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Here come the brides

BY MAUREEN BUSCHER-DANG, Contributing writer | Wednesday, Jan 06 2010 05:22 PM

Last Updated Wednesday, Jan 06 2010 05:22 PM

January is the month that brides and grooms rev their engines, beginning the race to their spring, summer and fall weddings. This Sunday's Ultimate Bridal Event at the Rabobank Convention Center marks the beginning of the wedding planning season.

The Ultimate Bridal Event will give brides, grooms and their families an opportunity to meet with more than 100 wedding-related experts, including photographers, florists, wedding planners and caterers to discuss plans and get ideas. Industry professionals draw upon their contacts, knowledge and experience to help couples save money, no matter the wedding budget.

Consider flowers. Professional florists know that selecting in-season varieties will be less expensive than selecting exotic or out-of-season ones. Same goes for food. Caterers will advise that in-season or regional foods likely will be more economical. Even the day selected for the wedding can be critical. Fridays and Saturdays are premium days, while booking a wedding on a Sunday could save money.

Weddingreport.com tracks trends and spending by brides and grooms. The company, based in Tucson, Ariz., reported this month that the average U.S. bride spent $19,500 on her wedding in 2009. That was down from $28,000 spent in 2007.

What's really important? That's a personal question requiring a personal answer. Only the couple knows if money should be spent on a sentimental location, or on a big meal at the reception, or on gowns, or on a big guest list. The details of planning a wedding are many, as are the choices.

Checking out websites like www.afwpi.com may help both companies and wedding couples formulate their plans. Some examples of information include: Brides may want to consider having a morning ceremony with a fabulous brunch since food costs are less and alcohol consumption is minimal. January is the best time for photographers to advertise because that is when June brides begin booking them.

The Wedding Report also has a website dedicated to helping brides and grooms target costs. Costofwedding.com breaks down how much is spent (on average) on each item in a wedding based on ZIP code. For Bakersfield, costofwedding.com reported: "On average, couples that live in Bakersfield, CA 93301 spend between $14,381 and $23,968 for their wedding. This does not include cost for a honeymoon or engagement ring."

On her website for Sunday's Ultimate Bridal Event, organizer Ann McCright of the McCright Agency lists tips for how brides and grooms can maximize their attendance:

* Bring decision makers.

* Wear nice, but comfortable clothing and shoes.

* Bring appointment books.

* Bring self-addressed labels so you can quickly sign up for prizes or cost-saving attractions.

* Be prepared to book services immediately.

The highlight of Sunday's event will be a fashion show featuring the latest in wedding fashions for each member of the bridal party. Models will show off wedding gowns, tuxedos, and dresses for bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride and flower girls. Accessories, hairstyles and makeup also will be on display.

Grooms needing a break will be happy to find a Grooms' Lounge featuring plenty of sports on seven flat-screen televisions, snacks and beverages.

Attendees will register for a wide variety of prizes, with the grand prize being the $10,000 wedding trunk, which is packed with gifts from more than 100 wedding vendors. Every bride at Sunday's event will receive a gift bag, with the first 200 brides to walk through the door receiving a "special" gift bag. Vendors' booths also feature giveaways as well as "one-day only specials."

Maureen Buscher-Dang is a Bakersfield public relations consultant. E-mail mbuscherdang@msn.com.