If you've been to one, I don't have to tell you how overwhelming and confusing it can be. There are so many vendors to speak to that it can be hard to know where to start!

So how can you get the most out of a bridal show...without going into cardiac arrest?

Photo of bride and groom in the street

I called on the Hudson Valley's bridal show expert, Kenneth Rabasco aka Bosco of Bosco's Bridal for help. Bosco has been leading bridal shows in the northeastern US since 1997 and he specializes in bridal expos for the New York City, Westchester and Hudson Valley area of NY.

If anyone knows how to survive a bridal show...and get the maximum benefit from it...it's him.

15 Bridal Show Survival Tips From Bosco

1. Bring the Groom. Don't leave your fiancé at home! If you find the perfect wedding vendor, you'll probably want his input before making the arrangements. With your FI at your side, you can take advantage of those special bridal show deals and promotions. (P.S. He won't be the only guy there. I promise!)

2. Register. There may be a line, but make sure you register and sign up at the door. Why? You'll be eligible for great door prizes and will receive exclusive offers and discounts from wedding vendors after the show.

3. Wear that bride-to-be button. Yes, it's a little cheesy, but it's FUN! People will be congratulating you all night and asking to see your ring. Plus, it lets the vendors know who you are so you get the star treatment.

4. Bring a pen, notebook and clipboard. You'll want some paper to take notes and jot down any ideas that come to mind. If you've got a wedding planning binder, bring it with you and add business cards and brochures right on the spot. It will save you tons of time.

5. Bring your appointment book. If you meet a vendor you like, having your appointment book, iPhone or Blackberry handy makes setting a date easy. Why play phone tag later on when you can connect on the spot?

6. Write notes on the vendors' literature. If possible, take notes right on the vendor's business card or brochure. Things to write down: services, prices, whatever you talked about. It will help you connect the vendor with the conversation later on.

7. Bring pre-printed address labels. In addition to the door prize, you can also enter to win giveaways and raffles at most of the booths. Instead of scrawling your name, address, email and phone on every single contest entry, make up address labels beforehand. Your writing hand will thank you!

8. Ask about availability FIRST. As soon as you meet a wedding professional ask, "Are you available for my date?" If not, move on. Don't be afraid to cut to the chase; it saves both you and the vendor time.

9. Ask TONS of questions. A bridal show is a great place to get ideas for your wedding and there will be dozens of wedding professionals you can use as resources. Be bold. Ask their opinion. Taste the cake. Smell the flowers. Have fun with it!

10. Bring along your color swatches. This makes it easy to ask for flower, dress and cake suggestions to match your color ideas.

11. Bring along your bridal posse. There might be hundreds of vendors to visit. With a group you can divide and conquer to find the coolest wedding professionals and the best deals.

12. Take lots of information. Even if you aren't looking for a violinist or a calligrapher that day, you might want one later on. Save it to sift through later on in your planning.

Photo of showing off the ring

13. If you are planning from out of town, send your mother or bridesmaids to scope out the show for you. They can collect information and report back on their findings.

14.  Stay for the fashion show.  It's one of the highlights of the bridal expo, so make sure you get a good seat!

15. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll be on your feet for a few hours; don't use the show as an opportunity to break in your new heels. If you're comfortable you can get more done and have more FUN.

Got a question about a bridal shows? Leave a comment.

How to Plan Your Perfect Honeymoon: Where To Stay

What type of accommodations should you book on your honeymoon? Several varieties are available. Depending upon the type of couple you are and the activities you plan to enjoy, you can arrange whatever makes you happy. Here is an overview of the options available and what each includes.

1) All-Inclusive Resorts. As the name implies, these resorts include all meals, soft drinks, and most alcoholic drinks. Many also offer a selection of sports and other activities, and entertainment for a fixed price per person. Generally, they are located in warmer regions. These resorts try to provide for most guests' wants while they remain on their premises. They sometimes feature large-scale attractions such as a casino, golf course, theme park, and multiple accommodation sites. There are many big-name all-inclusive resorts and you have probably heard of a couple of them. Several of these resorts cater to couples only, which allows you to interact only with other couples. These are places where state-of-the-art meets natural splendor. They are usually four-star accommodations with cutting-edge facilities and incredible scenery that makes it perfect for a romantic honeymoon.

