When a child gets engaged and decides to have a wedding, the next step is to find a venue. There are various venue options available like shrines, hotels, guest houses, and restaurants. “Bridal Fairs” are important for finding a suitable venue. Bridal Fairs are enjoyable events where you can experience exceptional spaces and cuisine. It’s an opportunity for parents to participate with their children to help facilitate discussions about the wedding. The article discusses the key points and considerations for parents to know when participating in a Bridal Fair. It also highlights the changing trends in Bridal Fairs and emphasizes the importance of parent-child communication.
When your child gets engaged and decides to have a wedding, the next step is finding a venue. Nowadays, there are a wide variety of options for wedding venues, from shrines and hotels to guesthouses and restaurants. To help find a suitable venue from among the many options, it’s recommended to attend a “bridal fair.”
A “bridal fair” is a fun event where you can enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere and cuisine. It provides a conducive environment for parents and children to discuss the wedding. So, if you have the opportunity, why not attend a bridal fair with your child?
Of course, the main focus when looking for a venue is your child. However, it’s also important to consider the input of parents who know the detailed circumstances of the invited family members. This article will present the key points and considerations from a parent’s perspective that you should be aware of when attending a bridal fair.
Table of Contents
What is a bridal fair?
Key points to check at a bridal fair
Considerations for attending a bridal fair
In conclusion
What is a bridal fair?
A “bridal fair” refers to an event held at a wedding venue where you can view the facilities. In addition to touring the venue, bridal fairs often include various programs, such as tasting the course cuisine served at the reception and trying on wedding attire.
Depending on the venue, there may also be special events organized to attract attendees, such as “new collection dress exhibitions,” “simulated wedding ceremonies,” “workshop experiences,” and “hair and makeup shows.” It’s an ideal event for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a wedding day in real time.
Changes in bridal fairs over time
Bridal fairs have evolved over time to reflect changing styles and purposes. Nowadays, bridal fairs are heavily focused on creating a dream-like setting that allows attendees to imagine their wedding day at the venue. The main objective is to attract new customers for the venue.
Contrastingly, previous bridal fairs were often perceived as events for “couples who had already made a decision” about their wedding venue. The main purpose of bridal fairs in the past was to “increase the guest average spending” at weddings, where various wedding-related vendors such as photographers, caterers, and dressmakers catered to the needs of couples who had already made bookings.
Prepare for the fair by discussing with your child in advance
If parents do not participate in the bridal fair, it’s essential to communicate your concerns and perspectives to your child before the event. Failure to have a thorough discussion in advance can lead to a situation where the child informs you of the decision to book a venue after the fact. This could result in disputes and strained relationships between parents and children.
It’s important to consider factors such as “the circumstances of invited family members” and “the accessibility of the venue for guests.” Both parties should strive to choose a venue that satisfies everyone involved.
Key points to check at a bridal fair
While it’s common for couples to attend bridal fairs on their own, some decide to bring their parents or siblings along to explore the venue before making a decision. Here are five key points parents should consider when attending a bridal fair with their children.
Atmosphere and facilities of the venue
One of the advantages of attending bridal fairs is the ability to inspect the actual atmosphere and facilities of the venue, which cannot be fully discerned from the information provided on the website. Parents can check for important factors such as the ease of movement for elderly guests and the comfort of guests with young children.
Cost
When it comes to wedding costs, many people have the impression that “the initial estimate increases significantly as the wedding preparations progress.” If parents are contributing to the wedding costs, it’s crucial to have a rough understanding of the total expenses from the early stages.
It’s advisable to request estimates that include not only the “lowest price” to make the venue look affordable but also anticipated additional costs for “catering,” “attire (including family attire),” and “gifts” from the outset.
Cuisine
At bridal fairs, you can taste the actual wedding cuisine that will be served at the reception. Some venues offer a full course meal for attendees. Parents can evaluate whether the cuisine aligns with the preferences of the guests to whom they will be inviting while enjoying the food and relaying their opinions to their children.
Policy on bringing items
Some venues have restrictions on bringing in items such as “attire,” “gifts,” or “bouquets,” or they may charge additional fees for bringing in such items. Confirming the policy on bringing items can prevent potential disputes with the venue after the contract has been signed.
Interaction with the wedding planner
During a bridal fair, attendees have the opportunity to consult with a professional wedding planner if they have concerns or questions about the wedding. The person who guides you during the bridal fair is often the planner who will be assigned to you. Establishing a good rapport with the planner is important, and if the interaction is not favorable, it’s reasonable to request a change of planner.
Considerations for attending a bridal fair
Attending a bridal fair with your child can make the wedding preparation process smoother. Here are two important considerations for attending a bridal fair.
Time commitment
Bridal fairs often involve time-consuming activities such as food tastings and attire try-ons. The average duration of a bridal fair ranges from 3 to 4 hours. It’s important to keep this in mind and communicate any scheduling conflicts to the organizers if necessary.
Avoid making hasty decisions
Some wedding venues offer significant discounts or incentives if you sign a contract on the day of the bridal fair. However, it’s advisable to take time and carefully consider any decisions before making a commitment. Rushing into a contract could lead to regrets about not exploring other potential venues.
In conclusion
As a parent with valuable life experience, you can offer candid advice to your child. Open communication between parents and children is crucial for finding a wedding venue that both parties can agree on.
Supervised by: Top Wedding
Composition/Writing: Saori Yoshikawa (Kyoto Media Line)