You Look Beautiful In White: All About the Bensalem Bridal Show

Photographers, floral arrangements, six-tiered cakes designed with fruit flavored icing and event planners smiling behind booths while women signed gift registries . . . this was the scene at the Third Annual Bucks County Bridal Show, “the only show that highlights all of Bucks County’s finest venues under one roof.”  Location for the bridal show was Street Road’s . 

Bucks County, A Great Wedding Location

The bridal show started at 2 p.m.  By 2:05 p.m., the lot was filled to capacity; engaged couples and their families and friends parked on the grass lot across from the Visitor’s Center the venue was so full.  Last year, 700 people attended the bridal show.  Michelle Greco, Public Relations Executive for the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau, said, “We are on pace to have 700, or more, people visit the show this year.”

“The event showcases Bucks County as a great wedding location,” Greco added.  “Bucks County has bed and breakfasts, the Delaware River, entertainment, restaurants and attractive outdoor areas.  And,” she added, “It’s free to be admitted to the bridal show.” 

As soon as engaged couples, their relatives and friends entered the visitor’s center, they were greeted by volunteers who stood behind a row of tables that were decorated with flower bouquets.  CBS and ABC television crews were on hand.  Forget chatting with a handful of vendors; more than 40 exhibitors were stationed throughout the visitor center.  They gave away flyers, business cards, brochures and product samples. 

JoAnne McGovern of Sadie’s Bridal, a full service bridal salon, said, “Sadie’s handles every part of wedding fashions except for tuxedos.  We design gowns for brides, their mothers, their bride’s maids and flower girls.  We also make wedding invitations for our clients.”  Sadie’s is located on Bristol Pike in a rustic stone farmhouse.  March 4 through 6, they are hosting a sample/stock sale where brides can get select gowns at half price.

Finding A Place To Stay

Hersha, a hospitality trust company, works with Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Residence Inn by Marriott to secure discount group rates for out-of-town wedding guests.  The company’s area sales manager, Melissa Camacho said, “We can get couples attractive group discounts.  All that’s needed is a 10-night stay.  There is no minimum number of guests who have to stay at the hotel to qualify for the discount.  And of course, wedding guests can stay longer than 10 days if they choose to do so.”  Melissa added that, “We also secure free upgrades for the bride and groom.”

Brothers Catering offered free consultations to people who stopped by their booth.  They had a multi-tiered wedding cake on display at the bridal show.  They also served a mouth-watering chicken stuffing that earned rave reviews. 

Wedding cakes made by Cramer’s Bakery and Town Crier Bakery lined tables, giving the visitor’s center a spring like charm.  Crossing Vineyards and Winery served small cups of wine, beverages that are made from locally grown fruit.  Exhibitors like Limo Today gave out $100 gift certificates to attendees who registered with them.  Verdi not only let attendees sip their flavored sparkling Italian wines, they offered eight ounce bottle party favors with personalized name labels to customers. 

Everyone who registered at the Bridal Show had the chance to win a prize in a free drawing.  But it wasn’t all about wedding preparations or complimentary food and drinks.  Many attendees also came bearing gifts for A Woman’s Place, a local shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

A Woman’s Place

Last year A Woman’s Place received several hundred wedding gowns and dresses from Bridal Show attendees, enough to fill three cars.  Two volunteers from A Woman’s Place said, “The gowns and dresses go to Full Circle Thrift Store.  All proceeds from the thrift store go to support A Woman’s Place programs.”  The programs include sheltering, counseling services, legal assistance and advocacy and education and training.  Within the first half hour of the 2011 Bridal Show, A Woman’s Place had received nearly 50 gowns and dresses.

Sharon Dachino, owner of On Stage and Off (a full-service event planning firm with 25 years of event planning experience), and one of the DIY panelists, offered this bit of advice to engaged couples, “When it comes to your wedding, create and stick to a budget.” 

In response to being asked what makes Bucks County a great place to get married, Sharon said, “Bucks County has lots to offer.  Whether a bride and groom want a contemporary, traditional or classic wedding, Bucks County has the indoor and outdoor settings to achieve the desired style.” She added, “Bucks County has what it takes to realize a bride and groom’s vision regarding their special day.”

Throughout the bridal show, Sound Choice Disc Jockeys provided music.  A panel discussed Do It Yourself invitations, cosmetics and floral arrangements at 4 p.m.  Attendees looking to make their wedding beautiful while cutting costs, lined up for this panel discussion.  But there was more.  New to the 2011 Bridal Show was “The Groom’s Room.”  The male-friendly bridal show room featured the Flyer’s Game, Daytona 500, snacks, video games and food vouchers from Dave & Buster’s and Chickie’s & Pete’s.  A fashion show, presented by Sadie’s Bridal, topped the annual event.  Prize drawings were held in the theatre just before the event closed. 

From start to finish, the Bridal Show was abuzz with excitement.  As Heather Walter, Meetings & Events Manager at Visit Bucks County shared, “After two successful bridal shows, we are ecstatic to offer brides another opportunity to visit with Bucks County’s beautiful venues and talented professionals in one convenient location.”  She concluded, “From historic mansions along the Delaware River to 19th century castles with breathtaking views, we are thrilled to offer vendors and venues to accommodate any budget.”