Looking back on the 2024 Wedding Show Season

Hey there, lovebirds! Let’s have a heart-to-heart about wedding show season and how it’s been shaping up. Specifically, I’ve got some thoughts for all you 2024 couples out there. I get it – it’s April already, some of you are tying the knot as soon as May, and the stress levels are probably through the roof. But let’s not let that be the theme of your wedding planning journey, okay?

So, let’s rewind to January and the 2024 wedding show season. We kicked off the year with the new and improved Tacoma Wedding Show, which was absolutely fantastic. And Seattle? Oh boy, Seattle never disappoints – it was a blast as usual. Then came February, and we had the Puyallup Wedding Show at the Agriplex, nestled within the Washington State Fairgrounds. Three shows in one month – talk about a whirlwind! And let’s not forget about the Kitsap Wedding Tour and other open houses happening this month and the next. It’s a crazy busy season for all of us, but hey, we’re in this together.

Now, let’s dive into what I observed at the Tacoma and Seattle wedding shows. These two are among the biggest in our neck of the woods, with Seattle reigning as the granddaddy of them all. Sure, there’s the ACS Bridal Show, but I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing that one firsthand – I hear it’s wild though! As for me, crazy isn’t my cup of tea. Sure, I live for the chaos as a wedding photographer with four kids and homeschooling duties, but there’s a limit, you know?

What struck me at both Tacoma and Seattle was that the majority of couples I chatted with were eyeing weddings in 2025 and 2026. Maybe there was one adventurous duo aiming for 2027, but the trend seemed to be planning further out. Tacoma was buzzing with availability for those 2024 brides, presenting a different vibe from the Seattle show. It was like a breath of fresh air this wedding show season, especially after attending The Tacoma Wedding Show (when it was managed by Brides Club) multiple times in 2019 and sadly seeing it close in 2020. But hey, Tacoma, you’re still going strong, and I’m excited to be back next year!

Now, let’s talk about vendors. Seattle, being the behemoth of a show it is, gave a glimpse into the wedding industry, but let’s remember – it’s just a sampling. We’ve got an abundance of talent here in the Emerald City and across Washington state. Trust me, I’ve joked with fellow photographers and vendors that you can’t swing a cat without hitting a wedding vendor around here. But here’s the kicker – the wedding show season only scratches the surface. We’ve got a treasure trove of vendors beyond those convention center walls, offering top-notch services and experiences.

Here’s where I get fired up – the scarcity marketing tactics. You know, the ones where vendors make you feel like they’re the only option left on the planet. Let me be blunt – that’s BS. No couple should feel pressured into booking on the spot because they’re led to believe there’s no one else available. It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to us vendors either. Your wedding day deserves more than fear-based decisions and last-minute rushes.

And let’s not forget about the Puyallup Wedding Show. It was a whole different vibe – smaller, cozier, and perfect for meaningful conversations with couples. Sure, it wasn’t as massive as Seattle, but that was a blessing in disguise. I could actually hear myself think! And the shift in energy was palpable – couples were ready to find their perfect vendors, and boy, did we have a blast helping them out.

But here’s the thing – for all you 2024 couples out there, whether your big day is months away or just around the corner, there’s a vendor for you. You might have to do some digging, and you might not get your first pick, but trust me, we’re out here, ready to make your wedding dreams a reality.

So, to my fellow vendors, let’s ditch the fear tactics and focus on serving our couples with integrity and authenticity. And to all you couples out there, breathe easy – your perfect vendor is out there, and we can’t wait to make magic with you.