2014
Bridal Fantasy Show The F-M area’s Premier Bridal Show
By Marie Laska • Photography by Legacy Photography
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 26
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