Post-Bridal Show Letters/Mailings to Brides?

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DJ Ducky

DJ Ducky

Resident Duck
Mar 21, 2008
3,096
36
West Lafayette, IN
ampindiana.com
I am thinking about sending letters to brides from this past weekend's bridal show. I don't normally do this, but inquiries are very low and I know that other DJ companies will likely do these mailings. That said, I have a few questions:

Do you send mailings to brides on those lists that you get from bridal shows? If so, what exactly do you send (letter, brochure, etc.)? Do you use the same sales pitch that you used from the show or something different?

What kind of success rate do you get from these mailings?


Thanks in advance for your thoughts. :)
 
Haven't in the past, but this year we're trying a Send Out Card postcard.

Jury is still out on the results as we have just started doing this about a week ago.
 
the multi-op I work for on occassion
does not send follow up material.

1- you've already spent money on stuff to give them AT the show
2- if you didn't get their attention (for whatever reason) at the show, you've probably missed the opportunity window
3- every other DJ company, and probably most of the other vendors at the show, are also sending them material after the show.
4- the show stuff can be handed to them, the follow-up stuff requires postage! unless of course, you follow up via email!
5- even businesses who weren't at the show will send them stuff when they post their engagement in the newspaper.

I think the best argument is # 2.
If they want to know more, they will remember you and contact you on their own!
 
Remember - you helped me modify mine last year?

The response from that one wasn't great (no no knock on anything you did) - it was a bunk show all around.

BUT - my first show in '07 booked my 08 summer solid and I did do a mailing.

1) Letter with pitch
2) Tri-fold color brochure
3) Business card

Got good response from it overall. I ordered the mailing list by location, date, etc.

Ones that were closer got a corresponding call right away. Others I staggered out the follow up calls.

I say go for it.
 
well you already just been married yes ??

look at it on thier side again what would they really want

annoying brochures or an email or a personal phone call ?
isnt calls as cheap as postage are ?

anyway its still comes down to you!! and $$$$
 
I do not go into shows since they run about $3000.00 in my area, the most expensive in the world I believe.

The feedback I have gotten from brides that have attended these shows is that they are pi$$ed to get all this unsolicited junk mail from wedding vendors. They give their name and contact info to enter for a chance to win a prize at the show, not to me bombarded after with crap. At least that's what they told me, take it for what it's worth.
 
I won't be sending any follow up information. I gave some good information out at the booth, talked with almost all the brides in attendance (they have to get a vendor card signed to be eligible to win a free honeymoon ;)) and flat out told them that my website would be able to give them more info than I could in 2 minutes and they could visit while sitting at home in their pj's (I seriously said that!).

It must have worked, because my web statcounter is working overtime, the inquiries are hitting the inbox and the phone is banging. Overall, I think the approach was a HUGE success and I'm delighted with my decision to display a more laid back, but professional approach, and a fun atmosphere. I thought some vendors seemed so stuffy at the show.

If you didn't grab their attention at the show, it's going to take alot more to grab it afterwards, in my opinion.
 
maestro said:
I do not go into shows since they run about $3000.00 in my area, the most expensive in the world I believe.

The feedback I have gotten from brides that have attended these shows is that they are pi$$ed to get all this unsolicited junk mail from wedding vendors. They give their name and contact info to enter for a chance to win a prize at the show, not to me bombarded after with crap. At least that's what they told me, take it for what it's worth.
Click to expand...

Holy Crap Maestro
thats about TRIPLE the cost for shows around here!
 
DJ Ducky said:
We've decided not to do anything at all. We're going to wait it out and hope we get more response after tax time.
Click to expand...

I hope this comes off as intended, but I don't think your bridal show setup appeals to most of today's brides. Although nice & unique, I think it appears that you're focusing on a certain type of client --- more of an older crowd who might appreciate cd's & vinyl. Myself, I focus on and try to appeal to the younger brides-to-be, which were a large portion of the bridal show attendees.
 
Randy A said:
I hope this comes off as intended, but I don't think your bridal show setup appeals to most of today's brides. Although nice & unique, I think it appears that you're focusing on a certain type of client --- more of an older crowd who might appreciate cd's & vinyl. Myself, I focus on and try to appeal to the younger brides-to-be, which were a large portion of the bridal show attendees.
Click to expand...


Hmm...point taken, so what do you suggest? What do you think speaks to the younger brides-to-be?
 
DJ Ducky said:
Hmm...point taken, so what do you suggest? What do you think speaks to the younger brides-to-be?
Click to expand...

I looked at Kevin's Bridal Show threads when trying to find inspiration.

I'll share a photo from the bridal show I did, but it's really horrible. It was taken by the event host.

I was hoping to have room to be able to be out in front of the setup, but with the room layout, there just wasn't room for that.

I utilized a 4 foot table in center w/ two small round tables on each end (all uplit in pink). On the round tables, there were some flowers, candles and heart-shaped candy dishes with chocolates & mints & a stack of business cards. On the 4 foot table, I had a nice frame with uplighting photos and my info packets with business cards & ink pens laid out.

Behind me was my facade and verticle trussing (both uplit in pink) with large screen running a slideshow of information (took some things from Snowcones bridal show video).

I will be making some changes to the next show by placing my Acrobats on the verticals and redoing my slideshow to ensure my logo, website and contact info is on every slide.
 
If you don't mind a little "critique" Randy...
I like the simplicity of your setup
I just don't think that PINK is the right color to use.
It doesn't represent DJ or PARTY TIME...in my opinion.
At first glance, you could be a jeweler, or a cake maker.

not only that, it clashes with your blouse and doesn't bring out your eyes!

(that part was a joke)
 
Ausumm said:
If you don't mind a little "critique" Randy...
I like the simplicity of your setup
I just don't think that PINK is the right color to use.
It doesn't represent DJ or PARTY TIME...in my opinion.
At first glance, you could be a jeweler, or a cake maker.

not only that, it clashes with your blouse and doesn't bring out your eyes!

(that part was a joke)
Click to expand...

Certainly appreciate the feedback, Thanks!

But, I'd have to say the pink was spot on from what I could see on the faces of the brides-to-be. :sqwink: And, the fact that I've sold 3 uplighting only packages now that all had pink in them.

But, having my logo, website and phone number on every slide that is on the tv, will help eliminate any identification problems at the next show.
 
Thanks for all of the advice. I am thinking of a newspaper ad in the section of the Sunday paper called Celebrations. Hopefully once all this crappy weather is over (we're expecting more snow-again) people will be ready to party. I really can't afford much of an ad, a "Business card" size ad (color) is $164 one time only, but since it's in the bridal section of the Sun. paper coming up Feb. 21, when brides are planning weddings, it might be a good time. What do you think? Should I wait a week or 2....are people planning weddings now? Do brides really notice these ads or do most surf the web for this type of service?
 
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