More Shows

According to Wedding Wire, Macy's in Strongsville, Ohio, is having a special event:

Hosted by Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry event details when Mar 22, 2012 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (1 day event)   where Macy's South Park Center, 2nd Floor 17447 Royalton Rd Strongsville, OH 44136

RSVP: joann.tanke@macys.com, 440-846-7000 x1652

If you live near Strongsville, it might be worth checking it out.  Remember to RSVP.

Although many bridal shows seem to be held only in the winter, you should know that they are actually scheduled throughout the year.  Ohio Bridal Expos has four upcoming bridal shows listed:

• May 3, 2012Cincinnati (Loveland) - The Oasis
• August 12, 2012Dayton - Dayton Convention Center
• August 26, 2012Columbus - Aladdin Shrine by Easton
• October 2012Dayton - Marriott by UD  (date not yet announced)

Why should a bride attend a show put on by vendors?  You'll get to see some of local photographers, wedding cake bakers, limousine services, banquet halls, florists, photo booth providers, invitation businesses, honeymoon packages, etc., in one place.  It will help you get an idea of the many businesses that you can use as well as costs. Within an hour or two, you'll be able to gather more information than if you just sat in front of a computer or the phone book.

Bridal Events

If you live in central Ohio, this upcoming bridal show might be of interest to you for Wednesday, February 29, 2012---

Worthington.org:

Worthington Wedding Event

Join us for a FREE Bridal Show at the Worthington Community Center and visit over 90 vendors to see the latest styles and trends for weddings. Enjoy live entertainment and bridal fashions. Win great door prizes and receive discounts from vendors. Hurry and register now - the first 50 brides to pre-register receive a gift bag upon arrival at the event. Call 436-2743 today to register!  

Remember the date:  Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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*  Here are a few other events to keep in mind:
OhioBridalExpos:

Shows

Click a date below for tickets & information.

• February 26, 2012Columbus - Polaris Hilton
• March 4, 2012 Cincinnati (West Chester) - Savannah Center
• May 3, 2012 Cincinnati (Loveland) - The Oasis

Flowers

* For your wedding, you can do whatever you want with flowers.  Back when I got married in the 1970's, brides pretty much carried the same type of bouquet.  Today, you can let your imagination and budget be your guide.  Flowers can be very expensive. Some brides might carry a single rose, or a ribbon-tied bouquet of calla lilies. It is entirely up to you!

Before you go to see your florist, try to get some recommendations from friends and family on florists, costs, etc. Then, start your search with Google and look for wedding flowers to get some ideas on styles of bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces that have been used by other florists.  Bookmark the flowers you want, or if you are an artist, sketch out what you want.  If you have access to some bride magazines, bring in pictures of flowers/arrangements that you like.  Make sure that when you finally go for your appointment with your florist that you bring a color sample of your attendants dresses.

To secure your date with your florist, you will need a written estimate, a deposit on the order, and details about the time and place of the wedding.  Most florists will demand full payment one week to several days before the date.

Some brides today decide not to spend any money on flowers and will go to a place like Joann Fabrics and pick up ready made bouquets/corsages/boutonnieres. There are many alternatives for centerpieces other than flowers.  Some venues/banquet halls provide mirrors with votive candles for centerpieces.  If this is available, it is a way to save money.

Bridal shows are another way to get ideas, business names, contacts for florists, and even cake samples. Keep your eyes on local events to find where and when bridal shows will be held.

Good luck.

Customer service

* First impressions----
How are you greeted when you walk into a bridal salon?  Is there someone to speak to you and take your name?
Someone I know went into a local fancy salon recently and she was asked if she had an appointment.  She replied, "No." The bridal consultant said that they only work from appointments and that she could see her assistant.  At the time the young woman walked into the salon there were no other customers and the sales people/consultants were just standing around the store talking to each other.

Obviously, the sales people in that bridal salon thought that by acting arrogant that they'd give an impression of being exclusive.  Unfortunately, I suspect that this bridal salon is turning off many customers with their rude welcome.  Just because a bridal salon charges extra for their gowns doesn't mean that they have the right to be mean and haughty.


****  If and when you are looking for that wedding gown, you need to make sure that you have the following:
(1) a realistic expectation of cost, and the means to pay for it
(2) an idea of a style that you like
(3) someone to accompany you when you choose your dress---- a parent or sister? It is not necessary to bring your entire wedding party or "Debbie Downers" who might ruin your entire day.

There are many, many different styles and prices available. Look online to see what might be available. If you are browsing online you are only taking up your own time. Do not expect to go into a bridal salon for the heck of it if you have no intention of being serious about your dress shopping. Don't waste their time.

More details....

Bridesmaids dresses?  People come in all sizes and shapes, but in the end, it is up to the bride to select the color and style of dresses to be worn by bridesmaids. If a bride chooses a certain color as a theme, the dresses should blend with that color.

Don't worry about wearing that bridesmaid's dress again.  Chances are it will go into the back of a closet and forgotten about for a few decades.  Be thankful that your bridesmaid's dress has not been included on the pages of Uglydress.com.

Shoes?  Some brides want their bridesmaids to wear all the same shoes.  Others may suggest that they wear a similar color.  Once again, it is up to the bride.

* Setting the wedding date might take a lot of negotiations.  You'll need to look at the calendar and decide what time of the year and what events are going on that might compete with your event.  First, make sure that no one in your family or collection of friends has already reserved the date.  Second, is your date the same date of a major football/baseball/basketball game? 

Some people like to schedule their weddings around a holiday to give guests an extra day.  Still, some couples have found that some banquet halls or wedding facilities are less expensive on a Friday night.

Honeymoon????

Where would the bride and groom like to go for a honeymoon?  Time and money will determine where you can go.  There are many places to visit but which location will be perfect? 

If you want to find out what other people liked and disliked about a particular hotel, city, restaurant, or cruise ship, you should check out Trip Advisor.  Trip Advisor has regular people provide comments about all aspects of a trip that you might find very helpful. The comments can let you know before you go and spend your money.

Eyes on the Bride

* From the moment the bride walks down the aisle to the end of the reception, everyone will be looking at the bride.  Of course, the bride is happy, excited, and joyful, but what image is she projecting to the guests?

Here are a few suggestions for the bride:
>  Start out the day with a good meal.  Fainting at the altar is not good.
>  Make sure that you greet your guests, with either a formal receiving line or a visit to each table.
>  Do not drink too much.  A drunk, out of control bride is not a pretty picture.
>  Smile, and be kind to every guest, even if you don't know them.  Chances are they are friends of your family or members of the groom's family.
>  Despite what you may have seen on TV, a bridezilla is not a very attractive person.  Be nice to your groom, wedding party, and parents.  They've probably have invested a lot of money and time to be with you on your special day. They will remember how you looked and how you conducted yourself on your wedding day.