Know Before You Go: Seattle Wedding Show Guide
Planning your dream wedding is an exciting but overwhelming task, especially when you're not sure where to start. Luckily, the Seattle Wedding Show is the perfect place to start your wedding planning journey!
As the largest wedding planning event in the Pacific NW, the Seattle Wedding Show provides engaged couples with the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a variety of local and regional vendors to help plan their wedding celebrations and surrounding events.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to make the most of your experience at the Seattle Wedding Show and plan your dream wedding.
What to Expect at the Show
The Seattle Wedding Show is an exciting once-a-year event that offers engaged couples a one-stop shop for all their wedding planning needs.
The show features a wide variety of vendors, categorized into different services such as venues, catering, photography, and more. This makes it easy to navigate and find what you're looking for.
Whether you're planning a formal event or a casual celebration, there are vendors, at the show, who can help bring your wedding vision to life.
Fashion Show
One of the highlights of the Seattle Wedding Show is the fashion show which features the latest fashion trends, including gowns, alternative attire, attendant dresses, tuxedos, and bouquets.
The fashion show provides inspiration for your own wedding gown and allows you to see the outfits in person, rather than just online or in a magazine. It's the perfect opportunity to see attire in motion and get a sense of how they will look walking down the aisle on your big day.
Seattle Wedding Show's fashion shows are beautifully coordinated scenes with each scene carefully crafted to create a stunning visual experience. The designers, hair and makeup artists, and models work together to create scenes that are both inspirational and aspirational.
Each year there are three times to watch the fashion show — two on Saturday and one on Sunday. Be sure to know the show times while planning your visit to the show, and head to the stage early to get seats up front.
By attending the fashion shows, you'll leave with a better sense of what you want for your own wedding and feel more confident in your wedding planning journey.
Gown Sale
Elizabeth Crook / Seattle Refined
The Gown Sale is one of the most exciting features of the Seattle Wedding Show.
Multiple vendors participate in the sale, offering designer wedding dresses at discounted prices. This is a great opportunity for brides to find their dream dress at a fraction of the cost.
With so many vendors offering dresses, there is sure to be a style and price point to fit every bride's needs.
When attending the Gown Sale, it's important to come prepared. Be sure to bring your wedding shoes or heels to try on with the dresses, as this will give you a better sense of how the dress will look on the big day.
You should also enlist the help of family or friends to assist you in finding the perfect dress. This will allow you to have a second opinion and get feedback on the dresses you try on.
Additionally, the Gown Sale provides additional seating for your friends and family. This means that your loved ones can be comfortable while they wait for you to try on dresses and can offer their support and advice throughout the process.
Vendors with amazing booths
The Seattle Wedding Show is the largest wedding planning event in the Greater Puget Sound Area and attracts amazing vendors from all over the region.
During the once-a-year wedding show weekend, you'll have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a variety of local and regional vendors to help plan your wedding day down to the last detail.
Whether you're looking for the perfect wedding attire, selecting a venue, choosing the right photographer, or in need of decor inspiration, the Seattle Wedding Show has everything you need to make your wedding day dreams into a reality.
In addition to the giveaways and samples, many vendors also offer discounts and special packages for couples who book their services at the show. By taking advantage of these offers, you can stick to your wedding budget and know you got a great deal on quality services.
Preparing for the Show
Elizabeth Crook / Seattle Refined
Preparing for the Seattle Wedding Show is a crucial step in ensuring that you get the most out of your experience. This will help you to feel more organized and confident as you navigate the show and meet with vendors. Here are some additional tips for preparing for the show:
Set a budget
Your budget is one of the most important aspects of your wedding planning, so it's important to set a realistic budget before attending the Seattle Wedding Show.
Knowing what you can afford to spend on each service will help you to narrow down your options and make informed decisions when it comes to selecting vendors and additional services.
Create a wedding vision
Your wedding vision is the foundation of your planning process. Before attending the show, take some time to think about the style, theme, or vibe you want to incorporate at your wedding.
Consider factors such as the venue, color scheme, season, and overall atmosphere. This will help you to identify vendors that align with your vision and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of options available at the show.
Research Vendors
Once you have an idea of the services you need and the aesthetic you're looking for, it's time to start researching vendors.
Take some time to browse through our vendor lists that categorize each vendor in the show by the services they offer. Before attending the show you can review vendor websites, compare wedding packages, and read reviews from other couples who have worked with them in the past.
This will give you an idea of their available services and whether they are a good fit for you and your wedding vision.
Make a list of must-see vendors
Based on your research and wedding vision, create a list of vendors that you absolutely must see at the show. This will help you to prioritize your time and ensure that you don't miss out on meeting with vendors that are important to you.
Each year, we post a map of the show on our website, be sure to look for it and chart your course to your favorite vendors.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Attending the Seattle Wedding Show can be a long and tiring day, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so choose shoes that won't leave your feet sore and tired.
