You're engaged!! Tips on what to do next!

It’s the holiday season with Thanksgiving and Christmas in full swing and also in full swing are engagements! With everyone in the festive spirit this is one of the most popular times of year to pop the question. I was engaged two days before Thanksgiving in 2013 and can say we celebrated all the way through New Years! As a newly engaged couple you are bursting with excitement, your head already in motion with wedding planning ideas! Your best friends are sending your bridal magazines and you’re already picturing yourself in the perfect gown. You’re getting ready to plan the best day of your life and at Kristine King Events we’re excited to be with you every step of the way!

So after the initial shock of excitement settles you wonder, “what do I do first?” We’ve listed out a few top tips to think about over the next few weeks!

1. Share the exciting news with family and friends. Messaging them before the word gets out via Facebook is key. :) You can also let your friends and family know to keep hush hush until you and your groom to be spread the word. 

2. Take photos of your ring, you and your hubby-to-be, and post the exciting news all over social media! Everyone is dying to see the bling!

3. Start brainstorming preliminary details - what kind of wedding would you want, time of year, location? It’s fun to start a Pinterest board and find inspiration in bridal magazines. It’s the holiday’s so pop that champagne, watch “say yes to the dress” and start feeling inspired. 

4. Another must have from day one is Mindy Weiss’s bridal binder which you can find at Barnes & Noble. It was my go to when I started wedding planning. The planner and organizer provides tips, tools, checklists, spreadsheets, and schedules to help brides (and grooms) manage everything. 

5. Get your ring insured! If your hubby-to-be is anything like mine the ring wasn’t insured right off the bat. Ring insurance can be purchased as an extension (also called a "rider") for your renters or homeowners policy. You can also insure your ring through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance.    

6. Once you’ve had some time to get a sense of the kind of wedding you’d like, its a good time to discuss budgets with your family members. Who will pay for what? We’ve attached a traditional guide from The Knot which outlines who pays for what. But, keep in mind anything goes these days. Having these conversations right off the bat will help so no one is blindsided down the road. 

7. Lastly, start brainstorming photographers so you can get your engagement session booked. Using engagement photos for "save the dates" or  engagement party invitations are very popular and look great!

Remember, the fun is just beginning. Take time to enjoy your “fiancee” and this special time. The year goes by so quickly so take time to soak it all in. The last most obvious item is to call Kristine King Events to see what we can do for you! We would be honored to be a part of your special day and look forward to meeting you! Congratulations again on your engagement and happy planning!

Shopping for your dream wedding dress!

So the time has finally come for your bridal appointment and we are so excited for you! Shopping for your dream wedding gown is by far one of the most exciting parts of the wedding process. With that excitement comes nerves - will I find the perfect gown, will I want a ball gown, A line gown or mermaid and how do I know I found “the dress”? Don't fret as these questions are perfectly normal. We’ve put together a list of tips that you can take with you on your bridal gown journey.

1. Create an inspirational folder of gowns you may like

Pinterest and Style Me Pretty are perfect for gathering ideas. Rip out magazine pictures, build a Pinterest board and print out photos from online sites that you love. A fun fact - I found my wedding gown on Pinterest! I was obsessed with the dress the second I saw it. I did some research to find out who the designer was and sure enough Amsale in NYC carried the Coco gown from last year. I was ecstatic and knew this was “The Dress!” Once you’ve gathered a few photos that inspire you bring them along to your bridal dress fittings so the consultant can help narrow down your search and pull gowns that may interest you.

2. Decide on your theme

What time of year will your wedding be? Will you be having a beach wedding, winter wedding or formal church wedding? Finding a dress that suits the theme is important. If you’re looking to have a beach wedding you’ll want to forgo the ball gown with a cathedral veil (the train will accumulate sand and the veil will blow like crazy in the wind) an opt for a light and airy fabric such as silk chiffon or organza. You may decide on a halter necklines also lend a more casual, beach look. If you’re having a winter wonderland wedding you’d want to aim for a classic silk satin fabric and possibly a fur shaw as an accessory. Sleeved gowns are back in are simply perfect for winter brides who want a little extra protection from the elements. Keeping in mind the wedding theme, location & time of year will really help you when deciding on the fabric for your wedding gown. 

3. What is your budget?

Determine your budget prior to wedding dress shopping is key. Dresses can range anywhere from $100 to $12,000 at most salons. Set a budget that is realistic but that will also score you the dress of your dreams!

4. Be adventurous!

While you may have your heart set on a fit n flare gown have fun trying on all kinds of styles and fits. You may surprise yourself and fall in love with a design you didn’t know you'd like. Even though I thought I found my dream wedding dress from day 1, I went to countless boutiques and flagship stores to try on an assortment of dresses. Not only was it a once in a lifetime experience to try on beautiful gowns but it also opened up my eyes to gowns I never thought I’d like. Have fun with it - it truly is the most magical experience. 

5. Ask your audience

How do I look in this gown? Feel open to involve your audience by asking the opinions of your friends and family. Whether it's your mom & sister or bridal party at your appointment its great to ask their opinions. The bridal consultants are also really helpful and can give you their suggestions and advice. It is important to remember not everyone will agree so when it comes down to it the decision is yours and you’ll know what you feel amazing in. 

6. How does your dress feel when walking and sitting?

Walk around and sit in your gown. Take a stroll through the salon to get a feel for how you walk in your dress. Is it easy to move in? Will you opt for heals or flats? Take this time to really soak in how you feel in your dress. Also be sure you can sit down in the dress. Even thought you wont be sitting all that entirely much on your wedding day you want to be sure it’s easy to sit in. 

7. Have fun & soak it all in!

Your shopping trip will be one of the most fun things that you do along your wedding planning journey so make the most out of it and soak it in. Enjoy this time as you're a bride once. If you’re not ready to purchase a dress at the end of your day take time to think about it. Sometimes the best decisions are made after a good nights rest. Happy wedding dress shopping!