Missed the Idaho Dream Wedding Expo? Here's the 5-Minute Recap You Need

First off, take a deep breath! If you're newly engaged, the world of wedding planning can feel like a whirlwind. You might be seeing "wedding expo" pop up everywhere, and it can feel like you're already behind if you missed it.

You're not.

A wedding expo is a fantastic way to see what's out there, but it's also a lot of information at once. We're here to give you the 5-minute "virtual recap" of what's new, what's important, and what to think about first.

Here are the top 5 things you need to know as you start your planning.

1. The "Big 3" to Book First

At any expo, the busiest booths are always the "Big 3"—the vendors who can only book one wedding per day. This is your first priority.

• Venue: Your date is just a number until it's on a venue's contract. This is your anchor. The venue's availability, style, and location will determine everything else.

• Photographer: The best ones book 12-18 months in advance.

• Caterer: If your venue doesn't provide one, this is your next big call.

Your first step: Settle on a budget, a rough guest list (just a number), and a preferred season. Then, start touring venues.

2. "Save the Dates" Set the Tone

One of the top trending topics right now is the "Save the Date." Why? Because it's your guests' first glimpse into your wedding's "vibe." This isn't just a calendar entry; it's a trailer for the main event.

• Going for elegant and formal? A classic, letterpress card.

• Fun and casual? A quirky photo magnet.

• Modern and unique? A digital animation or a custom-designed postcard.

Your Save the Date sets the dress code and the expectation.

3. Dresses: "Ball Gowns" are Back (and so are Jumpsuits)

If you're starting to look at dresses, you'll see two big trends:

1. The Grand Return: The "ball gown" is back. After years of sleek, simple dresses, many brides are embracing full-on romance, drama, and... well, poof!

2. The Power Suit: On the complete opposite end, wedding jumpsuits and sharp bridal suits are hugely popular for rehearsal dinners, receptions, or even the main ceremony.

The lesson? "Bridal" means whatever you want it to mean.

4. It's All About the Guest Experience

A huge theme you'd see at any expo is "guest experience." Couples are moving beyond "dinner and dancing" and focusing on "making memories."

• Unique Food: Forget just chicken or beef. Think late-night snack bars (like "wedding cookies" and milk), food trucks, or interactive dessert stations.

• Unique Entertainment: This is where it gets fun. Photo booths are standard, but now couples are adding live painters, magicians, or even bounce houses.

• Unique Entrances: How you enter or leave is a new "wow" moment. Think cold sparklers, vintage cars, or... (you guessed it) helicopters.

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5. Find Your People

More than anything, a wedding expo shows you that there is a vendor for every style. The most important thing is to find a team that gets you. You want to be surrounded by people who are excited about your vision, whether it's a black-tie gala or a barefoot-in-a-field party.

Don't just look for the best price; look for your "vibe."

P.S. Whether you're planning in Wilder, Payette, Garden City, or downtown Boise, the hunt for the perfect venue is always the first step. If your "vibe" is "unforgettable, unique, and totally flexible," we'd love to show you what's possible at Vertical Venues. Check our availability and let's start planning.