Bring a notepad and pen
Lastly, don't forget to bring a notepad and pen to take notes during the show. This will help you to keep track of the vendors you meet and the services they offer. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions you have for vendors so that you don't forget to ask them later.
Pro Tip: Create a Separate Email Account for Your Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding involves a ton of communication, from chatting with vendors to coordinating with guests. With so much going on, it can be tough to keep track of everything in your regular email account. That's why we recommend creating a separate email account just for your wedding planning!
By having a separate email account, you can keep all of your wedding-related emails in one place and avoid cluttering up your personal inbox. This can make it easier to keep track of invoices, contracts, and other important documents, as well as to stay organized and on top of deadlines.
Meeting with Vendors
Meeting with vendors is an excellent opportunity to get to know the people behind the services and products that will help bring your wedding vision to life.
When approaching vendors, it's important to come prepared and make the most of your time with them.
Introduce Yourself & Ask Questions
To start, introduce yourself, your partner, and any other friends or family members who came with you.
To make the most of your time with vendors, it's a good idea to create a list of questions to ask beforehand. This will ensure that you get the answers you need and can make informed decisions about which vendors to work with.
Don't be afraid to ask for details about what their services include, what packages are available, and what their experience has been working with couples.
Consider asking questions such as:
What are your prices and packages?
What is your availability for my wedding date?
Do you have experience working at my chosen venue?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can you provide references from past clients?
What is included in your services?
Having a list of questions prepared beforehand will help you to stay organized and ensure that you don't forget to ask any important questions. It will also show vendors that you are serious about your wedding planning and have done your research.
Take Notes
It's also a good idea to take notes to keep track of the vendors you're interested in. This will help you remember important details and make informed decisions later on.
Be sure to get their contact information, including their website and social media handles, so you can follow up with them after the show if needed.
Interact with Booths
Another important aspect of meeting with vendors is reviewing their portfolios and asking for references. This will give you a sense of their style and quality of work, as well as feedback from other couples they have worked with in the past.
Ask to see examples of their work, including photos, videos, or samples of their products, to get a better sense of what they can offer.
Be sure to enter any giveaways, and take advantage of any value-added offers. Many vendors give special discounts when you book during the show.
Keep an Open Mind
When meeting with vendors, it's important to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different options. While you may have a clear vision for your wedding, vendors may be able to offer creative ideas and solutions that you hadn't considered.
By being open and flexible, you may discover a vendor or service that perfectly aligns with your vision and needs.
Making the Most of Your Experience
Elizabeth Crook / Seattle Refined
Attending the Seattle Wedding Show is a great way to jumpstart your wedding planning journey and make valuable connections with vendors and other engaged couples. To make the most of your experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Network with Other Engaged Couples
The Seattle Wedding Show is a great place to meet other engaged couples and share ideas and advice. Strike up a conversation with the people around you and make new connections that can help you throughout your wedding planning journey.
Bringing Your Partner, Friends, and Family
Wedding planning can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, which is why it's important to have a support system in place. The Seattle Wedding Show is a great opportunity to bring your partner, friends, and family along for support and guidance.
Your partner is your ultimate teammate in the wedding planning journey, and attending the Seattle Wedding Show together can be a fun and exciting way to kick off the process. You can collaborate on the vendors you want to see and discuss your wedding vision as you explore the different offerings at the show.
Take Breaks and Come Back for More
Attending the Seattle Wedding Show can be an exciting and fun-filled experience, but it's important to take breaks and pace yourself throughout the day. Be sure to stop and grab a snack or a glass of wine at the refreshment bar to recharge your batteries.
If you didn't get to see everything you wanted to on Saturday, don't worry! You can get your hand stamped at the entrance booth and come back on Sunday for free. This is a great opportunity to see any vendors you missed and get a second look at those you were interested in.
Use a Wedding Planning Checklist to Stay on Track
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but using a wedding planning checklist can help you stay organized and on top of things. A checklist can be a valuable tool to ensure that you don't forget any important details and to help keep you on track as your big day approaches.
Printing out a wedding planning checklist can be a great way to stay focused and motivated as you work through the planning process and the Seattle Wedding Show weekend. It's a friendly and helpful reminder to take things one step at a time and enjoy the process along the way!
Check out our free downloadable Wedding Planning Checklist!
Have Fun
Wedding planning can be stressful, but the Seattle Wedding Show provides a fun and exciting environment to make the process more enjoyable.
Take your time exploring the different vendors, sampling food and drinks, and taking in the fashion shows. Remember, this is a celebration of your love and the start of a new chapter in your life.
Attending the Seattle Wedding Show is a must for engaged couples who are looking for inspiration and guidance in planning their dream wedding. By preparing ahead of time, meeting with vendors, and enjoying the experience, you'll be well on your way to creating the wedding celebration of your dreams.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you make the most of your experience at the Seattle Wedding Show. We can't wait to see you there!
