Starting in September, and ending in April, you can find a number of bridal shows throughout the U.S. and even in the summer months in those warmer weather areas (like ARIZONA where it is 100 degrees, but it is a DRY HEAT). Which to choose? Where to go? What to do? Should I sign up? Why do they want to know that?

Just a ton of questions that start popping into your head as you attend a bridal fashion show. Being a wedding vendor, I too, am guilty of one or two of the following at one time or another. However, this is the insider's view and look. What vendors are actually looking at as far as you as a potential client.

1. First thing to do is get a list of the area bridal shows (You can get a list right here).

2. Then, pick one or two that are close to you. (Most malls have them twice a year, one fall and one spring)

3. Find one that the date is available for you, your maid/matron of honor, possibly your mother and future mother-in-law (You could just take your fiancé, however, make sure he wants to go! He's probably a little scared of them because of that 4 hours you spent together in the gift registry at Dillard's and he may equate a bridal show to that)

4. Make a day of it. Plan on lunch or dinner, shopping, and all the different ideas that you will now have in your head once you have attended. (Good idea is to take a camera. Photos are easier to explain to your local bridal shop about this dress that you seen that your bridesmaids would look great in.)

5. Dress comfortably! If you are attending a Bridal Show at a mall, you will be doing a lot of walking! Be prepared for sore feet!

6. Keep in mind, the floral arrangements you see in the fall may be quite expensive when it comes to availability in the early spring wedding. So ask questions!

7. Notebook. Get one, tie a pen on a string to it and USE IT! You will never remember which vendor told you what. You could see 15 photographers, 6 videographers, 7 bakers, 10 Disc Jockey services. Write down notes! (This helps too as far as the vendors keeping their sales pitch to the specifics rather than ranting on about things they would do)

8. Get some of those return addressed stickers that you put on envelopes. (Since you are viewing this on the web, use your label maker program in your favorite office suite) These will be used to save some writer's cramps. Use the stickers for the drawings. Rather than filling out all of those entry forms, use the stickers. (Take some 3x5 cards as well, sometimes vendors run out of entry forms and you will already have yours)

9. Don't waste your time! If you already have a hall, don't spend time looking at others. Same with your other services. It will just drag you down when you need to find a Photographer or a Disc Jockey. (If you see one of your vendors there, yes, by all means say hi! But don't get too much into details with them, they won't remember that you want to change your first dance song or the wedding album cover.)

10. Avoid the Show Special Price. (What is the difference?) If the price is good today, then it has to be good tomorrow. Why would the Show be any different? (Actually, the cost of a vendor at a show ranges from $700-$1500 and some even as high as $6000. for them to be there, if anything, they want a little more, not less)

11. Avoid the excitement sell. A good Disc Jockey, can sell the excitement of the day by entertaining your thoughts and ideas as the best they have heard all day long. They are used to performing under pressure, and can make you hire them right on the spot. If you are comfortable with them, by all means, go for it. Just remember, if they are the first one you have talked to, what does the others have to offer?

12. Major red flag here! We only have one system left available for that day. This is to create a need in your mind that if you don't book that service that day, you won't get them. Funny thing, a company who claims to have 15 full-time DJ's on staff only has one system left for your day 18 months away? Start with a week day, like the Thursday before, see if you get the same response! Think about it, if they are that booked, what are they doing at a bridal fair? Bottom line is, are you available or not? If they tell you how busy they are, or that they are closing dates because of bookings, turn it around and ask them, well, which dates are you already booked? Keep them honest, yes, they may be very good, however, don't accept any pushy sales pitch to sign now, you and your new spouse will have plenty of that when it comes time to purchase a new vehicle, house, major appliance (Insert your last major purchase here)

13. If your plan is to hire vendors that day, leave plenty of time to view them all. Pick the 2 or 3 in each area of your needs and go back and ask them when they will have time to talk with you for 30 minutes or so without being interrupted. (They will appreciate this, and will make the time for you)

14. Attend the show! Each show has the fashion show with it. Check out those $4-5000. gowns! Enjoy the different colors and gowns. It will greatly assist you in your search for that perfect gown!

15. Remember, you will be getting a lot of mail, phone calls and inquiries in the coming weeks. You wonder sometimes if you seen that many vendors. Truth is, your name, address and phone number is made available for all the vendors at the show. They will be sending you information on their business for weeks to come! *Idea here, use a wedding date just a couple of months away! This way, some will see the close date and not bother you. (You don't have to use your real wedding date)

16. Don't get discouraged! If you don't see something that gives you an idea, ask a professional in that area of expertise. They have plenty of photos of prior work that you just may find what you are in search of!

17. Enjoy it! Remember, if you don't get it all done that day or weekend, there is another show just a few days away! (Unless it is March, then you may have some scrambling to do!)