Happy New Year!!!!



Congratulations to all newly engaged brides. Undoubtedly you are very excited about your engagement and hopefully you are equally excited about planning your upcoming wedding. Here is a wedding timeline for the first "to-do's" on your wedding planning list.


10 To 12 Months Before
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Determine how many guests may attend.
Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).
Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses.
Establish a preliminary budget.
Select and secure a photographer.
Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.
Select and secure your reception location.
Select and secure your ceremony location.
Select and secure your DJ / MC.
Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.
Pick out engagement ring with fiancé


If you are a bride who will marry this year, it is time to fill in the details of your wedding plans and make bookings for any vendors you have not booked yet.




Here is a wedding checklist for the upcoming months

6 To 9 Months Before

Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
Select the attendants for your wedding party.
Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
Start planning for honeymoon.
Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store.

4 To 6 Months Before

Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state. Click here to check requirements in your state
Shop for wedding rings.
Select and order the invitations and stationery.
Decide where to live after the wedding.
Complete the guest lists.
Begin shopping for trousseau.
Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
Inform mothers to select their dresses.
Select and order the men's attire.
Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Bridal Show are great places to get information and possibly find your needed vendors. Here is a list of upcoming events.

January 11, 2009 - J & B BRIDAL SHOW 2009, Chambersburg, PA, Details

January 11, 2009 - Holiday Inn, Downtown Stamford City Center Bridal Show, Stamford, CT, Details

January 11, 2009 - East Wind Caterers Bridal Showcase, Wading River, NY, Details


January 14, 2009 - Winter Bridal Showcase, Carle Place, NY, Location: Chateau Briand Date: January 14, 2009 Time: 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm For reservations please call: 516.625.1777 For directions please call: 516.334.6125


January 16, 2009 - 2009 BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA, Ellicott City, MD, Details

January 18, 2009 - HAGERSTOWN BRIDAL SHOW, Hagerstown, MD, Details

January 25th 2009 - Kern County Bridal Association, Bakersfield, CA, Click here for details


For other states click here

Enjoy the planning and be inspired!!!!

Bridal Shows can be a great way to find products and services for your wedding. Bridal Shows and Expos are a great way to shop and browse for wedding ideas and wedding professionals in one place. Bridal Shows and Expos are a gathering of local and national wedding professionals showcasing their services and products to you personally. You can find flowers, wedding cakes, gowns, rings, bridal fashions, entertainment, photographers, and so much more.

Bridal Shows can be held in convention centers, hotels, catering halls, and other venues. Small bridal shows might average 70- 80 booths of vendors while larger ones will 150 - 300 booths of vendors. Don’t become frustrated if you don’t find what you need at the first bridal show their will be others to attend. Sometimes you will find free Bridal Shows and sometimes you will find some for a fee.



The experience of a bridal show and expo can be overwhelming, however if you prepare yourself you can get the most out of your bridal show. You should plan to get their early. There are hundreds of vendors and even more couples. This is a great opportunity to talk to your vendors, take time to stop at the booths and avoid just picking up their pamphlets. You will be able to find out if this vendor fits into your budget and best of all can they meet the needs of your event. You might be able to book some of your vendors at that time, since you will have many to compare. Look at this as part of the planning process. Remember, this cannot be an hour stop between appointments you will need to plan to stay for several hours of the event to get the most out of it.



Another benefit of the bridal expo is getting the chance to see the personality of those you will possibly be working with, you will often know up front if this is a vendor that will work well with your style and personality. This is very important in making your selections. However, this event can be overwhelming to you and the vendors who may also be new to bridal shows. They also want a chance to meet with you and make the best impressions so be patient with them. If it is a vendor that you are really interested in and you don’t get their attention make a note to call them when you get home.

Questions to ask
1. Are you available the date of my event.
The answer to this question can determine if you will ask anything more.
2. What kind of packages do you offer?
3. Do you have payment plans?
4. Are you insured?
You will have other questions specific to your event and more specific to the vendor your are talking to at the time.

Bridal shows also offer a lot of free samples and sometimes raffles to fabulous prizes. Make sure to complete any registration material clearly, since raffles prizes are picked from the registered parties. Some bridal expos may also offer you a view of the newest bridal styles during bridal gown shows.

Make the most of your bridal show experience, use it as a stepping stone to planning a great event.

You can find inspiration for your great day at bridal shows so be inspired.

Kathy