For those who do decide to sign up to exhibit, the prospect of making the most out of the investment can be a daunting one. Here are ten handy hints on how to make a mark before, during and after the show.

1. Research – do your homework before you sign up to do a consumer show, find out how many years the show has been running for and what the clientele are like.

2. Book your stand – check out the location and your immediate adjacencies. Also check you are happy with the size.

3. PR and marketing support – First things first, make sure you download the marketing and publicity guide. It might be large but the manual will give you an oversight into all that is available to you.

4. Get online – Online promotion is really important and so make the most of all online coverage. On The National Wedding Shows websites exhibitors each get a 350 word description, their logo, a website link and an image.

5. Social media – It has absolutely exploded over the last few years with millions of brides using social media platforms including Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Use them to promote special offers, competitions and any product launches. Don’t be shy to ask the show organiser to promote things for you via social media too.

6. Public relations – Tell as many people as possible about any news your boutique might have, whether it be the sale of Birmingham’s most expensive tiara or a dress made from a cake. Let the PR company at the exhibition organiser know so they can get their little black book of contacts out.

7. Targets – Set you and your team targets. If it’s awareness you would like then set a target for how many emails addresses you want, or if it’s return on investment set a target for the number of sales you want. However, you should break it down and so your staff don’t feel overwhelmed.

8. Help is on hand – People are there to help. Pick up the phone or send an email to the exhibition team who will be able to assist you.

9. On site top tips

• Be unique – there is no point in trying to copy a competitor, instead highlight your boutique’s own individual style.
• The catwalk – Maximise your potential using the flagship features. If you pay for dresses to be shown on the catwalk then choose the most unique and show-stopping gowns. They may not be the most commercial but they will ensure you are remembered. If you take part in the catwalk then you will also receive the images, which can make great, engaging content.
• Smile! – You need to show passion and enthusiasm at all times. Fantastic customer service could really set you apart from your competitors.
• Data capture – This is so important. You can’t rely on people just finding your details. It’s a good idea to run a competition for a free accessory, dress or even just a bottle of Champagne. If the brides-to-be feel they are getting something out of it then they are more likely to give the correct data.

10. Post show top tips

• Personal touch – Send any brides you have the contact details for a post-show thank you note. You can also include sales offers in this too to keep them interested.
• Measure success – Refer back to the sales targets you sent in order to gauge how successful the show has been for you.

The National Wedding Shows will take place in London from 25 to 27 September, in Birmingham from 2 to 4 October and in Manchester on 24 and 25 October. Click here for further information.