Avoiding bridal show vertigo

Valentine's Day is done, and now throngs of suburban women are sporting shiny, new baubles on their left ring fingers.

While some brides-to-be might have been surprised by their guy's proposal, the people working in the $40 billion-per-year wedding industry weren't.

They know dinner dates will soon give way to afternoons of dress shopping. And to get your attention first, they'll be showcasing their frocks, DJ services, limos and honeymoon packages at wedding expos throughout the suburbs.

Of course, these can be great one-stop-shops. But with hundreds of vendors, they can also cause sensory overload.

To help keep the happy day just that, we've collected tips for navigating these massive wedding expos from a pro. Laura Wrasman, publisher of Wedding Guide Chicago magazine and Web site, puts on exhibits at more than 30 bridal shows every year.

She's even thrown a few expos of her own.

"They really are a great place to gather information," Wrasman says. "But if you don't necessarily know where to start, a bridal show may overwhelm you."

So to make sure you stay in charge of your wedding, check out Wrasman's tips for keeping expos under control.

• Start a new e-mail account

And make sure that new address is set up just for wedding correspondence. This will keep you organized once the offers from the expo come pouring in, Wrasman says.

• Come prepared

A lot of vendors will catch your eye, and you'll be giving out personal information for hours.

Therefore, Wrasman suggests skipping the hand cramps and, instead, printing a sheet of labels or more with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, wedding date and groom's name.

• Appearances do matter

If a business presents itself well at a wedding expo, they're likely going to be more concerned with the product they're providing to you, too, says Wrasman.

"If a guy is there in a T-shirt and jeans selling DJ services, he may not be the most reputable DJ," she says.

• Don't mistake extra flair for necessities

A caricature artist at your reception.

That Precious Moments ice sculpture.

A video montage of the you and your fiance through the years.

While these all might add a lovely touch to your nuptials, they're not essential and can be costly. Wrasman suggests having your budget estimated before even attending an expo, so you know what to explore and what to ignore.

• Read the fine print

Remember that many giveaways are actually sales tools and might cost you money to utilize.

"If they are doing a drawing for a single item at a booth, that can be great," says Wrasman. "Sometimes they'll give a discount of a few hundred dollars off a package, but the savings depend on the cost. If it's a $2,000 package, a $200 coupon may not be worth it to you."

• Check that goody bag

A lot of couples ignore the bag at the expo, then toss it to the side when they get home after their long day. Wrasman says those bags often contain valuable tools -- like magazines, offers and ideas -- that will help with your planning.

• Don't book anything on the spot

Feel free to make an appointment with vendors who spark your interest, says Wrasman, but ignore pressure to book services on the spot.

"You have people offering specials that are only good on the day of the expo, and some are great, some are just gimmicks," she says. "Ultimately, that's going to be the job of the bride to determine."

Which leads to our final rule …

• Go with your gut

Always check references of anyone you're planning to book.

"I always hear people say 'They didn't give me the best service but I just bought my dress there because they had it,'" Wrasman says. "If it doesn't feel right, you can always get it somewhere else. Price should always not be the end factor on everything."

To learn more

weddingguidechicago.com

Upcoming expos

Bridal Expo Chicago

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

When and where: March 2, Doubletree Hotel, 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook; March 9, Belvedere Banquets, 1170 W. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village; April 13, Stonegate Conference Center, 2500 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates; April 20, Marriott Hotel, 1401 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook

Cost: $15 at the door

Web site: bridalshowexpo.com

Phone: (847) 428-3320

The Complete Wedding Expo

Time: Noon to 3:30 p.m. March 2

When and where: March 2, New Meadows Banquets and Convention Center, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows; March 30, The New Westin Hotel, 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard; April 6, The New Renaissance Hotel O'Hare, 8500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago

Phone: (847) 428-8200

Cost: $20 at the door

Web site: thecompleteweddingexpo.com

The Great Bridal Expo

When: Noon March 2

Where: Crown Plaza Chicago O'Hare, 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont

Cost: $9 at the door

Web site: greatbridalexpo.com

Phone: (954) 522-7001