Before each show we outline a detailed marketing campaign to inform our exhibitors on how we get the news out and get the brides in the door. Below is the current listing of advertising mediums being used to promote the September 13, 2009, Plano Bridal Show.

TV: Fox 4, WFAA 8

Radio: 106.1 KISS FM (KHKS), 103.7 Lite FM (KVIL), 99.5 The Wolf

Newspaper: Dallas Morning News, Quick

Billboards: (all up for 4 weeks)
Lamar Outdoor (2):

Internet:bridalshowsinc.com, theknot.com, myspace.com/planobridalshow, scntx.com, 995thewolf.com, 1037litefm.com, guidelive.com, pmb.com, craigslist.com

Wedding Publications:Bride & Groom Magazine, Dallas Brides (Modern Luxury), Dweddings, Elite Bride Magazine, Metro Woman Directory, Perfect Wedding Guide, Premier Bride

Other: Multiple press releases, various local calendar listings, posters located at exhibitors' locations throughout the Metroplex, many email blasts through our website and to previously registered brides.

Every so often it is important to stop and meditate on some current trends you are seeing amongst the brides you talk to. It is advantageous to share this information with others in the industry so that we can all learn from each other and gather a solid knowledge of what the modern bride wants, especially on a local level.

On that note... we would love to gather some information from you regarding current trends. This information can then be compiled for educational purposes and be listed in the next newsletter.

Please respond to this newsletter or simply email us at news@bridalshowsinc.com telling us about some of the trends you've seen emerging recently.

We make our dreams come true or not. It is all up to each of us to make those things happen that we wish for and want. Whatever your "it" is, whether a dream or passion or goal, you really "can do" it if you want it bad enough and work at it hard enough. Ignore the "can'ts" that you hear in your own mind and from others.

We have so many choices each day. Think back a year ago of missed opportunities that either you weren't financially or professionally or emotionally ready for. What if you had planned ahead and were ready for any and all opportunities that came your way. Imagine how and what you would be doing. Now think back five years ago and come forward. There were probably some opportunities that you were able to jump on and make use of in that time. What other opportunities do you see that either you or your family missed?

No matter where you are today, you can choose today going forward to have a great, optimistic, positive attitude about every area of your life. You CAN accomplish anything you set out to do. Sometimes we have to get creative to get through the stumbling blocks.

Start planning now to watch for any positive opportunities that God puts in your path.

According to David McNally, in his book Even Eagles Need a Push, he stated, "Those who learn to soar have the courage to take a positive attitude toward life. They understand that life offers many surprises but believe that within those surprises are lessons - and that from the lessons comes wisdom. A positive attitude requires courage because it is a decision not to be defeated no matter what challenges life presents."

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."
Abraham Lincoln

"A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."
Hugh Downs

Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude says, "A large part of attitude achievement is the visualization. It's easier to visualize YES! than it is to visualize positive. When something great happens, no one screams, "Positive!" Everyone screams, "YES!" That's the difference. That's the YES! factor."

Each day, do one thing that helps you get where you want to be. Mix that one thing in your schedule no matter how busy you are. At the end of one year, you will have stretched and grown personally and professionally in so many ways. You will then start to add new directions to your original dream. Just imagine how much more purpose you will have in your life. Go for it!

In this economy brides are pricing who they will be working with as they are holding their wedding budget just a bit tighter to their chest. Today's bride is not just pricing when they research companies, they are looking for a company they feel good about. Being face to face with the brides at bridal shows gives you a wonderful opportunity to earn their business as it used to be when our parents and grandparents chose to do business with those they could look in the eye and shake hands with, this is what a bride is looking for now more than ever.

The bridal shows give you a chance to showcase what you do, how you differ from the competition and personalize your service but, this is just the beginning of earning their business. The common denominator for those that are thriving in this economy is that they are being consistent with the lead follow up process, not just for a month or two after the show, but for up to a year. Those who are not getting the response they expected also have a common denominator; they have sent 2-3 emails, mailers or phone calls and stopped.

The key is to keep your name, brand and company vibe fresh in their minds amidst the chaos of planning a wedding. Consumers are shown commercials, logos and have heard company slogans so often that most can tell you by sight or sound clip what the product is. The origin of the word slogan is Irish Gaelic and translates to "Battle Cry" which is what it may seem at times when trying to stay in front of potential customers.

Make a plan of attack and be consistent as potential customers are not just looking at price but, consistency which translates to reliability in their minds whether they realize it or not. Stay consistent with follow up emails, calls and direct mail to make sure you capture every possible customer's attention. Today's bride is looking at a wedding date anywhere from 3 to 24 months out and in some cases as far out as 36 months, so why would you stop trying to stay in front of them after a few months?

A great example is an experience I had while out running errands on the weekend at the end of June. There I was pushing my shopping cart when I heard "Oh Oh Oh!!!" as I turned to see what the excitement was about I noticed a woman pointing at my shirt, you see I was wearing a Bridal Shows, Inc. t- shirt. The young lady came over and said while still pointing at my shirt "is that like the Dallas Bridal Show, the one at Market Hall?" I stated that yes it was and what I did for the company and before I could say anything else she was digging in her purse and pulling out our show program from January!!

The woman continued to tell me how she carried the program with her everywhere and loved the fact that she could see all the companies in one place and take notes on the program itself. Besides from being slightly mortified by the fact that I had no makeup on and my hair was in a pony tail I was struck by the enthusiasm the bride had for the show and the exhibitors some 5 months later!

The most important piece of information this bride to be gave me was this, she started going down the list one month after the show and highlighting companies she remembered by name as a jumping off point in her research. I can most assuredly tell you why she highlighted certain companies; they followed up and were consistent in doing so!

Take a good look at how many times you are following up, what types of follow up methods are working best and ramp it up! Whatever it takes set a time aside each day to focus on reaching the brides to be and maybe you will be one of the highlighted companies in the next bride's show program!

4821 Keller Springs Rd.
Addison, TX, 75001
(Northeast corner of Keller Springs and Addison Rd.)

We have helped with some food items already. You are welcome to donate gift cards or gas cards, also. We appreciate any help you can give.

Thank you very much.

Naomi