January Bridal Show

State’s largest bridal show to be held Sunday, January 16

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Bridal Show will be held from 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. In its 15th year, the show’s 200 vendor booths help brides-to-be and their fiancés plan their weddings from start to finish. This show is the largest in Arkansas and has an estimated 3,000 in attendance.

The bridal show is a mixture of businesses from across the state and beyond that include photographers, DJs, caterers, travel agents and reception sites, among other vendors. A runway fashion show, a cake dive, the Nearly Newlywed Game and a musical showcase of local acts, along with some of the best names in the bridal industry, are just a few reasons brides depend on the bridal show to plan their weddings.

This year, the show is adding more contests and prizes to attract brides. The Make Up Your Bride contest will pair up brides with a friend, mother or spouse. The bride’s partner will have to apply makeup and jewelry on the bride while blindfolded. Judges will determine the winner, who will receive a makeup application, spray tan and facial from AB Mackie Salon. Three pairs will be selected at the show.

The Nearly Newlywed Game (2 p.m.) will feature three pre-selected couples in a competition to see who knows their future spouse the best. Couples must register online by Friday, Jan. 7. The prize is a one-night stay at The Peabody Little Rock and dinner for two at Capriccio Grill.

The Cake Dive (3:30 p.m.) will feature three brides racing against each other to be the first to find the hidden (fake) wedding ring in each of their cakes. The brides will be blindfolded, adding a little more challenge to the competition. The winner will receive a free wedding cake (value of $400) from the Blue Cake Co.

The Musical Showcase, held on the Entertainment Stage, will feature the area’s hottest wedding acts, including the Big John Miller Band and the Little Rock String Quartet. See the Web site for a complete schedule.

The Runway Fashion Show will feature more than 50 outfits for the entire wedding party segmented into either classic and modern, making it easier for brides to choose the perfect look. The show will begin at 4:30 p.m.

One lucky couple will win the Ultimate Wedding Package, valued at more than $5,000. The giveaway, which will be given out randomly at 5 p.m., features such prizes as photography, a DJ for the reception, rentals for the wedding, wedding coordinator, tuxedos, flowers, wedding cake and more.

Brides-to-be will receive a free Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Bridal Planner. This is a complete guide to planning a wedding, including worksheets to help brides keep organized. The Bridal Planner includes beautiful photography, helpful editorials, checklists for brides and a listing of local businesses.

Tickets are $10 at the door or can be bought online for $7 in advance or at any Tipton Hurst locations.

For more information, visit www.arkansasbridalcommunity
or call Tabitha Cunningham at 501-918-4539.