Bradford Bridal Show slated this weekend for first time in a decade

People who visit the Bradford Bridal Show on Sunday will be treated to everything from a live fashion show, music and a photo booth — to four lucky brides-to-be digging in a wedding cake for a $1,000 grand prize.

The bridal show, which is the first such event to be conducted in the community for a decade, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the St. Bernard Social Hall on East Corydon Street. The community is invited to attend, and admission for brides and guests is $5. Tickets are also available at Eventbrite.com with the first 50 brides signed up at the site admitted free to the show. The event will feature vendors with samplings of food as well as light beverages.

Organizers Jeanne Henry and Laurie Lindstrom said they are excited about the show and giveaways that will be provided to the brides-to-be in attendance.

“We saw the need because there hasn’t been a bridal show in Bradford in over 10 years,” Henry stated. “There are so many businesses in Bradford and the surrounding areas that are there to service the biggest day of your life, your wedding day.”

She said the event will show brides-to-be they don’t need to drive out of the area, and possibly pay more, when the same services are available locally.

“Many people may not know that, so this is a great way to show them conveniently and all under one roof” local services at hand, she continued. “The (bridal show) committee has worked hard to ensure that every category has been fulfilled. Anything that the bride and groom will need for their big day will be at the Bradford Bridal Show.

“Our hope is to make it a little less stressful on the bride, and groom,” she continued.

Henry said the show is presented by the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority and the Moments to Remember shop, owned by Lindstrom, a former resident of the Olean/Allegany area in nearby New York state.

For her part, Lindstrom said she expects the event to be phenomenal.

“I’ll be doing all the decorating for this and the whole gymnasium will be done like a wedding reception,” Lindstrom said. In addition, she said all 24 table arrangements in the gym will all be done with a different centerpiece on them. This will give the brides an idea of various arrangements available.

Henry provided more details on the show, noting there will be a number of prizes and giveaways for the brides.

“The grand prize is $1,000 travel voucher from Bradford Travel to use towards their  honeymoon,” she explained. “The grand prize honeymoon giveaway is such an amazing prize, we wanted to have a little fun giving it away.”

This will be accomplished with a “cake dig” which will ask “four lucky brides” to dig into a  wedding cake in search of a hidden gem. The bride who finds it will win the grand prize honeymoon.

In addition to the grand prize, there will be four additional larger giveaways each valued at $100. The giveaways are provided by Julie’s Cake Creations, Moments to Remember, Michelle’s Flair for Hair and Julie’s Ever After. Each vendor will also provide a gift certificate or basket valued at $50. On top of that, vendors will offer samples and cash-and-carry items.

A live fashion show by Julie’s Ever After will add the icing to the cake, so to speak.

Also showcased will be tuxedos, bridesmaid gowns and dresses for mothers and flower girls.

“What a perfect way for the bride-to-be to spot her dream wedding gown,” Henry concluded.