With the new year comes bridal show season. And newly engaged couples, along with their family and friends will likely be hitting the shows to meet vendors, get inspired, and have fun. Here are some tips for making it through the bridal show without losing your sanity.

1. Go in prepared. Know what you want to get out of the show. Do you want to book vendors, do research, or get ideas? Smart couples will take pre-addressed labels with them to prevent hand cramping for vendor giveaways. Avoid the biggest crowds by going near the middle of the event.

2. Ask questions. It can be intimidating to arrive at the show without a game plan. Vendors will ask lots of questions, so don’t be shy about asking them questions. Find out how soon you should book, what their rates are, how they structure their packages, and how long they’ve been in business. Ask why they do the particular specialty they do and if there was any special training required. Some vendors, such as photographers and reception venues, book quickly. Don’t be surprised if they are booked on your wedding day a year out. And if they are, ask for a referral to another vendor they trust.

3. Take a bag (or a friend with a bag) with you. Bridal shows are full of swag: business cards, brochures, sample DVDs, catalogs, and other items. Don’t just grab and dash. Spend time with the vendor you’re going to take materials from. A large bag (big enough to hold several large catalogs) will help keep your hands free for sampling goodies and shaking hands.

4. Decide if the deal is really worth booking that day. Some bridal show vendors offer deals for booking the day of the show or within a week. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure the deal is worth booking quickly. If you feel pressured, maybe it’s not the deal for you. You should feel comfortable when deciding on a vendor.

5. Have fun! Take mom or your maid of honor (and guys, bring a friend along too) to the show and just have fun learning about wedding planning together. Make a day of it and go out for lunch or dinner after to decompress.

Here’s a lineup of some of the bridal shows and events going on this spring:

The Henry’s Bridal Boutique and Formal Wear
4th Annual Bridal Runway Fashion Show
Where: The Henry’s Bridal Boutique, 499 Washington Street, Bangor
When: January 8, 4-4:45 p.m.
Cost: Free

Pancsofar’s presents: A Night of Bridal Fashion
Where: The Eagle’s Nest Event Center, Presque Isle
When: January 14, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; $5 for VIP seating (register in advance for VIP seating)

Pancsofar’s Bridal Boutique is hosting this bridal fashion show in conjunction with a David Tutera trunk show. Dresses in the show will be by various designers culminating in a finale with a new line of dresses by David Tutera for Mon Cheri. Dresses in the show will be for brides, mothers, bridesmaids, and flower girls. Pancsofar’s is one of the elite bridal boutiques which will carry his dresses.

The fashion show will debut the new Tutera line and the collection of dresses will be in the shop until January 22 for women to view and try on and any David Tutera dress purchased during the trunk show receives a 10% discount.

The Retreat at French’s Point Wedding Show
Where: The Retreat at French’s Point
When: January 28
Cost: Free

The Retreat at French’s Point is a beautiful estate located in Stockton Springs. Find out more by visiting them online here.

Paradis and Foster Wedding Show
Where: Bangor Mall
When: February 11-12, 2012 during Mall hours
Cost: Free

This wedding show will feature vendors along the aisles at the mall as well as fashion shows, giveaways and more.

New England Bridal Expo
Marry ME Magazine will be available at these shows

Register in advance for any of these shows and save!

• MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE: February 19
  Location: Radisson, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH
  Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
  Admission: $6
• NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE: March 4
  Location: Radisson, 11 Tara Boulevard, Nashua, NH
  Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
  Admission: $6
• PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE: March 18
  Location: Portsmouth Harbor Event and Convention Center, Portwalk Place, Portsmouth, NH
  Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
  Admission: $6
• MEREDITH, NEW HAMPSHIRE: April 15
  Location: Church Landing at Mill Falls, 312 Daniel Webster Highway (Rt. 3), Meredith, NH
  Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
  Admission: $6

Lucerne Inn Bridal Show
Where: Lucerne Inn, Dedham, Maine
When: May 20
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Lucerne Inn has expanded its bridal show services to couples by offering a spring bridal show.

Maine Wedding Association Bridal Shows:

• PORTLAND: January 7-8, 2012
  Location: Holiday Inn By the Bay88 Spring Street, Portland
  Time: Saturday, 6-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Admission: $10
• BANGOR: January 14-15
  Location: Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Road, Bangor
  Time: Saturday, 6-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Admission: $10
• AUGUSTA: January 22
  Location: Augusta Armory, 179 Western Avenue, Augusta
  Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Admission: $10
• AUBURN: March 25
  Location: Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch, 14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn
  Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Admission: $10
• FREEPORT: April 1
  Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street, Freeport
  Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Admission: $10

Not on here? Let us know so we can pass your show on!