Exhibit Design – Start Early for Maximum Effectiveness

If bridal shows are in your future (and they certainly ought to be if your target market is brides), there is no time like now to start designing what your booth will  look like.

One of my favorite sources over the years for good tips has come from Susan A Friedmann the author of “Exhibiting at Tradeshows: Tips and Techniques for Success”.  Then add over 20 years of bridal show experience to the mix and here are some basic things you need to keep in mind when planning your display.

• What is your budget?  This will dictate just how much you can do, but even a small budget display can be an effective one.
• What image do you want to project?  Quality, high tech, traditional, trendy, cutting edge?
• Use of Color:  Color can create many different physiological or psychological messages.

Blue:  Calming 

Red:  Emotionally Charged 

Yellow:  Best attention getter

Green:  Positive and Calming 

Orange:  Cheap 

Gold, Silver & Platinum: Symbolize premium

Black:  Power

White:  Denotes honesty and purity

Pastels:  Have a welcoming affect.

Now this color advice is standard for trade shows, but for a bridal show you might also want to consider using the colors that are popular for weddings right now.  Check with the bridal shops as to the most popular colors for this season.

• Graphics and Signage:  They need to tell the bride and groom you are, what you do and what the benefits of your products and services are.  The bridal show producer will more than likely provide you with an identification sign, but that is not enough.  If the attendees are to walk away and remember your name you need to invest in a banner.  Generally  3 x 8 is plenty big enough and will probably run you around $80.00.  You will be able to use this banner for every show you participate in so its a worthwhile investment.
• Copy writing Guidelines:  Be buyer focused, concise, stress one benefit only and be action oriented. 
• Lighting:  Bring your own lighting to accentuate product displays and create moods.  Halogens are not allowed as they are a fire hazard. You will require electricity in order to use lighting features.
• Carpeting:  Generally, large bridal shows are in convention centers that are not carpeted. Carpeting will make your booth look more luxurious and inviting.  Either order it from the show decorator or check to see if you can bring your own.  This is generally allowed as long as you make sure it is taped down securely.  Your feet will love you for it and the brides will spend more time in your booth. 
• Furniture:  Tables should be used on the sides for displays and not create a barrier between the booth and the aisle.  Save your chairs for bride use only!  Don’t sit down or you will look bored.
• Make sure the booth reflects what you do:  While it is nice to decorate your booth with flowers and other decor, if you are not a florist don’t over do it.  The attendee should be able to tell at a glance if you are a photographer, baker, reception facility, invitation company, etc.
• Know how much space you have to work with.  Mark out a 10 x 10, 5 x 8, or whatever size booth you have and practice with the items you plan to show.
• Don’t over fill your booth with too many products, focus on your main product. 

We hope you find these tips helpful in planning for your next bridal show experience.

Debra Hansen,  Show Producer

The Bridal Spectacular