Wedding Dress Collections

Before they exchange wedding vows, area brides and grooms should prepare to be wowed at the Opelika-Auburn News’ 2010 Bridal Expo.

This year marks the eighth that the event has been held, said coordinator Melissa D. Blackburn. The 2010 Bridal Expo is a fundraiser for the Opelika-Auburn News’ Newspapers in Education program.

Brides attending the 2010 Bridal Expo will be eligible to win thousands in door prizes, including a $1,500 photo package from Flip Flop Foto, a $1,200 Honeymoon Package from My Travel at Midtown, a $500 in store purchases from Swanson Diamond Center, a $500 Bridal Suite from Fountainview Mansion and Rental Facilities from Jules Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

“We also give away favors and random door prizes as brides register,” Blackburn said. At last year’s expo, 30 percent of the brides that attended received gifts.

This year’s 2010 Bridal Expo will also feature a fashion show sponsored by Clothes Rack in the Marriott Amphitheater. Clothes Rack will also be giving away a $250 gift certificate at each of their 1:30 and 3 p.m. fashion shows at the expo.

There will be several caterers, photographers, dress shops and specialty gift merchants present at the 2010 Bridal Expo as well.

“We are overflowing with vendors this year and still receiving calls,” Blackburn said.

Cooper Ray, an Opelika native and owner of http://www.socialprimer.com, will also be in attendance at the 2010 Bridal Expo.

“Subscribers to the Opelika-Auburn News can get an inside glimpse of the expo through our annual Bridal Guide which will be published in Sunday’s newspaper,” Blackburn said. “The Bridal Guide is a feature we use all year to let brides and grooms know who to call locally and how to prepare for the best day of their lives.”