Thousands of newly engaged brides-to-be are showing off their sparkling diamond engagement rings received over the holidays; now it's time for them to start planning their wedding.
Today's Bride magazine will host its 18th annual January Bridal Shows, sponsored by Henri's Cloud Nine Bridal Salon, Christopher Norris Photographers, Miller's Party Rental, Sandals Resorts, & Scene Magazine. One show will be in Akron and one in Cleveland.
The Akron show will be Jan. 13 at the John S. Knight Convention Center, 77 E. Mill St. Parking is free in Akron City lots on Sundays.
The Cleveland show will be Jan. 20 at the I-X Center, One I-X Center Dr.
Admission for both shows is $8 per person, and the shows are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bridal Fashion shows are at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (included in ticket price)
The Bridal Show will house more 150 wedding businesses each weekend at each show.
The event includes four fashion shows and provides engaged couples with the opportunity to talk to wedding related businesses about their services, view and sample their products, and see the latest in wedding fashions. Reception halls, photographers, bakeries, invitation companies, disc jockeys, videographers, bridal registries, and more will be available to offer their services, pass out samples, and answer any questions.
The bridal show fashion shows will include gowns for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girl and mother-of, as well as tuxedos for all the important men in the bride's life from the groom to the ring bearer.
In addition, more than $5,000 in prizes will be awarded including the grand prize all-inclusive vacation courtesy of Sandals Resorts and Vacations Unlimited & Cruises. One vacation will be given away each weekend.
Show tips for engaged couples:
* Establish the level of formality for your wedding and reception before you go;
* Know your budget and how much you want to allocate to each service or product;
* Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the show;
* Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes;
* Arrive early, at least 1 hour prior to the fashion show. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis;
* Bring a checkbook or credit card and ask exhibitors about "show specials";
* Bring computer labels printed with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and Wedding date. These will help save time when filling out registrations for many prizes at select wedding exhibits; and
* Bring stickers to identify literature of the vendors you are interested in. By marking the literature it will help you remember exactly which companies you would like to get more information from after the show.
Those wishing to attend ar encouraged to preregister by calling the 24-hour Bridal Show hotline at 330-670-9545 (Akron) or 216-393-5677 (Cleveland). Pre-register online to receive a $3 admission discount at www.todaysbride.com, or buy tickets online and receive 50 percent discount.