What to Expect When You're... At a Tradeshow
Tradeshows are big events! They can be a sensory overload or leave you overwhelmed with more questions than you first walked in with. Be prepared and focused beforehand in order to achieve the goal you came with and leave with a good experience.
This blog’s focus is to give you the knowledge to have that feel-good experience!
Our Tradeshow Guidebook
1. Most Common Mistakes
2. Top Vendors to See
3. Desires and Results
4. Frustrating Symptoms You May Experience
Feel free to jump around the sections, read what you need to know first, and enjoy the show!
Most Common Mistakes
Not Preparing Questions
Many couples wander without preparing questions for vendors, leading to wasted time and missed opportunities to gather important information about services and pricing.
Questions for Kinloch Grove? Check out our FAQ page and we answer everything from “do you have gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible washrooms?” to “Can we hire our own caterers?”. Yes and Yes! Dates and pricing are always changing so we’ll have the most up-to-date info at the show for you!
Overlooking Budget Considerations
Engaged couples often fail to establish a budget ahead of time, which can result in falling for services or products that are beyond their financial means.
Looking for an Affordable Outdoor Wedding Venue in Manitoba? We created a site that has a lot of built-in amenities, we set up and tear down our tables and chairs according to your layout, we even have extra services to provide for you! Accessing services and products from fewer vendors reduces costs and creates a more streamlined day. Staying on budget is possible.
Ignoring Follow-Up Procedures
After the show, couples may neglect to follow up with vendors they are interested in, potentially missing out on discounts or special offers.
Don’t forget about us! Best way is to reach out before the show. But after, dig though that tote full of business cards and send us a hello! We’ll gladly go over everything we talked about and more. We’re just as excited to start the planning process as you are.
Top Vendors to see
Featuring Kinloch Grove, Lisa Douglas Photography, Flora Culture, Honoured Alternatives
Venues
You may be wandering the wonderful wedding show with over 3000 other couples, so with that in mind... Wedding locations are one of the top priorities for newly engaged couples, and they will be eager to discuss availability, pricing, and package options with us, just like you.
Our booth may be busy when you walk by, but don't be shy!! Give us a wave or a nod and we can get the ball rolling! Our booth is designed with easily accessible information, videos and photos on display, and we’ll have our calendars easily accessible.
Photographers and Videographers
Who better to capture it all than the professionals? Your job is to find the photographer that fits your style, review portfolios, discuss your vision, and inquire about packages for capturing your special day. Be sure to come with questions so you can see as many vendors as you can this weekend.
We have a very special feature with Lisa Douglas Photography this weekend so be sure to seek her out!!
Wedding Planners and Coordinators
Another very popular and important vendor at the show is the planners! Finding the right planner to discuss your vision, review planning packages, and explore ways to alleviate stress throughout the planning process is crucial - and is something we strive to do while you plan for your wedding here at Kinloch Grove with or without a planner!
We're always available to answer your wedding questions, and if you need some guidance we can tackle the coordination of your day, too. We'll create a timeline with you, communicate with your vendors, organize your decor plans, run through your rehearsal and so much more!
Be sure to tell us all about your vision, and how we can help with your day. Best of all, our coordinator Chantelle will be at the show this year! She's the jack of all trades, so come say hi!!
florists
Florists make such a beautiful impact on your decor and photos, and your flowers can be created into a keepsake for years to come. Be sure to bring your colour palette and be open to what's in season on your wedding day. Also, have faith in your florist and embrace their creativity when it comes to building your bouquet and other elements for your day. The amount of talent these people have is astounding!
And if you've been following along you'll be happy to know that the amazing Flora Culture MB is part of that special feature this weekend so be sure to stop and smell those beautiful bouquets she’ll have out and start to dream up your Manitoba garden wedding.
Officiants
I think this might be the most important vendor… they literally make it official! How ever you celebrate and with whomever you choose, your officiant needs to reflect that and embrace your true selves while you read your nuptials in our outdoor wedding ceremony!
Engage with the officiants at the show and get a feel for how they will transform your meet-cute into a love story for the ages! We've heard so many amazing officiants, pastors and rabbis here at Kinloch Grove, they all take such care in speaking about our couples - I often laugh out loud, and will many times have cried as I’d listen through the trees - the ceremony is by far my favourite part!
We’re featured alongside the talented and unique Honoured Alternatives who will be at the show, so be sure to check them out and discuss what traditions you would like to keep or create for your ceremony!
Desires and results
“Til Death Do Us Part”
Gathering Inspiration
We know it’s Inspiration - we all want to see what vendors and the industry are creating these days, including themes, colour schemes, and decor ideas that reflect your unique style and personality.
Our booth will be decked out with site photos and rentals for plenty of Kinloch Grove flair! Truefully, everywhere you turn there will be beautiful and interesting things to see and experience. Be sure to peruse the inspirations gallery, daily fashion shows, love lounge, garden party, selfie wall.
Building Vendor Relationships
It's no secret that we really get to know our couples!!
We're excited to help build a memorable wedding day experience! As many couples will be striving to make that genuine connection during the show, come and say hi to us while you wander booths, even if you've already booked us! KG couples, you might be able to give some insight for those curious wanderers wanting to know more about Kinloch Grove and why you chose us.
Securing Discounts and Deals
As you’re planning your wedding always look for discounts, unique offers or packages to save a little money where you can. So *pro tip* - print your name and email address on a sticker sheet so you can enter all the giveaways at the show and not get a hand cramp!
Frustrating Symptoms you may Experience
Relax, and stay hydrated!
Feeling Overwhelmed
The wedding show can be an overwhelming event for you and your wedding party because of the sheer number of vendors and information all around.
Do this Before heading to The Wonderful Wedding Show - familiarize yourself with the floor plan and vendors list on their website. Also, make note of the top vendors you want to see and any questions or inquiries you have. Creating a checklist will help to stay focused and make the experience less overwhelming.
Decision Fatigue
The Wonderful Wedding Show will have an abundance of options creating more decisions to be made about even more important wedding-related choices. Don't get mentally drained and indecisive.
To help combat tradeshow fatigue remember to;
Stay hydrated and fed!
Wear comfy shoes, and take breaks.
Bring stickers with your name on them for filling out giveaways!
And don't crowd your decisions with too many cooks in the kitchen.
By doing these things you will get more out of your time and have a clear head.
Pressure from Vendors
It’s true that couples may experience vendors putting pressure on them to make a decision or commit to their services on the spot. This will just lead to feelings of stress and discomfort throughout the experience of the show.
Take a beat.
If the pressure is getting to you remember you are not under any obligation to make decisions or commit to vendors straightaway. Walk away, take a seat at our booth, grab lunch, or chat with your crew, whatever gets you back to enjoying the talent and resources surrounding you.
We look forward to seeing you at the next show!
More from Amanda and Matt’s amazing Alt outdoor wedding at Kinloch Grove!
The vendors hired for this wedding were;
kinloch.grove marquelleartistry lisa.vernaus toppsmusicservice mooresclothing lacollectionbridal azazieofficial pearlandbirch lisadouglasphotography firedupywg floraculturemb honouredalternatives tansbykait
