I survived the Maryland Heat wave this week and even managed to make it to a Bridal Show with my Future Sister-in-Law (FSIL) and bridesmaid.
Before attending the show, I checked out the website and purchased the tickets online. By purchasing the tickets online I saved a few bucks and would bypass guest registration at the door. I made sure to tell my FSIL to wear comfortable shoes and attire because we would be walking and might want to try on a few dresses, if available. With a charged camera in tow, we headed out the door, excited to attend our first Bridal Show.
The Brides and Grooms Expo took place in Downtown Baltimore, so I parked on the street to avoid the hefty $10 parking fee. The registration table was at the front door, I gave them our names and we proceeded to check out some vendors. As we walked into the lobby a women asked me if I was the bride and I proudly proclaimed YES, and she handed me a heavy bag that I got so tired of carrying around after an hour than my FSIL offered to carry it the rest of the way; I absolutely love and adore her.
Our first stop was David’s Bridal. DB was offering $50 off future purchases at the store and I made an appointment in July to try on wedding gowns. Technically, I already have a dress, but it still doesn’t hurt a girl to look. We tasted cakes, took pictures with props in photo booths and got tons of free stuff. If I had know better I would have set up a “bridal” email account because everyone kept asking for my contact information and I’m dreading all the spam emails I will probably be getting the next couple of weeks. To my disappointment, we weren’t able to try on any dresses, but there were models walking around in wedding dresses. I made sure to grab the designers’ business card, and he sews the grooms’ attire. We both agreed that the groom should look equally as great and fabulous as the bride, if not better; we gave each other a high five and I moved on.
There was free food and champagne. I had a glass of champagne, but it was free and that is all I’m going to say. Free food was available, FSIL wanted to try the crab cakes but the line was too long. Side Note: I know it was free food, but people took this as an opportunity to have a free meal. There should have been staff passing out hors d'oeuvres instead of a buffet style atmosphere which created traffic in the main lobby. As we entered the last room I saw a beautiful wedding dress and a live string quartet playing music. I got the contact information for the Bridal Salon and we were ready to head out the door.
I wish there was at least one wedding planner and more caterers at the expo. I felt as though this was more geared towards brides who had a venue picked and needed the extras; florists, photographer, dress, accessories, etc. Everyone kept asking me when the big day was and where. I quickly got tired of telling people our situation (getting married at our home, but we don’t have a home yet. So we are waiting to determine a date, but we do have a season and a year, 2012) so I made up a date and said we were getting married it Baltimore (yup, I lied).
After the expo I drove back home and the Fiancé had beef brisket tacos waiting for us YUM! I told him about our little adventure and how I secretly wished he was at the expo with me; it was after all a Bride & Grooms Expo. I forgot to mention that there were free cigars for the grooms to enjoy on the balcony. Over dinner we watched So You Think You Can Dance and discussed the highlights of the show. I plan to go thru all the expo material over the weekend, for now it’s sitting on the floor in the office. All I really wanted to do was sleep, since I had to wake up the next morning and go to work. Overall, I had a great day and can’t wait for the next big bridal show in Philadelphia.
Have you attended a bridal show recently? How did it go?
