Bridal Expo to supply brides with wedding necessities

January 21, 2016

Author: Rosa Caballero

Bridal Expo to supply brides with wedding necessities

24th annual show to feature fashion show, caterers and everything for the big day

Planning the perfect fairytale wedding is hard work.

That’s why the Gainesville Civic Center is transforming into a future bride’s paradise for one day only. This year’s theme is "Be Inspired."

Brides-to-be pay and other guests each pay a $5 fee to enter the Gainesville Civic Center’s 24th Annual Bridal Expo, 830 Green St. NE in Gainesville. And then they may peruse through the aisles of vendor booths to find their perfect wedding essentials and get wedding ideas from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31.

Guests also will be treated to two bridal fashion shows that organizers promise will have "wow" factor with traditional and nontraditional looks.

But that’s only scratching the surface.

Photo:grey bridesmaid dresses

Vendors will showcase everything from the little things, such as decor ideas and table setting options, to the big things, like possible wedding venues and center-of-attention bridal dresses.

In order to say yes to the dress, you have to see them first. And two Georgian fashion designers will showcase their designs at the Gainesville Bridal Expo. The Atlanta-based House of Van Miller fashion brand by Vanessa Henderson and Rita Workman of Hana Couture of Buford will display their custom wedding fashions during two shows — one at 1:30 p.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m.

Once the gowns and ensembles have been shown, wedding caterers including Gainesville’s own 2 Dog Cafe and Longstreet Cafe, will supply guests with samples of their foods.

Photographers and videographers will be there, ready to talk to brides and grooms about their vision to capture the biggest moments of the big day.

Participants may even meet their future wedding planner there, too.

But more than details of the big day will be represented at the bridal expo. Travel agents will be on hand to offer honeymoon destinations for couples.

The Times is the major media sponsor for this year’s Bridal Expo and will conduct live interviews on stage throughout the afternoon and will provide coverage via social media, print and video. It will also debut its new Brides & Grooms magazine at the event.

"We are thrilled to be part of this year’s Bridal Expo at the Gainesville Civic Center," Times publisher Charlotte Atkins said. "Our new Brides & Grooms magazine will share an array of features about getting married here in North Georgia. Both the magazine and the expo will help couples get inspired for their weddings."

In addition to the Civic Center and The Times, other major sponsors include Carrie Jean Photography, Oakwood Occasions, and Greg Hall Weddings and Events.