There’s a LOT to think about when you’re planning a wedding! Suddenly, you’re expected to be an expert in everything. Just because you’re engaged, you now have to learn about the quality of diamonds, etiquette for formal invitations and how to throw a huge dinner party, flawlessly.

It can be a little overwhelming!

Luckily, there’s help. There are professionals that have been working with brides and grooms for years and have smart tips to offer those who are new to planning their wedding. I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of these amazing local wedding professionals within the Corridor and then I share their advice on the Corridor Wedding Guide website.

Some timely advice I’ll share today is about wedding receptions. Of course, picking a wedding date goes hand-in-hand with choosing a ceremony and reception site. Until you have those locked in, your wedding date is still just an idea. And, deciding on your reception location can really set the tone for your event.

These articles offer advice on everything from choosing the location and getting the right amount of food for dinner to decorations and wedding day timelines. Here is sampling of the expert tips and advice:

“Before a couple starts looking at reception sites, it’s important to have a good estimate of their guest list, says Tazia. Every location has a capacity. Knowing how many people you would like to invite can help with choosing the location large enough to hold everyone. Or, if the spot you love is smaller than your guest list, you’ll know if you have to limit the number of guests.” Read more advice from Tazia and the Shores Event Center here.

“Ellen says couples should have a clear vision of what they want for their wedding day and share that with everyone. It helps her to meet- and hopefully exceed- those exceptions, which can be hard to do if the couple hasn’t expressed them. ‘It’s your big day and you’ll be spending a lot of money. You want to make sure you get what you want, that they “get” your vision.'” Read more advice from Ellen and the Clarion Highlander Hotel here.

“There are many details to consider and items you may have to rent when planning your reception. Luckily, some wedding locations, such as the Marriott, make it stress-free because the hotel can take care of most everything for the wedding couple. In addition to the room and catering, Marriott offers linens and dishes, extra tables, centerpieces, lighting, “pipe and drape,” dance floor, and even a microphone and sound system. Since they provide so many options that they can do for you, this is less worry and stress for you.” Read more advice from Kerry and the Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel here.

“Trends that are big right now are “rustic,” DIY, and quality, simplistic decorating that’s not over done. Ruth says to have fun with all the DIY wedding projects you see online. ‘Save money with ideas that you find on Etsy or Pinterest. Use the money that you save on decorations and spend it on better food because that’s something you want your guests to remember well.'” Read more advice from Ruth and A Touch of Class Banquets and Convention Center.

I love interviewing these wedding pros and hope the advice they share can help you with all your wedding planning! Happy reading and happy planning!

Wow, being engaged is a lot of WORK, right? Luckily, wedding expos are a huge help, saving you time, money and effort–as long as you prepare!

I recently wrote an article for the Corridor Wedding Guide’s website, sharing tips and advice so you can get the most out of attending a wedding expo.

Much like speed-dating, a wedding expo gives you the chance to meet many wedding professionals in a short amount of time because they brings a variety of businesses together in one place. In one day, you’ll have the opportunity to taste an array of cakes, smell fresh flowers and see different photography styles. Larger events often include a fashion show of the latest styles and trends in bridal and formalwear.

Prepare Before You Go

It’s a good idea to do a little homework ahead of the wedding expo to ensure that you’ll get the most out of the event.

“Take advantage of this opportunity of having a variety wedding professionals in one location by planning ahead,” says Nicky Wilkinson, publisher of Iowa’s Corridor Wedding Guide. “The more you know about how you want your wedding will help determine which wedding professionals you’ll want to talk with at the show.”

Helpful things to consider before you attend a wedding expo include:

• figuring out your wedding date;
• an overall wedding budget;
• the type of wedding venue or location you like;
• your wedding style.

Know what you want to get out of the wedding expo and plan which wedding professionals you would like to meet. “Research and read reviews of the vendors you are interested in,” says Nicky. “If you like what you see, add them to your list of vendors to talk with at the show.” If you need suggestions for questions to ask, here are lists you can print out.

To get the most out of attending a wedding expo:

• If there are particular wedding professionals you want to meet, let them know you’ll be stopping by their booth. Some wedding professionals may even let you make an appointment;
• Plan on taking the decision-makers. Wedding expos are a fun way to bond with your mom, bridesmaids and even your groom;
• Wear comfy shoes;
• Remember to take a notebook and a pen or Sharpie. Some glossy business cards or brochures can be hard to write on, so a fine-tipped Sharpie can come in handy;
• Take preprinted labels with your name, wedding date and contact information to save time when signing up for special drawings that exhibitors may have at their booths;
• Take a bag to carry your accumulated materials, in case the bridal show does not offer one.

At The Wedding Expo

• Wedding expos are usually pretty busy. If you’re not a fan of big crowds, plan ahead to avoid them as much as possible. Crowds are usually heaviest near the fashion show and right when the expo starts.
• Be open to visiting new wedding professionals you didn’t know you wanted. A huge benefit to attending a wedding expo is seeing all the different options that are available.
• “Aim to engage in good conversations with the wedding professionals while at the expo. Ask questions and try out their products,” says Chris Appleby, owner of Cheeky Booth Photo Booth Rentals. “If you’re just picking up business cards or brochures, you’re not getting any more value than you would with a Google search. Make it your goal to accomplish the things you can’t do electronically.”
• Don’t feel pressured to sign up for every free offer or giveaway–decide if you really want to win what that business is offering.
• Ask before you take photos with your cell phone. Having a photo to jog your memory of who you talked with at the show can be helpful when you get home, though you’ll want to get permission before getting snap-happy at an exhibitor’s booth.

After The Wedding Expo

• Immediately after the show, make notes if you didn’t do so while you were at the show.
• Plan how you’ll use the information that you gathered.
• Follow up with any additional questions or to set up appointments with the wedding professionals that you liked. If you found a wedding professional that you absolutely love, don’t wait to book their services. You don’t want to lose out to other brides thinking the exact same thing.

With some preparation, you’ll get a lot of your wedding planning done at a wedding expo. Which leaves you plenty of time to browse Pinterest for more ideas!

A fuller, more detailed version of my article first appeared on Corridor Wedding Guide- read it there!