Last month on July 22-23, 2006, the Fort Worth Bridal Show was held at the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall. Many of the Fort Worth Bridal Show exhibitors have told us this was the best July show they had ever had. We are always working hard to make each year better and better.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make this a successful show, but keep in mind although the show is over, the work is just beginning. Design a plan to continually follow-up on your leads in order to keep your company name on the fore-front of their minds as they make various wedding plans over the next year(s).

Congratulations!!

The tallies are in and we have the winners from the coupon contest at the Fort Worth Bridal Show! (Prizes will be awarded on the Fort Worth Bridal Show in Feburary of 2007.)

1. First place: Perfect Wedding Guide--FREE 10 x 10 booth space
2. Second Place: Sweet Memories Cakes & Catering- -$300 off
3. Third Place: (3 way tie, and yes all three will receive the discount!) Clark Gardens, Southern Flair Photography, and Bride & Groom Magazine--$150 off

Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest. You are all winners because you helped bring more brides to your booth at the show!

Thank you!!

Thank you to Gerry with Roe & White Photography for taking pictures at the Fort Worth Bridal Show.

I have already shared this story with many of our customers, but felt the need to inform all bridal show exhibitors because it reiterates the importance of follow-up after the shows.

Early one July morning as I was busy preparing for our upcoming bridal shows I received a phone call from a bride-to-be desperate for an answer. This particular bride had attended our Dallas Bridal Show in July of 2005. She enjoyed picking up ideas and flyers at the show, but at the time she was not prepared to do any bookings. Now a year later her wedding was months away and she was in a panic to finish everything. She had not forgotten her bridal show experience and had even used many of the contacts from the show.

There was one invitation company in particular that our bride knew she wanted to use, but she could not remember the company name. She then proceeded to describe the booth to me, where it was located in the show, she remembered everything even what color hair the owner had but did not know the name!

After searching everywhere for her mystery company she finally called us to see if we could help. By using a map from last year's show she was able to guide me down the rows until at last we found her invitations!

I was glad that this bride had decided to call us, but unfortunately most brides will not go to the trouble. This is a testament to the importance of keeping your name out there! Even a year to two years later brides from the show will be booking business, so make sure they remember your name!

Send out a mailout, mass email, or make a courtesy phone call every two months, and track every bride you book.

My hope is you can learn from this story to make sure a bride never forgets you!

Since 1990, Dallas Gold & Silver has donated a diamond ring at every Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano Bridal Show. This giveaway draws brides to register at the door allowing us to count the number of brides that attend as well as generate a listing of all brides in attendance.

Naomi Hulme, and the Bridal Shows, Inc. staff would like to thank Dallas Gold & Silver for 17 years of generosity and support.

We always like to make you aware of the mass marketing campaign that goes into every event produced by Bridal Shows, Inc. The Plano Bridal Show is no exception! View media list below for the upcoming Plano Bridal Show on September 17, 2006.

Radio: KDGE (102.1 The Edge), KHKS (106.1 Kiss FM), KVIL (103.7 Lite FM), KLTY (94.9), The Wolf (99.5)

TV: Ch. 4 Fox, Ch. 8 ABC

Billboards: Clear Channel (6 boards)

Internet: www.bridalshowsinc.com, www.dallasnews.com

Publications: Perfect Wedding Guide,Bride & Groom Magazine, Premier Bride, Modern Bride, Wedding Bells, Wedding & Party Guide

Press Releases: Press releases were sent out to over 60 media contacts for placement in calendar listings and various other public service announcements.

There are companies that really do a great job of working their leads and are getting wonderful results from doing so.

While this is the case with some businesses, there are many others that do not stay on top of this very important business generating avenue, for various reasons.

Some of the reasons given are:

1. Don't have time, for myself or anyone in my company
2. Called or emailed maybe twice and didn't get results
3. Don't want to pressure or "bug" the bride
4. Shy about doing so
5. and others...

Have a daily system of working your leads (track where your leads come from). If you do, you will continue to have business revenue. If you skip any time, then plan for a decline in sales at a later date.

We have helped companies understand the importance of getting the leads, following back up with them, building a relationship with them, and staying in touch for all potential business (not just for weddings). All of these will bring the business in and will create getting referrals.

Marketing to obtain leads and working those leads to create revenue are two of the most important aspects of any business to be and remain successful.

After six years of working and going to school, Bonnie Crumpton of Bridal Shows, Inc. has finally earned her bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas. Bonnie has been working with Bridal Shows, Inc. as a part-time employee since the fall of 2002 and was happy to begin her tenure as a full-time employee on Monday, August 14. Now she will be able to commit herself 100% to building businesses through Bridal Shows, Inc.

We wish to congratulate Bonnie on this great accomplishment!

Getting married is very much like going to the restaurant with friends. You order what you want, and when you see what the other fellow has, you wish you had ordered that.

The Minister noticed the bride was in distress so asked what was wrong. She replied that she was awfully nervous and afraid she would not remember what to do. The Minister told her that she only needed to remember 3 things. First the aisle, because that is what you'll be walking down. Secondly, the alter because that is where you will arrive. Finally, remember hymn because that is a type of song we will sing during the service. While the bride was walking in step with the wedding march, family and friends of the groom were horrified to hear her repeating these 3 words ...Aisle, alter hymn (I'll alter him)

Tune in the coming months for the following wonderful articles: (These will appear in either the September or October issues)

"In search of the high-end bride?"
A wonderful article about finding the high-end bride at the Dallas Bridal Show including testimonials form three exhibiting companies and one from a bride!

"Business Insurance, why should I?"
Hear from a bridal company who has learned the importance of business insurance. Also read tips from Jack Brown with Jack Brown Insurance.

"Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up!"
A florist describes how changing her methods of following up have changed her business for the better and made the Dallas Bridal Show an even greater source for marketing!

If you have any requests or ideas for articles in future newsletters or would like to contribute a testimonial, please contact us at news@bridalshowsinc.com.

Bonnie Crumpton
Newsletter Editor