At any of The Original Wedding Expo™ bridal shows, you'll find an extensive array of wedding specialists. All the major categories of wedding planning are covered and covered well: photographers and videographers, function facilities, bridal and tuxedo shops, florists, cake bakers, DJs/bands and limousine companies will all be in attendance.

At our larger shows at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Centers in Marlborough and Fitchburg, you'll find multiple specialists within each of those major categories. You'll also see a fair amount of specialty exhibitors such as stationers, seamstresses, gift companies, bridal registries, spas and salons. Our hotel shows have the same level of diversity, just on a smaller scale.

Planning your day
Here are some tips for a productive Expo outing (excerpted from BRIDE & GROOM™ Magazine):

Set goals. Know what you want to achieve at the Expo before you arrive. Identify your action items, such as which vendors you want to sign up that day or what information/ideas you want to collect-will help you get and stay focused.

Prioritize. After setting those goals, highlight the areas you need to cover first. This will help you map out a strategy for the day. Our show guide lists all the vendors in attendance, so you'll be able to find key people quickly and easily.

Be prepared. Have a list of questions for each specialist ready ahead of time. This will help maximize your time with them.

Comparison shop. Don't feel pressured into signing up with the first vendor you meet. Take the time to meet as many as possible. The education you'll get will help you out later on.

Know your budget. Knowing what you want is important, but so is knowing how much you have to spend.

Divide and conquer. If you're attending as a couple, splitting up and working the room separately will allow you to cover more ground. However, if you're planning on any major decision-making, such as booking a reception facility, videographer or limousine, sticking together might be best.

Time-saving tips

• Arrive early and work backwards. If you get to the show when the doors open, head for the vendors that are the farthest from the entrance (and not yet busy). This will give you a unique opportunity to have some quality one-on-one time before the crowds kick in.
• Use the Expo show guide to mark off the vendors you liked best. It includes phone numbers, which will come in handy later on.
• Bring pen and paper to take notes. We will provide you with a bag to collect literature/samples throughout the day.
• Collect and read literature later. Use your Expo time to meet/talk to as many vendors as possible.
• Bring pre-addressed mailing labels to speed you through filling out lots of cards and forms.
• Make it an adults-only day. You'll get more accomplished without worrying about keeping kids occupied.
• Split up. By breaking up your entourage into smaller groups everyone can go at their own pace, collect twice as much information and cover more ground.
• Stay energized. Wear comfortable shoes and keep yourself fed and hydrated.