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This past week, I had the opportunity to attend two shows. The Chocolate Show was an exhibition of all things chocolate - cooking demonstrations, book signings, chocolate fashion, and TONS of samples. The Wedding Salon was an exhibition of all things wedding - makeup demonstrations, pamphlet giveaways, wedding fashion and… SOME samples. So how did the two compare?
1. Price
The Chocolate Show was $35, and I treated Mr. Hammy, so I was out a cool $70. On the other hand, tickets to the Wedding Salon, with a coupon code, were free. I did *not* treat Mr. Hammy to the Wedding Salon, although we did attend the spring Wedding Salon show together. We had just gotten engaged, and I was young and naïve. Ladies, do you want to see true fear in your man’s eyes? Take him to a wedding show.
Chocolate Show: 0, Wedding Show: 1
2. Initial Wait
We went to the Chocolate Show on its last day (Sunday), relatively early in the day, so the wait wasn’t too bad. In fact, we were able to walk right in. For the Wedding Salon, the line was ginormous! I waited in line for about 35 minutes, and unfortunately ended up staying at the show around 20 minutes - it was a great show so it was really crowded, and I’m a crowd wimp.
There was a bit of a line…
Chocolate Show: 1, Wedding Show: 0
3. Fashion
The Wedding Salon had tons of wedding gowns on mannequins as well as models floating around the show - some designers I recognized included Ines di Santo and Romona Keveza. On the other hand, the Chocolate Show had dresses made out of chocolate. Beauty vs. Yumminess? Ooh, tough decision.
Chocolate Elvira vs. Taffeta Ines
Chocolate Show: 1, Wedding Show: 1
4. Freebies and Giveaways
My Wedding Salon confirmation allowed for one gift bag, while supplies lasted. When I checked in, the kind lady told me that they had run out of gift bags - I guess I arrived too late. But then, right after I left the check-in line, I saw other brides picking up their gift bags! This made me a really sad hamster - I love gift bags! And at least from afar, they looked pretty good too - a nice blue and white tote with some lotion products and edible goodies inside. Oh well. In contrast, the Chocolate Show had TONS of samples - cocoa nibs, truffles, 80% cacao, peanut butter, chocolate bark and hot chocolate, just to name a few. Then again, we did pay for this event, so I’d expect some chocolate!
Where is Hammy’s gift bag? Nowhere.
Chocolate Show: 1, Wedding Show: 0
5. General Awesomeness
The Wedding Salon had some pretty great vendors, including Sylvia Weinstock - and I finally, finally got over my shyness to approach her (I had seen her at several other wedding events and wimped out). That was really cool! Then again, the Chocolate Show had chocolate covered bacon. Chocolate. Covered. BACON. Yes.
Sylvia vs. Bacon
Chocolate Show: Priceless, Wedding Show: Priceless
Ooh, close call, but it looks like the final verdict is:
Chocolate Show: Priceless + 3, Wedding Show: Priceless + 2
Chocolate Show is the big winner! Go ahead and take your victory lap!
In all seriousness, the Wedding Salon was a great resource, especially for brides early in the planning process. There were a ton of vendors for you to talk to, as well as tablescapes for inspiration. And if you’re not a crowd wimp like me, it’s totally manageable. Also in all seriousness - I’d highly recommend the Chocolate Show. The hours of indigestion afterwards were a small price to pay for a stuffed and happy Hammy.
Have you been to any bridal shows? How were they?
I went to a chocolate show one summer. The ac was broken. Glad yours was awesome.
There was one sample that made dealing with the crowds at the Wedding Salon worth it — a free sample of cake from Sugar Flower Shop. I went back for seconds. And thirds. If I were getting married in New York, I would pay whatever they asked for a wedding cake from them.
The rest of the show, I thought, was good, although I’m already less than three months out from the wedding date, so I’ve already booked most things.
Didn’t make it to the Chocolate Show this year, although I’ve been several times before. Always worth it!
I didn’t get a gift bag either. I tried at the end even though I didn’t have the gift bag card, but no such luck. However the lady giving out the bags said it was mostly magazines and a Bumpit for your hair, nothing really great.
On a side note… whenever I hear about Bumpits I think of it as “bum pit”, like a non-functioning armpit lol. For that reason I could never ever use them. I know, I’m strange.
OT - Mrs. Cowboy Boot - where is that jacket on your dog from? I am looking for one similar for my dog for snowshoeing this winter - Thanks!
I have NEVER been to a wedding show. And now that I’m about 5 months out, there is no real need to go, so maybe someday with one of my friends when they get engaged? I’ve also never been to a chocolate show, which probably needs to be remedied.
Never been to a wedding show. I don’t think I ever will. Does that make me a bad person? Oh and I don’t like chocolate- i’m just a party pooper all around. 
Aw that picture of you with the caption about the giftbag makes me SO sad, lol. There are 2 bridal shows here in the next few months and I’m getting up the courage to go…
PS but BACON chocolate- that sounds like a chocolate I could like!
@MountainBride: I think you might be referring to the Pets post? Might want to try PM’ing Cowboy Boot directly!
@Miss Pretzel: love your addendum, haha!
Ive only been to one bridal show and it was in Chile, I have to say I didn’t like it very much
i haven’t been to any bridal shows [managed to avoid that in both tours of bridesmaid duties] but i have been to the chocolate festival in sf…which i love! soooo worth the time and money
I just have to say that I had a bacon-flavored chocolate bar from Whole Foods (my MOH introduced me to it right before the wedding), and it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had!
Yum! I’ve only been to one bridal show, and it was just plain dumb. I wish a chocolate show would pop up around here!
Also, my ex’s family served biscuits, bacon, and chocolate (instead of gravy) for breakfast a lot, and it took me months to even try it….I was totally missing out! Bacon and chocolate biscuits - delish!
That is so funny! It’s funny that you brought up the chocolate bacon!! I have a bar of it in my desk @ work. My FH works for the airlines and he did something really nice for this lady who MADE him take 2 bars of Mo’s Dark Bacon Bar. He LOVED it and I’ve still been too afraid to try it! lol
My mother grew up in the South where chocolate gravy was a breakfast treat to serve over your biscuits. I guess this chocolate bacon should not be a huge surprise.
You met Sylvia Weinstock!! She’s iconic 
I would die to meet her.
Eeek! Martha Stewart Party + Sylvia= one lucky hamster!
[...] though I really wanted to take a picture with her, I chose to only take a picture of her - the last time I took a picture with her, I got nervous and froze, and I didn’t want to repeat that memorable [...]
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Mrs. Hamster, New York City Age and Occupation: 28, Finance Gal Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance Guy Engagement Date: March 9, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2010 Venue: The Pierre Hotel About Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
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