The Bridal Show is over. You are probably wondering what do I do now?Here are a few helpful tips to make your bridal show follow up not so overwhelming and help you move forward in your wedding planning journey.
#1 Your budget!
I hope you made a budget prior to attending the show so you are able to determine what you can and cannot afford. Sometimes after attending a show, couples determine they want to spend more in one area of the wedding and less in other areas. The most important part is to stay within your budget and create a wedding plan that is personal to you and your guests!
#2 Determine your progress.
I find that most people fit into three different planning stages when attending wedding shows…
The first group are those who have just become engaged and are looking at trying to set a date and find a ceremony and reception venue. Once you have set the date and the venues all the other things will fall into place.
If you are in the middle category where you are planning the details you are possibly looking for secondary items like flowers, cake, décor etc. Lucky you! (This is what I like to call the fun stuff!).
Finally, if you are a part of this last group you may have discovered you still have some room in your budget and are trying to determine if you can afford a little extra entertainment or something special for your guests.
Whatever stage you fall into, each stage has its own set of priorities. I just recommend to stick within the current stage before moving into the next. Then you have a much less chance getting overwhelmed.
#3 Categorize and prioritize!
Next, you’ll want to begin taking all the literature and information you collected and put them into categories (i.e. Tuxedos, Catering, Flowers, Bridal Gowns etc.). Once you have completed this, place them in priority of what you believe is the most important to you as a couple. Decide which items are on your “want to have” list and what is on your “need to have”.
#4 Divide and conquer!
Once you have selected your priorities, then divide the items into areas you as a couple or individual will be responsible for completing. Keep in mind the wedding experts who only take on one or two weddings in a weekend first such as wedding planners, photographers and videographers, they will book up very fast.
#5 Evaluate.
Once you have completed your priority list and his, hers and ours to-do lists, evaluate the experts based on these three very important criteria:
Personal connection – do you feel comfortable working with them?
Do they see your vision of your wedding the same way you do?
Are they within your budget?
#6 Schedule!
Set up appointments with 2 or 3 experts unless you know already the expert you want to work with. Once you have done this make sure you confirm your appointment and ask ANY questions you may have, as there are truly no dumb questions. Remember, working with these experts is not something you are used to doing every day so they understand that this is all brand new to you!
#7 Take a deep breath- trust the process!
Trusting your instincts is very important and you will know when the experts are right for you. It really comes down to you and the input of the people you trust the most (parents or extremely close friends) that makes the difference. It comes to picking out the perfect wedding experts YOU want to work with on your wedding day.
I hope you enjoyed your experience at the show and that whatever stage you are in with your wedding planning journey that you are enjoying every minute. Your wedding day will be here before you know and it is important to enjoy and savor this sweet season of your life.
Happy Planning,
Marsha VanArk, Wedding Planner
Distinctly Yours Wedding & Events, llc