Amidst pandemic worries, brides still come out for annual bridal show
JACKSON TWP. While there are still many uncertainties about what can and can’t be held in 2021 due to the CDC’s pandemic safety guidelines, local brides came out for the 24th annual Belden Village Bridal Show.
The show was held in Center Court and the surrounding area on Jan 16 and Jan. 17. Event coordinator Dayna Yurkovich said there were 35 core vendors at the show this year. The show averages 45 to 50 vendors most years.
“There are many eager brides here today wanting to plan for their future,” Yurkovich said. “After a year like 2020, people want to start focusing on the positive. Plus, many of the event and other companies know how they can plan safely according to the CDC guidelines to hold weddings and receptions and how to keep people safe.”
This year’s bridal show went on with safety guidelines in place like wearing masks, keeping distance between customers and vendors and having plenty of hand sanitizer available.
Brides and grooms could preregister at for a chance to win a Bachelorette Package at Gervasi Vineyard. There were numerous exhibits including the area’s best in bridal gowns, tuxedos, alterations, ceremony and reception venues, catering, rentals, travel, photography, DJ services, wedding cakes and more. All brides were encouraged to play the J Sullivan Travel Honeymoon Hunt for a chance to win prizes.
The fashion shows went on during Saturday and Sunday. They were sponsored by Colwell Flower Shop, Glenmoor Country Club, La Place Events Banquet Hall and Lavender Bridal Salon. Fashions by Lavender Bridal Salon and American Commodore Tuxedo were featured.
The bridal show also featured the Price is Right Game Show, sponsored by Flash and Sound Events. The Nearly Newlywed Game also took place in the mall’s Center Court. The game featured three couples randomly chosen to play a modern rendition of the Newlywed Game for chances to win a free overnight stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and made-to-order breakfast.
Canton Table and Chair Rental was one of the exhibitors and store manager Anne Haines was talking with brides and grooms to be about tents and table settings.
“Last year, we started out with indoor conferences and weddings and then spent much of the spring and summer doing outdoor weddings and some graduations,” Haines said. “We have not been seeing much on the trade show side yet this year but there are some brides who are starting to plan for 2021 and 2022.”
Peggy Miller and Brandon Dailey from Lavender Bridal Salon in Dover said they still do OK in sales last year.
“We did not have it as hard as those in other type companies such as DJ’s,” Dailey said. “Even in small weddings, the bride still needs a gown. Those companies that rely on big weddings got hit the hardest. We did close for two months but when we got reopened in May, business was good.”
Dailey said the color trend for dresses this year is different shades of green like eucalyptus and hunter green.
“People want to see a glimpse of normalcy and look ahead instead of looking back,” Yurkovich said. “Our vendors truly care about the brides and we appreciate everyone coming out today to see the show.”
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