Thursday, January 28, 2010

As a wedding planner, Sue Frank sees herself as someone who can help brides "connect all the dots" when it comes to preparing for their big day. As a new business owner, she's ready to let them know her services are available.

Frank, who owns Simply Unique Events in Lancaster, is one of about 30 local business owners who will promote their wedding services Saturday at the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette's seventh annual bridal show.

As a result, dozens of local brides who are stuck in the planning stages will leave Saturday's event with information on everything from local florists to caterers to photography to apparel, Eagle-Gazette Event Coordinator Risha Wagner said.

"Those who come can expect to see a lot of choices that will help them decide, 'Is this something I want to do for my wedding?'" said Wagner, who is organizing the show.

Seventy brides have already pre-registered for the free event, which will take place at the Ohio University Lancaster Campus this year. Brides who register before or at the event are eligible to receive one of about 30 giveaways compiled by the event's exhibitors.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to sit in on a live bridal show in the auditorium of the Ohio University Lancaster Campus. Models will showcase about 75 different dresses, including bridal gowns and bridesmaid and prom dresses. All the dresses are from Personal Touch in Lancaster.

"The auditorium we're using for the fashion show is really going to make the show unique and help create the mood," Wagner said. "We're going to have the doors (to the auditorium) closed until right before the show starts, so it's going to be a surprise to everyone when they walk in."

Wagner said she feels the show will offer a lot of variety for even the most indecisive of brides. She said there are five or six new exhibitors at this year's event, as well as some more exhibitors one might not expect to see at the average bridal show.

"We'll have two Realtors there this year and representatives from banks because, when couples are planning their wedding, they also may be looking into opening joint bank accounts or looking for a new house," she said.

Frank, who will promote her new business for the first time at the bridal show, is the only event planner registered as an exhibitor at the show. She said she's excited to promote her services to local brides and get her name out there.

"My being there to handle everything gives the bride the opportunity to enjoy her day, and spares her mom or best friend from being tied up in all the last-minute details," Frank said. "It's a great service."

Ellen Ricketts, co-owner of Perfect Weddings in Lancaster, is a regular at the event. Ricketts, whose store is one of the largest and oldest family-owned bridal stores in the state, said the bridal show is a good way for her to let new clients know about everything her store has to offer.

"It's a place where brides can get a lot of their questions answered in one trip," she said.

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