I have looked into bridal shows in my area. I am in CT so its pretty expensive. It is never less than $500.00 at any given event for an 8ft table. If it is a huge event it is around $700.00. I have the opportunity to do a $500 dollar show in april, but they can't tell me how many brides will show up. They advertised with a billboard on one of the major highways and they also have advertised in a city newspaper. Should I go, and will it be worth it?

Have you ever gone to one of these shows as a "spectator"?
I would ask around for information from other local vendors such as other bakers, wedding dress shops, tuxedo rental shops, caterers, florists, etc. and get there take on it. Did they get any new business, book any orders, are they going to enter again for this show....

The shows in my town get a huge response and the ads are only in the paper and a monthly magazine handed out at local stores about two months before the show. I actually got my second grooms cake order while I was just attending the show and ran into an old friend who's son was getting married---so you never know!

If you decide to do it, please post pics of your cakes and booth and good luck!

I think they are worth. Make sure is a good one that has a lot of traffic from brides and that you have a booth in a good location..We always get people that come from the shows.
Edna

It totally depends on who is putting the show on and how well they organize and advertise it! I have done a lot of these shows and some are great and some definately do not pay for the cost of the booth. Just remember, any order you take is never pure profit, so if the booth costs you $500, you probably need to book at least $750-$1000 worth of business just to cover that, plus business cards, samples, making display cakes, etc. is all part of the cost of being there, but if you're going to do it, do it big! If they are unsure of how many bride's to expect, I would ask a few more questions and see if they have done a show this time of year in the same venue, etc. They should be able to give you an approximate, or how many showed up last year!
Good Luck!
-Lori