Tuesday 13 September 2011

Bridal Expo 2011


Bridal Expo 2011 is just around the corner! In only FIVE days time, one of Calgary's premier bridal shows will come to town, allowing you to see first hand everything that's new and exciting in the world of weddings!  

This is one of our favorite times of year and the Creative Weddings and Occasions team has been busy gearing up for this huge event. We've got some great surprises in store and can hardly wait to show them to you!
But first, let's make sure you have the main information:

Show Details:
Date: Sunday, September 18th, 2011

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Stampede's BMO Centre

Runways shows occur at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM showcasing the latest in bridal fashion for both the bride and groom.

Tickets will be available at the door, but you can also click here and purchase your ticket online to save some money (available online through September 16th)! Tickets will be sold at the door (cash only).
Photo courtesy of Svetlana Yanova

This is a BIG show. Here are a few tips we want to share to make your Bridal Expo experience more productive and more enjoyable!

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Bridal Expo Tip #1:
There are tons of contests and give-aways to sign-up for. Print off a few sheets of labels with your contact information (name, phone number, e-mail, wedding date, ...) and this will save your hand from cramping up from filling out each entry forms individually.

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Bridal Expo Tip #2:
Make a list of the specific vendors you're still looking for - musicians, photographers, florists,.... There is so much to see at Bridal Expo! Having a plan will help you structure your day a bit will make things a little less overwhelming and your day more productive.


If you're just getting started in the wedding planning process, then be sure to look for a event planner that seems to suit your style. Not only will they be able to help you get organized, but they can also assist you in defining your wedding vision as well as save you time and money along the way.

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Bridal Expo Tip #3:
There will be some great deals offered at Bridal Expo. Don't be afraid to take some time to carefully consider things before committing to a vendor. You don't want to get into a situation where you feel pressured to commit and end up blowing a significant portion of your budget or signing a contract without doing some comparison shopping.

Most quality vendors will be quite reasonable if you ask for some time to think, especially since they know that if they give you the time, there is a good chance you'll be back.

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Bridal Expo Tip #4:
Be cautious about buying your dress at Bridal Expo. There are definitely some great deals to be had, but if the dress doesn't fit right you may end up spending more on alterations than you originally save in the first place.
Unless you're absolutely sure that it's your dress, you may be best to shop in the more relaxed atmosphere of a bridal salon afterwards.
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Bridal Expo Tip #5:
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll most likely be doing a fair amount of walking.

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Bridal Expo Tip #6:
Drink water and stay hydrated. Also keep a snack in your bag, like a granola bar or almonds, to help keep your energy levels up.

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Bridal Expo Tip #7:
Bring a canvas bag or something for the numerous brochures, cards, and print materials that are distributed throughout the day.

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Bridal Expo Tip #8:
Many of the vendors have taken the time to set-up their booths with some incredible decor and floral designs. Bring your camera and don't be afraid to snap a picture of two of things you like to refer to later. It's a fabulous way to get some design ideas for your own wedding!

Photo courtesy of Limelight Photography
We're in booth #59 and we would love to see you! Feel free to come by our booth to say hi or to ask for advice about vendors. We can save you some time and help point you in the right direction of the person that might be exactly who you're looking for.


Our Great Give-Aways...

After much deliberation we've decided to give away TEN COMPLEMENTARY TWENTY MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATIONS for some of our lucky brides and grooms. What a great way to fantastic way to jumpstart your wedding planning knowing that you can get some direction and advice from a professional coordinators! You will be able to ask anything in regards to wedding planning, from venue recommendations to referrals for incredible vendors. The items discussed are entirely up to you and what you need to know NOW.


But we didn't stop there! It won't be advertised at the show, but we're also giving away a total of FIVE COMPLEMENTARY 60 MINUTE ONSITE DECOR CONSULTS (valued at $950.00 each). That's right - five of them! I'll personally meet with the lucky recipients at the venue of their choice to share our ideas of how they could transform their venue space into a magical and romantic setting for their wedding. To take advantage of this great opportunity and be one of the limited number of brides and grooms allowed in this draw, just come on by our booth and let one of our representatives know that you saw this e-mail and we'll get you entered right away!


Most importantly, enjoy Bridal Expo 2011!


If you have any questions, before of after the show, don't hesitate to e-mail us at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or call us at 1-888-790-6986. The Creative Weddings and Occasions team looks forward to seeing you there!

 Creative Weddings and Occasions is a sister company to Del Sol Travel. 




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Edward Ross Photography

Cathy MacRae is a Calgary Wedding Planner in the business of making dreams come true! In addition to being CEO of Creative Weddings and Occasions, she is also their lead wedding choreographer and design coordinator. Operating out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans weddings for couples in and around the Calgary, Banff, and Lake Louise area. Her clients want a wedding that is all about romance, elegance, and personalized style! Her experience in the wedding industry allows her clients to have that unique wedding celebration that tells a story and sets the stage for their own "happily ever after." As a destination wedding specialist, she also works with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world, including such exotic locations as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Cathy is a member of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, the Association of Bridal Consultants, the International Special Events Society, and the Community of Wedding Innovators.

For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or call 1-888-790-6986.