Designing Your Booth

When designing the layout and theme of your booth ask yourself the question, "What will make brides want to come into my booth?" A warm and inviting atmosphere is a great place to start. Instead of sitting behind a table, create an open space where you can engage brides. Use the table as an opportunity to showcase your wedding reception centerpieces. Brides want to envision what their wedding day will look like. Show brides the many possibilities by printing out and framing bridal bouquets and centerpieces from previous weddings. Also bring a photo book that brides can flip through and see the type of work you have done. Remember to avoid cluttering your space with too many items. Crowding the space will take away from the warm and inviting atmosphere.

Collect Leads

Your time at a bridal show will be wasted if you walk away without any leads. Many vendors choose to collect leads by holding a contest or drawing. Have brides fill out a slip of paper with their contact information to enter into a drawing to win a free wedding centerpiece. Make sure you ask for their name, email address, phone number, wedding date and location.

As brides are filling out the slips of paper, engage them in conversation. Ask when their wedding date is and if they have booked a florist yet. Ask about their wedding colors and if they have any favorite flowers. These specific questions will help you make a connection with the brides and have a better understanding of where they are in the planning process. If a bride says they have already booked a florist, don't carry on the conversation for ten minutes. Move on so you can speak to as many brides as possible.

Don't Leave Brides Empty-Handed

At the end of the day, brides will sort through everything they received at the show. Sadly, most business cards, brochures and flyers will be thrown in the trash. Pass out a promotional piece that entices brides to contact you. Offer a free consultation or create a sense of urgency by listing potential consultation dates. Make sure your contact information is clearly available.

Follow-Up Quickly

The day after the bridal show, use your leads to follow-up with the interested brides you spoke with. Either send out an email or personally call each bride. Individually calling will give you the chance to build relationships and encourage brides to make their consultation appointment.

Bridal shows are a great way to advertise your flower shop to hundreds of brides! Keep in mind that some bridal shows require vendors to book several months in advance.

Start searching for bridal events near you and begin planning today!