EL DORADO — The Southern Bridal Expo will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on March 5 at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club and is designed to be a “one stop shop” for south Arkansas brides.
Local and area brides will be able to sample cuisine from local caterers, visit with florists, learn about local venues, bridal boutiques and anything else that a bride could need for her special wedding day.
“I am hoping that with all the vendors in all the different categories that it completely covers anything that they need locally,” said Molly Cupp, vice president of membership for the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
During the expo, the bride will see several different businesses that offer the same services in different areas of expertise in order to get an idea of the local options that they can use and to find who would best fit their ideal wedding arrangements.
Cupp came up with the idea to give brides an event that will bring all they will need into one room and alleviate some of the stress that goes along with planning a wedding. Approximately 50 vendors are expected to attend the event.
“I found similar events like this online and we were wanting something that can bring revenue to the chamber and fill a need for the community as well. I approached the executive board and they approved it so here we are,” Cupp explained.
“We are wanting it to be more intimate, because this is our first year and this gives us an opportunity to find out what the brides are looking for and what they want. Each bride will get the special attention that they deserve and need,” Cupp said.
Brides will be treated to champagne, cake tasting, food courtesy of the El Dorado Golf and County Club and music from deejays and local wedding singers.
Every bride will also be encouraged to try on at least one wedding dress, Cupp said, and there will be models showcasing different clothing options for bridesmaids, flower girls and groomsmen that can be found at local formal shops, such as Mr. Tuxedo, Hers Bridal and Bella’s Bridesmaid.
“Hopeful that this will give brides an opportunity to step back and breathe and enjoy the whole process. We also hope that this will take the stress off, because we have all of the venues in all the categories all in one spot so when they leave out of here they will have a pretty good idea what they want, where they’re going and who they want to go with,” Cupp said.
Each vendor will also be providing door prizes that are worth at least $100 and every person in attendance could win. Some of the prizes will include, an engagement ring, valued at $3,495; photo shoots; the bride’s jewelry on her wedding day, valued at $3,800; wedding dress discounts; gift cards and a bridal bouquet.
Tickets for the event will be $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
To order your tickets in advance, contact Cupp at the chamber at 870-863-6113 or email her at [email protected].