Pros and Cons of Attending a Local Wedding Expo in New Jersey

by Tara Bard, Contributing Writer

Expos can be exciting and exhausting, but they also provide a variety of helpful information. You can learn some general wedding planning tips as well as locate vendors local to you, the New Jersey couple.

Why attend a New Jersey wedding expo?

Countless ideas. If you attend a wedding expo, you’ll probably pick up some new ideas for your wedding. You may discover a location you hadn’t seen advertised before or learn that cupcake tier cakes are often less expensive (and more trendy) than traditional wedding cakes.

Immediate impression of vendors. If you’re looking to save money and have a budget in mind, you can work face to face with vendors in the space of a day. This can save a great deal of time for both parties in addition to the hassle of phone tag.

General or specific resources. Expos are great resources for couples in every stage of the planning process. Whether you haven’t selected your colors or you simply need a live band, a wedding expo offers many choices.

Freebies. Want to sample that cake before you put down a deposit? Maybe you’d like to hear the officiant speak about love in person before hiring her to marry you. Wedding expos offer you the chance to collect some free samples and to experience an example of what vendors could provide for you on your wedding day.

The wedding planning process. Wedding expos obviously present you with many opportunities. They can help you cut down on the budget as well. Some couples consider ‘expo shopping’ to be a legitimate and necessary part of the wedding planning process.


Why avoid a New Jersey wedding expo?

Vendor…or vulture? Sometimes vendors can be like vultures. Occasionally, they’ll be pushy, urging you to sign up for something on-spot or add your e-mail to their lengthy spam list.

Overexposure. Expos present you with a wide range of possibilities for your wedding. This can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you haven’t focused in on certain specifics.

Impossible budget. If you’re hoping to plan your wedding on a budget, it might seem impossible at a wedding expo (although it certainly isn’t). Vendors will try their best to upsell you on their products—the key is to be patient and shop around for vendors that are willing to work for and not against you.

This post was originally published on Examiner.com.