washington Convention Center. This is the doosey. Pretty sure a gazillion other vendors will be there, and we will no doubt be the little guys. This does not scare us in the slightest. We much prefer to be the little fish. Being a big fish in a little pond doesn't give us much satisfaction. The show's organizers have prepared us to have thousands of hand outs and printed materials ready for the several thousand Brides they expect to host. Um... anyone know a good printer?! This is our scariest show, but we can handle it.
The second "big" show we decided to do (and trust us, we looked at several shows before narrowing down to these two) is the Lovesick Expo. Frankly, this is the coolest group of wedding vendors out there. We still can't handle the fact that they allowed us sit at their table. This show is the anti bridal show, bridal show. It's seriously amazing. They even do this awesome spin on how door prizes work, with the money going to charity. Charity! How wonderful is that?! Simply put, if there's a bridal show out there for us, this is it. It's smaller scale, meant to feel almost like a cocktail party at an art gallery with some vendors on hand to chat with. So if you're still in need of anything wedding related come January 27th... make sure you're at this expo.
(Lots and lots and lots of albums to look through. This is just one.)
Needless to say, we'll spend the next 5 months pulling ourselves together and preparing for these two shows. We'll keep you posted, no doubt. We like to go big or go home (although we hate that saying), so don't be shocked if you see Birds of a Feather Photography take on a completely new look and feel. We'll have sneak peeks into our brand overhaul over the next several months. Stay tuned!
But before all of this hoopla really gets going, we're going to be setting up shop with one last local (but far from small) bridal show this year. Our dear friend Monique Melton, who does beautiful makeup is organizing a fun, new bridal show. The Sealed with a Kiss Bridal Expo is going on this August 26th at the Hilton Garden Inn Solomons. For all you Maryland Brides, this is the fall expo to go to. Seriously... Monique's connections in the wedding industry have turned this into the who's who of bridal shows. Since we know not everyone gets engaged in December, the late summer/fall bridal show season is the perfect time for recently engaged couples to start planning their big day. We'll be there along with several other wedding vendors. Come on out and see us! Admission is FREE for this one! Take full advantage, that doesn't happen very often with bridal shows of this standard.
(Let's be honest, the free food at these things is our favorite part.)
Have a great day!
Great post...you are too much!
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