Tips & Hints for Exhibitors...
Thank you for booking to exhibit with us, you have just made the first step into helping your exposure as a new start up business within the wedding industry.
As a client we support you as much as possible, not only providing you with the tools to promote yourself face-to-face to the brides-to-be attending the wedding fayre you are exhibiting at but upto a year after the event with a listing in our 'Supplier Directory' for 1 year and that's just for starters!
What Do You Want To Achieve?
Are you exhibiting to fill your diary for the next year? If this is what you are expecting to achieve then you will be disappointed.
It is great to receive bookings on the day and it is not uncommon but to expect it from every wedding fayre you attend is unfortunately unrealistic.
In the planning stages for a bride-to-be and her groom, the order in which they book wedding suppliers is usually the same order for example In the beginning... Venue, Photographer, Cars then towards the end... Favours, Stationery and last minute touches.
Therefore, it may be that you are speaking to them in the very early stages and they may just be gathering information but that is not to say that they will not contact you back closer to the 'time' that they book the service that you are offering.
If you are exhibiting to maximise your exposure and present your company to as many brides-to-be as possible as cost effectively as possible, then this is realistic and is the best promotional activity that you can get involved with.
Stand Presentation....
Have you ever attended a wedding fayre just to have a look around? If not I would suggest this is something that you do, it gives you an idea of what exhibitors have on their stands and therefore you can get inspiration for your own stand and perhaps have something that other companies are not doing.
Did you want a backdrop for your stand? You don't have to spend hundreds of pounds on an all singing all dancing exhibition display so dont be talked into them by companies who supply.
If you are a photographer, you may want to consider the panel displays you can buy and slot together as they are perfect for a backdrop and you can arrange some of your work at eye level as well as in albums on the table. These can be purchased for around £100+ depending on what you want.
If you are not a photographer but do still want an attractive backdrop to your stand, consider investing in a 'pull up' banner. They are a large 7ft approx in size when extended and pull up out of a cassette and are secured with a pole at the back. These are very useful, easy to store, resilient, perfect for attracting people to your stand as they can be seen from across the room and can be used over and over again. These can be purchased for around £80 + VAT.
Consider....
1. What are you wearing? Brides use businesses who appear professional, organised and clean. They will be looking at you as much as your stand!
2. Even if the venue are supplying food, take a flask or snack to keep you going in case you can't leave your stand. If you don't need it, you will appreciate it on the drive home.
2. Allow enough time to set up. Brides will arrive early, and will see you rushing around in a flap. Would you blame them for booking your more organised competitor?
4. Leave your newspaper at home. If you are reading your paper you are not concentrating on your customers.
5. Stay on your feet to be at the same level as your customers; or get up from your chair as they approach.
6. Be Proactive: Engage couples in conversation and let them know you want their business.
7. ...But not too pushy: Let brides see your stand without pouncing on them! If couples are steering clear of your stand, ask yourself why? No one likes a "hard sell".
8. Stay at your stand as much as you can. Brides can't talk to you if you are not there! However, don't be caught with a mouthful of sandwich - take a quick break away from your stand to eat lunch; there is often a quiet period in the early afternoon.
9. Don't pack away early. It shows a lack of professionalism to brides, and is a waste of a networking opportunity.
10. The most important. Network, network, network! In the long term you could pick up as much business via recommendations from other companies at the Fair as you will from speaking directly to brides. Use any quiet times to speak to other exhibitors.
Do you consider yourself as a reputable wedding supplier? Yes, but are you recognised as one?
Goto www.exceptionalweddingprofessionals.co.uk
Main logo image courtesy of Hayley Bray Photography Ltd