Cindy Dawson (from left) and Christina Beliles talk with Susan Hoechner, all of Bowling Green, Sunday, January 18, 2015, at the Barbara Stewart Interiors booth during the Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo at Knicely Conference Center. Beliles spent the day modeling a dress from boutique Belle Mariee Bridal Boutique. (Bac Totrong/Daily News)

Kelley Purpus chatted happily Sunday with another bride about her planned May 30 wedding during the Southern Kentucky Bridal Expo.

“It’s been fun to catch up and talk about stuff, just to bounce ideas off each other,” Purpus said.

The Bowling Green woman said she’s “pretty much ready to go” with her wedding plans, except for the the cake and the disc jockey.

“I’ve been to many of these booths to see if they have deals or coupons,” she said.

“I just want to win some of those door prizes,” she added.

Whitney Vincent of Morgantown was by her side.

“I got married two years ago, so I’ve been there, done that,” she said. “I’m here to support her. I like to help when I can.” 

Lisa Leachman, co-organizer of the show, was pleased with the turnout.

“They were lined up at the door” before the event started, she said. “Hopefully they’re getting a lot of great ideas.”

Co-organizer Tootie Finkbone agreed.

“We started advertising in October. We’ve had brides from everywhere,” she said. “Bowling Green needed a show like this.”

By 1:30 p.m., about 275 brides were in or had been in Knicely Conference Center, Leachman said.

“We had 350 bags, and we’re about to run out,” she said. “We’re thrilled with the turnout, thrilled with everyone who has participated and thrilled that everyone can get ideas.”

Allison Edwards, owner of Belle Mariee Bridal Boutique in Bowling Green, said her business opened in September. She sells couture bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, veils and shoes.

“We have the whole package,” she said.

She chose to have models show her dresses rather than put them on mannequins.

“That way, you can show it off,” she said. “You can’t do it justice on a hanger.”

Edwards talked to several brides. She said the show offers support for small businesses like hers.

Amanda Florence and Mackenzie Jones were winding their way through the booths at the show. Florence will be married Sept. 6, and Jones will be married June 6.

“We’re in each other’s weddings,” Florence said. “I have a dress, and I have where it’s going to be. I’m interested in ideas as well.”

Jones said she has a lot of the big things planned as far as her wedding is concerned, and wants to see what else is out there.

“I’ve really been impressed,” she said. “I didn’t know people offered some of the stuff they do.”

They were planning to use a playlist for their receptions, but after talking to some of the vendors, they are considering DJs.

“They make it a point to get people to dance and play games, to make it more memorable,” Jones said.

Florence said she is grateful for the show.

“I have no idea what I’m doing so it’s helpful to take advantage of the experience other people have,” she said.

Ally Hensley of Horse Cave isn’t getting married until May 2016, but she doesn’t think it’s too early to start planning.

“My best friend is getting married this fall, and I’m her maid of honor,” she said. “We’re doing a double whammy today.”

She was looking at formal wear and caterers.

“There’s a lot of good food here,” she said.

The bridal show gave Hensley a lot of good ideas to get started planning her own wedding, she said.

“There have been great deals today, too,” she said. “It’s an opportunity (for the vendors) to be heard and get seen.”

— Follow features reporter Alyssa Harvey on Twitter at twitter.com/bgdnfeatures or visit bgdailynews.com.