Monday Musings

The big two day bridal show at America's Center is (as they say in Hawaii) PAU. Finished. Finito. And I can't speak for anyone else but I am pooped! We met--- and spoke--- with a lot of brides this past weekend, and if you were one of them---- we were happy to have made your acquaintance and welcome to the blog family!

I should have done this LAST week, before the show but because there are still quite a few bridal shows around the St. Louis area in the upcoming weeks. Navigating and negotiating a show requires a few skills that are nice to tuck into your survival kit:

• wear comfy shoes (it sounds simple but can't be stated enough). The concrete floors or thin carpeting over hard flooring can wear you down.
• carry a bottle of water with you, keep hydrated. You will be talking a lot too!
• Many brides bring address labels for 'giveaways' (more on that later).
• Don't be afraid to share your information! You have chosen to attend a show where professionals need to know your wedding date and other pertinents in order to best give you information in return.
• Visit the website of the particular show you are attending to familiarize yourself with the list of vendors.
  
• Visit the website of vendors that interest you and make a point to visit them at the show.
• There may possibly be vendors who are not at a particular show, they can't generally be at them ALL. Visit those websites of vendors who interest you that you are unable to meet at the show.
  
• Remember that wedding show season brings a lot of brides and a lot of bookings to most all vendors. Don't dilly dally------ your date may be snapped up by a speedier bride!
• Be nice! But that is my advice for daily living as well. Smile a lot and spread the joy that is uniquely BRIDE!

Speaking of vendors--- can I mention a vendor that we just LOVE???? Callahan's Tuxedo in South St. Louis. They're family owned and their level of service and quality is really outstanding. Because they 'do it all' in house you can be assured that it is done right. They also carry well priced bridal gowns that can be beautifully altered, and one of my favorite Callahan's offerings is their dress preservation service. I've heard from many brides that they have been unhappy with taking their dress to someone else for cleaning and preserving and have been less than thrilled. At Callahan's they do it right and generally for a lot less than other places. You can find them online at www.callahanstuxedo.com. The best reason for using them is that they are very nice people who genuinely care about your day, Ruth, Rick and their staff are the best!

We will start preparation for the next round of meeting brides, grooms and their families! Our next show is this Sunday at The Chase Park Plaza Hotel in the Central West End for "Unveiled". It is the creme de la creme of the season with the beautiful venue and the excellent vendors. Tickets are still available for this don't miss event.

For those of you getting back into the swing after a weekend of being a wedding show warrior---- wear flat shoes, organize your information, and nap if you can! :) Chocolate is a very good suggestion as well, apply chocolate!