Planning a wedding...go to a bridal show!

How does a bride plan her wedding? Well, you start by gathering information. You buy a bunch of magazines and pick up every free local wedding publication. Then you scour the Internet looking for ideas all while making a big list of those things you just love. Then you get really searching and you attend a bridal show. Bridal shows allow you to view a number of different products and services at one location. It saves the time of driving around from place to place, allowing easy comparison shopping. Most bridal shows have a fashion segment allowing you to view the latest styles in bridal gowns and wedding attire. For the bride watching their budget, many exhibitors offer show specials and discounts for reserving them from the show. They also tend to give away some great prizes too.

So mark your calendar and plan to attend the Day of Elegance Bridal Show at the Garden House at Look Park on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 11-4pm. A beautiful fashion show by Pearl Bridal Boutique will take place in the Garden House Tent with jewelry featured by Roxy's Jewelry Boutique. Magical Escapes will be focusing on wonderful affordable honeymoon locations as well as giving away a Honeymoon to Las Vegas! Taste food samples from the area's finest caterers and bakeries and relax in this stress-free location. For more information visit the website at www.cjcevents.com. The Garden House at Look Park is located at 300 N. Main Street, Florence, MA.

Bridal Buzz...Advance Notice Sale!

I know searching for just the right wedding gown can be a challenge, but here's the heads up on a terrific opportunity!! Bridal Heirlooms will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary...and you get the party with their End of Summer Clearance Sale! One Day Only, Saturday, August 22nd, Bridal Gowns starting at just $199. Bridesmaids Dresses starting at $25, Mothers Dresses starting at $75, plus more accessories and goodies too numerous to mention!! So take advantage of this sale...stop in at Bridal Heirlooms, 17 College Street, in the Village Commons, South Hadley, MA. 413-532-4848. www.bridalheirlooms.net

Pictured: Christine and Shirley of Bridal Heirlooms

Belle of the Ball

Calling all previous bridesmaids...and anyone else who has a prom or bridesmaids gown just sitting in their closet, doing nothing. Here's your opportunity to move it out of your closet, recycle it and give it new life! Springfield Women's Committee has re-opened the Belle of the Ball Boutique for prom-goers in the area. They are collecting gently worn gowns to redistribute throughout the greater Springfield area, so that no girl gets left behind and unable to attend their prom because they cannot afford a dress. Dresses in all sizes, length and styles are needed and can be dropped off at Naomi's Inn, 20 Springfield St. in Springfield, MA or at NUVO Bank during bank hours or at Mall Services at Eastfield Mall, Boston Rd. in Springfield, during mall hours. For more information check http://www.naomisinn.net/belle.html or call 413-433-6019

A Hidden Pearl

I've recently found a pearl...Pearl Bridal Boutique. It's a hidden gem located in Holyoke that carries a few exclusive designers not to easily found. Pearl carries bridal gowns, veils, and bridesmaids gowns. I especially like the Lynn Lugo bridesmaids designs. Silk shantung, charmeuse and silk dupioni, they are customizable with sashes, wraps and flat hem trims in beautiful complimenting colors to satisfy any size and style wedding.