The biggest bridal show in South Texas is officially nearly here – The Bridal Extravaganza!

The show kicks off Sunday, January 15th from 12PM – 5PM at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

The Texas Wedding Guide is here to give you all the inside tips on how to prepare for your visit to the show and meet all the wedding show exhibitors. So download your wedding planning app, grab those sneakers, and get planning!

Don’t have your ticket yet? Join in on the fun and get your ticket today – use the code BLOG to snag your free ticket!

Bridal Show Tip 1 – Get Ready for Savings!

There are several ways to save BIG at the Bridal Extravaganza.

Cash for Contracts

You’ll get the best deals by signing contracts with exhibitors the day of the wedding show. Many offer specials when you sign a contract and put down a deposit during the show. Add to your chances to save when you participate in our Cash for Contracts program.

Cash for Contracts gives you a chance to win up to $250 towards that signed contract!

Once you sign a contract with an exhibitor, take a copy over to the Wedding Guide booth. Your contract will be added to the drawing held after the show concludes. If your contract is drawn and you win, the Wedding Guide will pay your vendor $250 towards your balance. Winners will be contacted by the Wedding Guide staff the week after the show, so be sure to check your voicemail!

Some couples may be nervous signing a contract onsite. Don’t be. You’ll have plenty of time to talk to wedding professionals of all kinds and vendors such as wedding vendors will also give you an “out” within so many days so you can see the venue in person for final approval.

Touch of Elegance

Bridal Bucks

Every couple receives $500 in “Bridal Bucks” to spend at the Bridal Extravaganza. This monopoly-esque cash can be used towards your wedding contracts with many show exhibitors.

Each wedding vendor accepts a varying amount of total Bridal Bucks towards your contract. You could get $500 off your venue rental, $100 off your wedding cake, or $300 off your photography package. Spend all the cash with one vendor, or divide it up among a few. It’s up to you!

Grand Prizes

There’s no better deal than free, so we have plenty of Grand Prizes at the Bridal Extravaganza as well! Every couple that registers at the door or prior to attending the show is automatically entered as a potential winner for the Grand Prizes. Remember, winners are chosen as the conclusion of the wedding show so if you can’t make it to the end, don’t sweat it. We’ll be contacting you to let you know you’ve won.

Show Specials & Deals

There are many Bridal Extravaganza exhibitors who offer additional specials and deals beyond accepting Bridal Bucks. Be sure to look up the list of exhibitors in advance so you can start planning your trip to the show. Save your favorites in the Wedding Guide app so you have the list handy!

Bridal Show Tip 2 – Do Your Research in Advance

Texas Wedding Ministers

Learn About the Bridal Extravaganza Exhibitors

For most wedding shows, you’ll be able to look up the list of exhibitors prior to the wedding show. That means you can get some work done ahead of time to get the most out of your day.

The highest quality wedding shows will have these exhibitors sorted by wedding professional category, so you can easily search through your options. Make a list of the wedding vendors you still need and start browsing through which ones will be onsite during the wedding show.

Once you have your list, start your research. Get some essential information on your wedding vendor, like style and price range. Then you’ll be armed with the basics prior to attending the wedding show.

From the vendors you need sooner rather than later such as wedding consultants and venues, to the final touches such as alterations and ministers, you’ll find a wealth of wedding professionals. Go check out the list of our Bridal Extravaganza Exhibitors.

Be Ready to Sign Contracts

To take advantage of the best show discounts and programs like Cash for Contracts, be prepared to sign contracts right at the Bridal Extravaganza.

Some exhibitors will book meetings during wedding show hours prior to the show. If you have interest in seeing a particular vendor, consider contacting them in advance to set up a time to meet during the wedding show. 

This means you can schedule face-to-face meetings with all your favorite wedding vendors without having to wait for them to be available.

Bridal Show Tip 3 – Be Prepared for Show Day

Not only will you get most out of attending a wedding show by being prepared, you’ll enjoy it more.

Dress Comfortably

Being prepared means being ready to get some steps in. Pull that hair back, wear comfortable shoes and don some breathable fabrics to stay cool and focused on the task at hand.

The average wedding show lasts 4 – 6 hours. That may seem like a long time to spend walking around a show, but many couples stay for the entire event. They visit the exhibitors, watch fashion shows and love winning door prizes. 

Consider this, if you’re meeting with even five wedding professionals face-to-face for a half hour, you’re already at two and half hours. That being said, the length you stay depends on how much planning you need to get done, and your overall pace.

Download the Texas Weddings App

Often, couples bring printed label sheets with their contact info and wedding date to share with the wedding vendors quickly and easily. No need to do that extra work when you can download the Texas Weddings App instead.

With the Texas Weddings app you can simply scan the QR code in the booth of any Bridal Extravaganza exhibitor you’re interested in and get all of their contact information in one, simple place. So be sure you download the Texas Weddings app in advance!

Meemo’s Bakery

Save Room for Sample Tastings

One thing couples love about wedding shows are the samples! Caterers and bakers show off their skills at wedding shows by providing samples to attendees, and it’s easy to fill up as you walk around. Additionally, there will be concessions for food – and even a bar!

Bridal Show Tip 4 – Squad Up!

Gather up your posse to attend the Bridal Extravaganza in full force! Don your tiara and sash, while your crew wears their personalized T-Shirt and you roll in in all your glory.

Heading to a wedding show with your wedding party can make the day extra fun. You’ll get plenty of opportunities for Gram-worthy pics in the beautifully decorated booths, and may even find some room for a Tik Tok.

From browsing wedding dresses set up by wedding gown stores, to tasting food served by caterers, your entire group will enjoy themselves and be able to provide you with instant feedback. In addition, the best wedding shows have a bar where you can all grab a drink and regroup.

Get Inspired

Fabulous Balloon Events

Get ready for some serious wedding inspo.

Our exhibitors go all out to create beautiful and impressive displays for couples to get inspired by. From floral displays to incredible cakes to drool-worthy wedding fashions, have your camera open and ready to gather ideas. 

See some of the past displays and Best Of photos by visiting our Bridal Extravaganza gallery.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page. No tickets yet? Avoid the line and purchase in advance with our online ticket portal. Use the code BLOG to get your free ticket!