Some people think of it as a one-stop shop or a (ball)room of confusion, but you have to agree, a bridal fair attracts a lot of future brides – together with their future grooms, as well as bridesmaids, maids of honor, bride’s mothers, sisters, aunts and other friends and family.

Photographers, Event planners, Destination promoters, Entertainment providers, Florists, Event stylists and other wedding-related vendors set up shop at bridal fairs in hotels, convention centers and of course SM Megatrade halls.

These days it is not a shock to see grooms at bridal fairs. There’s a big chance that you'll see them there. Grooms of today now set aside time to go and accompany their brides-to-be at bridal fairs because they want to be part of the decision-making in choosing vendors... just to sure that they get their moneys worth. And most often than not, they’re they ones excited! To keep from overwhelming otherwise happy couples, Before I Do Bridal fair keeps its show on a small scale. Having a large bridal fair can make things confusing for a bride who is doing her own wedding since a big bridal fair will be so busy and distracting with multiple vendors vying for her attention all at the same time.

Our goal at Before I Do, is to help educate you (the bride or couple) of what is available, why things cost the way they cost, and how to work on your wedding budget. You can be sure that you’ll discover something you hadn’t thought of previously. This is a great opportunity to investigate ideas, get some inspiration, ask the experts and gain an invaluable insight into all aspects of planning your wedding.

Just as bridal fairs help you prepare for your much awaited wedding, you should properly prepare for the bridal fair that you intend to go to. Before I Do Bridal fair has its own website where soon-to-wed couples can pre-register for them to save time at registering on-siten, and even a few pesos. Just log on our website to pre-register. On the day of the fair, be ready with a list of what you want for your wedding. Once you’re at the fair it would be easier for you to choose the suppliers that would fit your budget or taste. It is advisable not to spend time looking at a service you don’t need and, when you do see a vendor for a service you need, use your time wisely. At larger bridal fairs, you may want to make the rounds once, sit down and take a break, figure out which vendors most appealed to you, and then revisit those booths. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes—you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.

With ideas, business cards, flyers, and brochures aplenty at a fair, there’s no reason to feel compelled to make an on-the-spot decision. You can go through all of these materials at home. At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with brides and grooms making a decision on-the-spot if the moment (and the price) is right. At bridal fairs, you’ll get to experience with all your senses what you miss online or in the printed word. Smell the flowers…taste the cakes…listen to the music…try on the tiaras!

Ninety percent of the time, bridal fair visitors do not book on-the-spot unless it’s something they got to have. Soon-to-wed couples generally set up appointments with vendors after the fair and go from there. Some vendors give promotional certificates for a discount that couples can avail during the fair or for a certain period of time after the fair. So don't forget to ask them about this. 

From November 25 to 26, 2006, visitors of Before I Do Bridal fair get a chance to win door prizes every hour. And on the last day, we are giving out a pair of wedding rings to one lucky on-site booker. Isn’t it great! All you have to do is visit the fair, shop around and book the suppliers that you need and get a chance to win prizes!

Don’t forget to bring these things to Before I Do Bridal fair:

• Someone to help you decide (preferably the groom)

• A calendar for scheduling appointments

• A pen and paper

• Your "shopping list"

• A calculator

• A color swatch to match

• A checkbook

Happy wedding preps!