Calgary brides flocked to the BMO Centre on Sept. 17 for champagne, cake and wedding gowns.
Calgary Bridal Expo is Alberta’s largest fall bridal show. It featured many events and booths for people to enjoy, such as a gown sales, a fashion show, artisan market, cakes and decor, fashion, and even tuxedos.
“My favourite part would have to be the free mimosas and up-beat fashion show,” said Samantha Lynn Jopp.
The fashion show began at noon, and there was a second show starting at 3 p.m for those who missed the first one. Derek MacDonald from Boom goes the Drum event planning was the host of the bridal fashion show.
The expo was a great place to find small local business looking for a foothold in the wedding scene, with many artists showing off their talent and products. Some of the dresses shown on the runway came from smaller local wedding dress retailers.
“It provides a lot of exposure,” said Megan Silver of Beyond Cake, while standing by a display of the many cakes they had brought for the expo.
There were many chances for the brides-to-be to win prizes at the multiple booths set up for the event.
“I had fun looking at all the different vendors, and talking wedding ideas with my maid of honour,” said Jopp.
Michelle Downey of Li’l Mam Flowers said she hoped the event would gain her more business.
“I hope so, it is my first year here,” she said.
Confetti by Calgary Bride sponsored the entire event, and the expo was produced by Kathie James and Lenora Kingcott.
One of the biggest draws for brides was the wedding dress sale, with discounts ranging from 40-70 per cent off.
There were hundreds of discontinued designer gowns for brides to try on and choose from.
“I really didn’t base any decisions off of this show, but it was certainly an interesting experience,” said Jopp.
The sale area had dozens of change rooms, mirrors and knowledgeable bridal consultants to help the future brides find the right dress.
The Bridal Expo also included an artisan market where local artists and creators showed their products and gain clients. The market was the place to find original and creative pieces for a bride’s wedding day.
