Gainesville, FL – Peak wedding season may be months away, but January is when most brides start planning. And, there is little doubt, the economy has changed how some couples are getting hitched.
Regardless of how much money is in the bank, people still want to have a nice wedding, says Paul Rhodenizer of Jay’s Bridal in Gainesville. If this wedding season is anything like those past, the Gainesville Wedding Expo, scheduled for January 17th at the Phillips Center will still be packed with excited brides-to-be, no matter what the economy.
In fact, attending an Expo, is a great way for brides to get money saving ideas when tying the knot. Some examples:
• FOOD – It’s a big expense at any wedding. But most catering companies report brides are saving a lot of money by going with buffet-style settings instead of plates. Working with your caterer on outside rentals and considering less expensive hors d’oeuvres is only one of many options. Some of Gainesville’s most popular caterers will be showing at this year’s Wedding Expo. They will be anxious to have you sample some of their most popular menu items.
• WEDDING CAKE – Seven out of ten people attending our Expo are still looking for the perfect cake! And, bakers will be there to have you sample their unique flavors and see their creativity. Tell your groom he will be able to sample wedding cake at the Wedding Expo. He will want to come!
• PHOTOGRAPHY – Of course, another significant expense for any wedding is the photography. And, many couples hope this is one area they can save some money on. The Expo is a great place to discuss your thoughts with professional photographers and see examples of what they are talking about. The good news is that almost every professional photographer offers ala-carte pricing these days. Brides really do like today’s personalized offerings and the variety of artistic styles being shown. Anyone with a camera can take pictures…but for YOUR wedding? Professional photographers are really worth their weight in gold. The Expo is a great place to compare their work, their personalities, and get a sense of their price ranges. Almost anyone can afford a professional photographer today. Be sure to ask about the availability of high resolution digital files. Many professional photographers now offer this option.
• WEDDING GOWN – Brides are so pleased when they find it is not necessary to spend anything close to $6000 or $7000 on a wedding gown like they see brides spending on reality TV. The truth is most brides will spend and average of $600 to $900 for a real designer gown. Top selling designers Maggie Sottero, Allure, Casablanca, and Mori Lee will be modeled in the fashion show present by Jay’s in the main theater. Seeing gowns on the runway is a fun way to see what looks are right for your wedding, whether you are planning something extremely formal or something smaller, more intimate, or in even a wedding in an exotic faraway place.
• ENTERTAINMENT – It’s a big part of any wedding. Couples want to have a good time with their guests. Many people are saving money by using DJs and recorded music instead of a live band.
A professional DJ will act as a master of ceremonies, coordinating all activities with your other wedding professionals and read the crowd to ensure everyone has a great time!
The bottom line: You can still have the wedding of your dreams without going broke.
The doors open for the Gainesville Wedding Expo on Sunday at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on UF’s Campus from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Prizes, including a 7-Day Dream Cruise for two will be drawn at 4:00 pm.
