If you do not register online (you get more perks if you do), make sure you register when you arrive. Registering to attend the show will allow you to receive a Bridal Bag  (while supplies last) full of promotional information and give-aways (from participating exhibitors), $1,000 in Carolina Bridal Bucks, special money saving coupons and other offers and you'll be eligible to win Big Prizes.

That way all of your wedding planning emails are in one place and you can delete the email address when your wedding date has passed. The amount of offers you receive at first may seem overwhelming, but take the time to read them or you may miss out on some very good deals.

Collect any information you are interested in and take it home to look over again at your leisure.

That's what the vendors are there for. They want to help you and you are under no pressure to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.

Almost every vendor will ask for your name or invite you to enter their drawings for special gifts and prizes. Having these labels will save you from having to write your name and address fifty or sixty (or more) times!

You may find one or more vendors that you would like to schedule a personalized consultation with following the show. Many exhibitors will be accepting "Carolina Bridal Bucks" and offering on the spot "Discounts and Show Specials" may require a small deposit. A partial list of Vendors who are accepting Carolina Bridal Bucks is listed on our website (list is updated frequently). They can also be identified by a special poster in their booth at the show.

You will want to visit with as many wedding exhibitors as possible. Remember, it could take you two months to see the same number of vendors if you drove to each of their locations.

Bring your fiance and bring your entire bridal party if you want to. They can help you cover twice as much ground and help share in the planning process by offering their opinions and thoughts about the potential choices of wedding merchants. Periodically, Carolina Bridal Fair provides a "Groom's Room" for the guys where he can watch the game and have an 'adult beverage' if the planning becomes a bit overwhelming for him. Check the schedule of events to see if the show you are attending is including this feature.

The first 300 brides through the door receive a Bridal Bag at the welcome center but in case the other folks in your group want to help you collect information, tell them to bring a large canvas tote bag, or even a small bag with wheels to carry around information from various vendors (and FREE magazines and other goodies).

If you have already selected your colors, bring fabric swatches or pictures so that you can match colors and give the vendors an idea of your tastes. Don't forget to bring a notepad and pen to take notes and your calendar so you can make appointments.

While Carolina Bridal & Wedding Fair is designed for adults, we recognize that children are a very special part of the wedding party. However, most children will lose interest very quickly and they may well end up being detrimental to your goal of shopping for your wedding. Consider a sitter for your young child instead. If you have no other option other than to bring your child, please note that for the safety of all attendees, we discourage the use of strollers. Many accidents have occurred when attendees have tripped over strollers in the aisles, risking harm to themselves and to the child in the stroller.

You'll want to know what time the door and grand prizes are given away. You must be present at the time we call your ticket number, otherwise we call additional ticket numbers until all the prizes are awarded.

Also, the runway fashion shows and seminars (when offered) generally last between 15-30 minutes, so schedule accordingly. Please arrive early to avoid waiting in line and to obtain seating for our bridal runway fashion show. Seating is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

We allow photography and video for personal use only (yes, you certainly may share your photos of the show on Facebook and Twitter, absolutely) but they may not be reproduced without the written consent of Carolina Bridal Fair.

Wear comfortable shoes and have a great time!