Can you survive a Sunday at the wedding expo?

Q – I have to go to wedding show tomorrow. How long will I be there? Doors open at noon and the game I want to watch starts at 3…help!

You’re Saturday revolves around watching the big game, but your fiancée wants you to go to a wedding show. Ugh, what’s a guy to do? Chillax; it’s not so bad. Depending on where you are in the wedding planning process and the size of the wedding show, you could potentially spend anywhere from an hour to several at one of these events. But remember that there may only be a couple of these events in your area a year, so taking the time to attend one can be important, especially to your fiancée. Score some brownie points with her by proposing a compromise: You’ll attend the show—and keep an open mind throughout the event—in exchange for getting home in time to watch the game.

Believe it or not, there are some things guys can get excited about at a wedding show. While your fiancée might be looking for bridesmaid dresses, accessories and flower vendors, you can check out the more guy-related vendors. For example, are you thinking about leaving your wedding ceremony or reception in style, say in a vintage Rolls Royce or classic 70s Corvette? Check out the wedding transportation vendors, to see what they have on tap.

Considering a groom’s cake for the big day? (In case you haven’t already heard, the groom’s cake is a special secondary cake that’s made just for you!) Head over to the cake vendors to see what kind of awesome groom’s cake they can whip up for you. Ideas include a cake focused on your hobbies (such as fishing, hunting or biking), favorite sports team, hometown or line of work (fireman, pilot or military). Make sure to ask for a cake with your favorite flavors.

If you’re a techie, checking out the videography and photography vendors might be up your alley. See what kinds of creative ideas they have for capturing your wedding day using the latest technologies.

If you’re still not sold, try sneaking in a flask of your drink of choice…it could put you in a better mood and the show will go by much faster. Keep in mind, it’s just a couple of hours, and then you can get out of there and watch the game.

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Keep reading each week as we’ll be posting new advice from The Wedding Babe. If you’ve got a burning question for her, please submit it here. And please, stop sending her love poems. The Wedding Babe is a happily married woman.. who could probably kick your ass.

Will you be accompanying your fiancée to any wedding shows? Tell us your fears in the comments section below.

"Off to the bridal show"

It’s bridal show season out there. I’m sure the one big question on your mind is, “How do I get out of going?” The answer is, maybe you don’t want to get out of it. Despite the name “bridal show” these events aren’t necessarily just for brides. Depending on the show, it can be a great way to get a jump-start on your wedding planning, let you see a bunch of vendors all at once, and possibly win some great prizes or discounts. Going with your fiancée will give you extra chances to win raffle prizes, and ensure that you have a chance to see all the possible vendors. Plus, there’s almost always free cake and going gets you a free pass to spend the next weekend watching football.

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*Editor’s note – The Man Registry sets up a groom’s corner at every bridal show we attend. We mix a little wedding talk with Nintendo Wii, ping pong and man-food. Doesn’t sound that bad, eh?