Architectural Designs

I have a stall at a wedding fair - Advice?

I've never been to one before, do the stall holders offer discounts for bookings made at the fair? i make chocolate bar wrappers, so i'll be having samples of chocolate on the stall. should i also give some away to take home? do i take a percentage deposit for bookings made? the fair is for between 75 &100 brides, so its not too big - will i need any help? i dont plan on having any as i offer tailor-made designs so would need to speak to the bride directly, but would it be a good idea to have someone to keep other brides interest whilst i am busy? Thanks, i was thinking of offering a 5% discount for booking on the day, and taking a 20% deposit, does that sound reasonalble? I've got 12 example wedding bars, 4 hen night, 2 engagement and 4 gifts for usher/flowergirl etc etc. i was also going to make some invite wrappers, prob 4 diff styles. then i wqas going to put trays of sample squares on show, all the different flavours. i dont have a site, but facebook group 'All Wrapped Up!'. i havent done much to it yet, was hoping to make it much better after the weekend when i can iupload loadsa pics n stuff. ok well ill rope in a friend to help out! thank you for the help - anything else people may want to add will be useful! i was thinking about giving out little bags with a bar and mini flyer in them, do you think ill need to if im doing these samples? i also have an availablitity list (diff sizes & flavours), examples of artwork available, mini flyer ads, and print outs of various styles of bars (embossed/decorated etc) on display

Public Comments

1. You might offer a tiny discount if bride books at the fair. Definitely get a deposit to consider her booked!!
2. At shows I've been to, they don't make you book that day -- they offer a discount for booking and mentioning they saw you at the bridal fair. Just do something small, whatever you can afford to lose - 5% or 10% off or whatever. You should definitily give away samples, and remember, each bride will probably have at least 1 person with her, so you should have probably 150 samples, if you want to do that. If you do want to book there, take a deposit to make sure they are going to use you, but I wouldn't expect many to book that day. You should probably have at least 1 person to help you if you can because although some people won't be interested in talking to you, you might get a few brides that want to ask a billion questions, then you'll miss the chance at talking to other people. Be friendly to everyone, even if they just walk right by your stall, say hello and smile! Be sure to have a flyer or some type of information. As a bride that has went to these shows, I loved the free stuff. :) Maybe you could even get cute small bags and put printed information in it and a sample. It's always nice to do more than just a business card. Give a little pamphlet and tell them how you got into the business, put some pictures in there, etc.
3. I usually have at least one other person there to offer answer questions. Of course, your's could offer samples. But have samples on hand for people to try. Bring plenty of them too! Also bring different samples of what you do (for display purposes). I would make some discount coupons that are good on booking till a certain date from the date of the fair that way you can get them booked sooner rather than later. I wouldn't be suprised if you have at least one or two bookings the day of so be prepared for that. Take a deposit and bring a contract if you have one. Bring business cards and brochures, lot's of them. Most brides throw that stuff away, but a few who are really interested keep them. Do you have a website? Very interested! angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com