
Attending a wedding show is an exciting part of wedding planning. It’s like stepping into a real-life Pinterest board, except with free samples, special offers, and the chance to meet the people behind the businesses that could make your wedding dreams a reality. But with so many vendors, so much information, and only a weekend to take it all in, how do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?
Here’s the strategy no one talks about but will completely change how you experience a two-day wedding show like ours.
The Right Way to Attend a Wedding Show (and Keep Your Sanity Intact)
Most couples walk into a wedding show and immediately start engaging in deep conversations with vendors, collecting every brochure, and trying to make big decisions on the spot. By the end of the day, they’re exhausted, overloaded with information, and unsure who they even talked to.
That’s not how you want to approach this.
Instead, follow this two-day strategy to make the most of your time, get the information you need, and actually enjoy the process.
Day 1: Explore & Collect
📝 Step 1: Have a Game Plan
Before you even walk in, think about the types of vendors you actually need. If you’ve already booked a venue and a photographer, you don’t need to spend time talking to those categories unless you’re looking for something specific (like engagement photos or a venue for a rehearsal dinner).
📍 Step 2: Visit as Many Relevant Booths as Possible
Think of Day 1 as a scouting mission. Your goal is to:
✔️ Stop by the booths of vendors in the categories you need
✔️ Have quick conversations (one to two minutes)
✔️ Ask an essential question like, “Are you available for our wedding date?”
✔️ Collect their brochures, business cards, or promotional materials
No pressure, no deep discussions, no making decisions on the spot. Just gather information.
🍽 Step 3: Take a Break & Refuel
After making your way through a good number of booths, take a break and grab a bite to eat. The Puyallup Wedding Show has fantastic food vendors on-site, so whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or just a caffeine boost, there’s something to keep you going.
Or, if you’re ready to step away for a bit, head out for a late lunch or early dinner at one of the great restaurants nearby. It’s a chance to relax, talk about what you’ve seen so far, and reset before tackling the rest of the show.
Wedding planning is fun—don’t forget to enjoy the experience!
🏠 Step 4: Head Home & Do Your Homework
This is where the magic happens. Once you’re home, grab a drink (coffee, beer, wine—whatever helps you relax) and go through all the information you collected with your partner.
Visit vendor websites.
Read some reviews.
Check out their social media.
Narrow down your list to one or two vendors per category that you’re really interested in.
Day 2: Refine & Connect
🎯 Step 5: Return With a Shortlist
Now that you’ve done your research, go back to the show on Day 2 for free. (Most two-day shows, including ours, allow re-entry.) Sunday is often a bit quieter, meaning vendors have more time for deeper conversations.
💬 Step 6: Have Focused Conversations
Head straight to the vendors you shortlisted. This time, instead of a quick chat, ask more in-depth questions:
💡 “What are your package options, and do you customize?”
💡 “How far in advance should we book you?”
💡 “What’s your experience with our venue?”
Some vendors might even have exclusive show specials if you book at the show. If you’re ready to make a decision, go for it! If not, schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss details in a lower-pressure setting.
Why This Approach Works
✅ No Decision Fatigue: You’re not trying to process too much at once.
✅ More Productive Conversations: By narrowing your list, you spend time where it actually matters.
✅ Less Overwhelm, More Enjoyment: You actually get to enjoy the show without stress.
✅ Better Deals: Vendors love booking clients at the show, and you might find extra perks if you’re ready to commit.
Final Thoughts
A wedding show isn’t just about seeing pretty booths and grabbing free samples (though that’s definitely a perk!). It’s about finding the right vendors without the stress.
So, next time you step into a wedding show, ditch the “talk to everyone” approach and try this strategy instead. You’ll leave feeling confident, prepared, and maybe even with a vendor or two officially booked!