Bridal Fantasy Show

Stressful. Daunting. Overwhelming. These are just a few of the words that couples trying to plan their wedding may identify with. Inundated by to do lists, checklists and wish lists, and receiving constant social media input on the latest must-have napkin holder doohickey that is guaranteed to make the wedding day magical and unforgettable can, over time, make an engaged couple toss around the word “elope” in frantic, half-jesting tones.

With the support of local vendors from the Fargo-Moorhead community, however, thousands of couples over the past 22 years have managed to navigate the turbulent waters of wedding planning with ease, choosing a “one-stop shopping” approach at the area’s premier bridal event: the annual Bridal Fantasy Show.

Held in October every year and located at the Ramada Plaza and Suites, the Bridal

Fantasy Show has been recognized as the official kick off to the wedding planning season. This year’s show will be held on October 12 and will feature over 35 quality, reputable community wedding vendors providing grab bags, displays and drawings, as well as a top grand prize of up to $20,000 given to one lucky couple. In addition, there will be two different style fashion shows―Affairs by Brittany will show at 1:30pm; Wedding Elegance will show at 3:00pm. Furthermore, while recognized as LGBT friendly and heralded as the only show with a live band, the Bridal Fantasy Show has also been designed to embrace attendees as if they were at a wedding reception versus a traditional trade show.

Helping to inform couples on every aspect of wedding planning from invitations to photography to thank you notes and information on honeymoon destinations, the Bridal Fantasy Show prides itself on its comprehensive selection and variety of local businesses while maintaining a smaller, more intimate feel for couples and attendees. After nearly selling out in previous years, organizers for this year’s show encourage attendees to either prepurchase online (at a discounted rate of $8 in advance versus $12 at the door), or in person at any of the following area storefront locations: Blonde Ambition, Floral Expressions, Aqua Blue, Wedding Elegance, the West 13th Salon (in West Fargo), Bursch Travel, the UPS store on 13th Avenue, or Affairs by Brittany in Detroit Lakes.

Additionally, with many of the vendors traditionally receiving bookings on the spot at the show, event organizers encourage attendees to arrive early (the show will run from noon until 4:00pm) and to invite family members and bridal party members so as to help canvass and select vendors efficiently and effectively.

Tips on the Bridal Fantasy Show website also include encouraging show participants to bring a binder with organizing sleeves as well as blank paper to write notes on, and to sign up for a monthly newsletter that will showcase exclusive Bridal Show offers.

Testimonials from previous Bridal Fantasy Show attendees allude to the many free samples and drawings held at the show: “There were many vendors, samples and early booking deals,” and “The vendors were very nice and it was AWESOME to be registered to win so many different prizes.” Noting the variety and accessibility of vendors, one attendee commented, “I liked all the different vendors, and you could get most of your major things for your wedding done there.” [AWM]

For more information on this year’s upcoming Bridal Fantasy show and/or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.bridalfantasyshow.com