Headed to the Oregon Wedding Showcase January 26 & 27, 2019? Be Smart and Follow These PRO TIPS to Save Time & Energy! Dear Salem Convention Center, I recently got engaged but I am completely overwhelmed with decisions. Between finding an event space, a photographer, entertainment, wedding attire, accommodations, rehearsal dinner space, flowers, invitations, jewelry, hairdresser, make-up artists and everything in between- I don't know where to start! What should I do? Sincerely, Nervous Bride, Salem OR Dear Nervous Bride, Congratulations on your recent engagement and your new life journey! We completely understand that planning the biggest event in your entire life is going to be overwhelming. If only there is a place where newly engaged couples could find everything they'll need for their wedding under one roof...oh, wait- there IS a place where you can find everything you need in one day! The Oregon Wedding Showcase is happening here in Salem, Oregon January 26 & 27, 2019 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds! This is the perfect opportunity for you and your fiancé to interact with hundreds of potential wedding vendors from all over the state under one roof! Imagine how much time you will save when you have the opportunity to meet multiple, professional wedding vendors, coordinators, photographers, bridal salons, florists, catering businesses, DJ's, etc. all in ONE day! The Salem Convention Center event staff and wedding planning experts will join our friends at The Grand Hotel in Salem and Bentley's Grill in the exhibition hall on both dates. Here are some fun photos of our booth from last year. The Salem Block 'Dream Team' at the 2018 Oregon Wedding Showcase. We cannot wait to meet with the many brides-to-be, grooms-to-be, wedding professionals, bridal party members, and relatives from all over the region expected to gather at this premiere wedding event. Our seasoned wedding professionals have had the pleasure of participating in the Oregon Wedding Showcase for a number of years and have a few tips to share with first-time event-goers like yourself. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #1: Get your tickets in advance and save $. Brides-to-be can pre-register for the show receive an email with a promo code for 50% off advanced tickets and a coupon good for $2.00 off tickets purchased at the door. Also, validate your ticket before you leave Saturday to return Sunday at no charge. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #2: Know (or have an idea of) the date of your wedding. Some vendors get booked up to a year in advance, so even if you have not nailed down the exact date, having an ideal date will help you find potential vendors that fit your budget and time frame. Bring a calendar to make appointments with vendors that impress you. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #3: Bring your best estimate of the number of guests you will be inviting. This is another critical factor. Do you want a large wedding with 200+ guests or a smaller intimate affair? This piece of information will help you find wedding professionals that best suit your needs! Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #4: Make a list of the specific vendors you are searching for. Many first-time event goers are simply overwhelmed by the number of wedding services available! It's important to have an idea of the elements you are going to want to include in your wedding so you can find the best wedding professionals available. Check trusted sites like 'The Knot' for helpful checklists and guidelines. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #5: Bring pre-printed labels to dodge filling out forms at each booth. Trust us, you'll be writing your name/email/phone number and address so many times, your fingers will hurt! Not to mention you lose valuable time standing with a clipboard writing the same thing over and over again. Bring pre-printed labels with your name, number, wedding date, address, email so that you don't have to spend time filling out your information at each vendor booth. You're welcome! Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #6: Stop by the Salem Convention Center, Grand Hotel Salem & Bentley's Grill (aka the Salem Block) booth We are proud to be a participating vendor again this year at this premier wedding event. Be sure to stop by and visit our booth so we can answer all of your questions about our beautiful venue and how you can save time and money by booking an all-inclusive venue. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #7: Don't go alone. Bring a friend! Even if you like to do things solo, we advise bringing a friend, family member or your fiancé with you to assist. You definitely need a support group to come along. They may remember things you're forgetting, they can take notes, be your official bag holder, etc. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #8: Grab your seat early for the fashion show(s). The 12 pm & 3 pm fashion shows are the marquee events of the Oregon Wedding Showcase. Not only are they fun, but it's also the perfect opportunity to get inspired by seeing the latest fashions for beautiful bridal dresses, groom attire, bridal party attire and mother of the bride/father of the bride attire. Keep your eye on the seating area 30 minutes prior to the show and grab a seat early if it starts to fill up. Wedding Showcase Pro Tip #9: Sign your vendors at the show for discounts. If you find the right vendor, you could save money by booking them on the spot for a discounted rate! Bring a checkbook or credit card for when you find the perfect vendor or want to take advantage of a show special you will be prepared to make a deposit. About the Oregon Wedding Showcase Oregon Wedding Showcase features over 70 unique exhibitors and wedding professionals for thousands of wedding ideas, planning, and inspiration for even the most DIY brides and grooms. Invitations, gifts, reception and venue ideas, both indoor and outdoor, cakes, photographers and videographers, wedding planners, flowers, vintage style, caterers, dresses and formal attire for the entire wedding party, and so much more. Visit oregonweddingshowcase.com for more information.