HAMLET — Brides preparing to walk down the aisle soon will be able to get a head start on the planning stages when the Piedmont Bridal Expo heads to the Cole Auditorium Sunday for eighth year in a row.
The event, which showcases wedding professionals, will include exhibitors such as caterers, bridal gowns, tuxedo stores, florists, photographers, DJs, wedding consultants, bridal registries, jewelry, ceremony and reception locations and lighting and decor designers. The expo is open to not only brides-to-be but also grooms, friends, family, event planners and the general public.
“This will be an elegant, lovely event, and people should come regardless of when their wedding is,” said Sharon Nichols, show organizer. “It’s such a wonderful shopping experience that they can plan the entire wedding at the show. And there will be prizes given away to the brides.”
In fact, the first 25 brides to arrive will receive a special goodie bag, and prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon with the grand prize drawings taking place at 4 p.m. Brides will also be entered into the prize drawings twice if they pre-register at www.piedmontbridalshow.com.
The Piedmont Bridal Show is always held the last Sunday in February, and vendors from Moore County, Laurinburg and South Carolina will attend, along with those from Richmond County. Nichols said brides are encouraged to bring their wedding planner along for the day.
Nichols added that the goal of the show is to gather area merchants together for an event to show brides and grooms what is available. The expo — which is sponsored by Richmond Community College, Bridal Nook, Belk, Coldwell Banker, Ward Productions, One Stop Print Shop and the Richmond Observer — helps to show people that they don’t have to travel to Raleigh or Charlotte to find everything they need.
“We have tried to cover all wedding services, and the exhibitors who are coming are excellent providers,” said Nichols. “We have several new exhibitors this year, and this is the first year there will be a fashion show. This will be a fun afternoon, and if you know anyone who is getting married, tell them to come.”
The Piedmont Bridal Show will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. inside of Cole Auditorium and is open to those 18 years of age and older. Price of admission is $5.
