You’ve gotten engaged!!! Now what??? According to Tootie Finkbone, Sponsor of the 2023 Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo, here are the 10 most important things you need to do after you get engaged!!!
1. Share the news with family and close friends first and then take that selfie with that ring on your finger and with the love of your life! Post it on social media and wait for the congratulations to start rolling in. It’s the most exciting time in your life and you’ll want to share it with the world!
2. Insure the ring and get it resized. You’ll be showing it off and if it’s loose at all there’s a chance you’ll lose it! JR Wade with State Farm Insurance and a Vendor in the Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo stresses the importance of insuring your ring.
3. Set your wedding budget. This is one of the most important tasks you do when planning a wedding. Decide who is paying for what. Wedding expenses are traditionally paid by the bride’s family but that’s not necessarily the case anymore. The groom’s parents have stepped in and split the cost of the wedding in some cases or contributed in some way other than hosting the rehearsal dinner. Establishing a budget will determine what kind of wedding you will have and can afford.
4. Selecting a wedding date and season. What time of year do you want to get married? Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? Each season has its own beauty and advantages. Perhaps you met in the Spring, or he proposed in the Fall. Pick a season that is special to you both! If you choose a Winter wedding, you could get a discount on the venue during its off season. The same holds true for selecting a wedding date. An off day like a Sunday or a weekday would also warrant a discount.
5. Hire a wedding planner! One of the most important things you can do! It takes stress off the bride and the wedding day itself. A good wedding planner can help match vendors to your budget to get the most for your money. They will also read over contractual agreements with vendors. If you can’t afford a full-service wedding planner, go with a weekend coordinator to take the stress off the day of the wedding. Well worth the money!
6. Prepare a wedding planning timeline. Your wedding planner will help you do this, but if you don’t have one then it’s important to have a timeline to stay organized and reduce stress! Selecting wedding vendors such as your venue, photographer and caterer will be the first step in the process and shopping for the wedding dress and selecting colors for your wedding will soon follow. It will help you stay focused and stress free and keep the process fun.
7. Selecting a venue. Wedding venues are one of the first things booked when planning a wedding. It’s important to figure out what type of wedding you want and take it from there. Do you want a traditional wedding with an elegant reception or a rustic wedding in a barn with a relaxed feel? Sit down and decide and then contact venues to make an appointment to visit. Venues are often booked a year in advance so booking your venue should be at the top of your wedding planning list.
8. Selecting a photographer. Same thing holds true for photographers, they get booked early. It’s wise to hire one as soon as you figure out what type of photographer you want. “Different photographers have different styles, so visit their websites and look at their work. Choose the style that appeals to you the most,” according to Reid Wilkinson with Girl Dad Photography, a vendor in the Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo.
9. Find Inspiration. Not sure where to start or know what you want for your wedding vision? Go to Pinterest and look at the trends. If something stands out, then go for it! Also, attend wedding shows, especially the Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo on Sunday, January 22nd at the Knicely Conference Center. You can plan your entire day by attending and get inspiration from an array of wedding professionals. There will be door prizes you could win such as a wedding cake, $500 cash and a tuxedo rental just to name a few. Go to www.sokybridalexpo.com and sign up today!
10. Breathe! Last but not least – just Breathe! Enjoy this exciting time in your life and don’t let the planning process stress you out. Getting engaged is something you’ve dreamed about for a long time. If you stay organized and follow these steps, you’ll enjoy the process even more! The Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo is here to help. Congratulations on your engagement and we will see on Sunday, January 22nd at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Expo hours are from 11am to 3pm. See you there!
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