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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD Just like the dream of a fairytale princess many women will become engaged under the romance of falling snowflakes this holiday season. But unlike the uncomplicated joys of one's favorite fairytale princess, the women of today have to begin planning the many elaborate facets of their wedding day. If Cinderella didn't plan her wedding how should the modern bride? Jan. 5 - 6 the Springfield Bridal Expo will take place in the Young Building at the Eastern States Exposition from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and free for children. Over 150 vendors from caterers to limousine owners to florists will be in attendance for a limited one-stop-shopping opportunity for all brides, grooms and wedding parties. Dennis Jenks, owner of Osborne/Jenks Productions Inc., will be bringing the Springfield Bridal Expo back to The Big E for the 18th consecutive year. He said the show provides the recently engaged an opportunity to experience the vast majority of the bridal businesses in the area all at once. "It's very daunting planning a wedding," Jenks said, adding that displays by each vendor allow those attending to gain insight and direction in their planning. "Everybody decorates and displays [their products and services] and that's unique. You can't go to the Yellow Pages and see what the final product is going to be." Sue Lavoie, vice president of Eastern States Exposition, said this show is the largest of its kind in the area and provides a great opportunity for brides and grooms to meet local vendors. Linda Skole, president of Chez Joseph in Agawam, said the Springfield Bridal Expo offers her catering and banquet hall an opportunity meet many new and returning brides. The show also allows her personnel to promote their own bridal show on Jan. 13 as well as their full service wedding planning. The over 3,500 people who attend the bridal expo on either day will experience rows and rows of vendors. Engaged women will be given "bride" stickers to wear, while members of their entourage will be given a large shopping bag to collect numerous brochures and pamphlets. Limos and RVs will be parked within the Young Building for interior and exterior viewing as well as three formal wear shows each day. Models will stroll the catwalk dressed in bridal gowns, tuxedoes and wedding party attire. Music sampling from various DJs will also be available as well as cake and food sampling. Photographers will display their various wedding portraits and albums and many vendors will offer reduced rates for winter weddings. Osborne/Jenks Productions Inc. will also be raffling a $10,000 wedding package for one lucky bride including honeymoon, limo, cake, formal wear and photographer. For more information about the Springfield Bridal Expo and its vendors go to www.thebige.com or www.osbornejenks.com. | ||||||