Maldives Resort above

2) Resorts. Resorts are very similar to all-inclusive resorts except that your up front charges don't cover everything. Many of these resorts have names that conjure images of powdery sand warmed by the tropical sun. These resorts usually specialize in specific destinations: beach, mountain, lake, spa, golf, ski, etc. Many beach resorts, for example, have activities that include snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, parasailing, and boating. These activities are usually complimentary or offer a reduced rate for guests. Meals may be included; however, alcoholic drinks are usually not included. If you have a specific type of activity in mind, say golf, this type of accommodation will be perfect. Disney World is this type of resort but you can pay up front to make it an all inclusive thus avoiding hidden charges for transportation, meals, and activities.

3) Hotels. Most hotels charge for the cost of the room only. In some cases, you may be able to pre-pay the cost of a daily meal or two in their on-site restaurant. Many hotels also have a swimming pool and a fitness center included for their customers pleasure. However, this is not the best plan for honeymooners, as you usually don't know the cost for additional amenities until you are present. Water sports such as jet skiing, snorkeling, etc, are usually extra costs if at all available. Plus, unless the hotel offers a shuttle service, you will need to add the charge of a rental car to your costs. Additionally, your evening's entertainment also will be extra. A stand alone hotel can be very expensive for a honeymoon.

4) B&Bs, Inns & Cottages. These can be private residences, in which several rooms are set aside for overnight guests whose paid accommodations include breakfast. An inn is a public lodging house serving food and drink to travelers. Usually quaint and rustic, these accommodations can add a bit of whimsy to your honeymoon. Often appointed with period furnishings, many of these offer two-person Jacuzzis and/or balconies and many have fireplaces, too. Some may have a pool available, but aside from that your entertainment and activities are not included. Most people drive to these accommodations so a rental car is not necessary. But you must add in the price of meals to your costs. Here you can spend your days exploring local waterfalls or enjoying scenic drives, hiking, golfing, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, or just relaxing. For the eco-adventurous, you can scale nearby mountains, take a tour or go to a nearby farm or ranch. Everything you do when staying at one of the establishments will be a la carte.

Rocky Resort in Koh Samui above

5) Cruises. Most first-time cruisers always want to know what's included in their cruise fare. Lots! Of course, your cabin, meals, (which includes: breakfast lunch, dinner, and as many snacks as you desire plus no charge room service any hour of the day or night) and several dining options frommany restaurants on board, entertainment (Broadway and Vegas-like shows, comedians, bands, etc.), fitness center, sports courts. There's usually an aqua park or water center, a library, card room, bowling alley, rock climbing wall, repelling wall, ice skating rink, internet café, art auctions, movie theater, and duty free shops are also included. Cruise lines also offer classes in myriad of subjects: Microsoft programs, photography, cooking taught by world-class chefs. There are also many other options available at a small fee: treatments including the famous hot-stone massage in a spa, beauty salon, casino.  Plus when traveling abroad, there is no need for a electrical converter. They know you are American and you don't need to pack your hair dryer.

Where you stay is purely your decision; keep your honeymoon budget in mind. Many of these options offer various room categories. At an all-inclusive a mountain view vs. an bay view will cut costs. On a cruise, an ocean view stateroom will cost less than a balcony. There are ways to control your honeymoon budget. Take a 10-day trip rather than 14 days. Just please, do not charge your honeymoon. You certainly don't want to start off your marriage with new bills. The best way to go is to pay for your honeymoon over time while paying for your venue.  You can take out money on it monthly or to find a registry that will cover your honeymoon costs. Or feel free to schedule your honeymoon a few months after your wedding. This will not only give you a chance to relax after the "big day," but to refill the coffers. Be prepared to really enjoy yourselves without going into debt.

Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her.