Before you say, "I do," there's a mighty list of wedding preparation that takes place to organize a seamless, memorable day (and night). Feeling overwhelmed by which vendors to select? Not sure what style of dress suits you best? No matter what stage of planning you're in, you'll find a one-stop-shop of vendors, the latest wedding styles and plenty of inspiration at Q104's 24th annual Bridal Fair on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Landerhaven.
"In one venue, you can find a variety of vendors and get ideas, then go home and feel like you found everything in one place," says Bridal Fair event director Stacie Schmidt. "Guests can take their time and speak to each vendor and not feel overwhelmed."
The boutique show includes a non-stop fashion stage featuring dress designs and every wedding merchant you need: flowers, hair, jewelry, cakes and bakeries, video/photography, health and fitness, transportation, tuxes, invitations, entertainment, honeymoon/destination, house and home and financial services. You can even discover an event planner to coordinate the whole day for you.
With the fashion stage always "on," you won't miss any runway styles, reveals Kristy Brown, Q104's promotions and marketing director. There also will be demonstrations, including a presentation from an etiquette expert and some how-to's on topics from waxing to pre-wedding workouts.
"There is something to be said for talking to wedding experts in person and having that personal touch — someone who actually cares about your big day and helping you through it," Brown says.
Schmidt emphasizes that the Bridal Fair is a real stress-reliever for some brides. "It helps them feel at ease and excited about the day," she says.
The Next Step
This year's show at Landerhaven showcases a premiere event venue for weddings and more. And, a strategic alliance between Executive Caterers and chef Dante Boccuzzi adds a fresh, innovative option to the event planning scene.
The partnership, Dante + Executive Caterers, brings together the classic, glamorous fare Executive Caterers is known for and Boccuzzi's cutting-edge restaurant experience. So those who plan an event with Executive Caterers can make it a signature "Dante" event.
"Dante is a top chef in the country, and now we can add that to our repertoire," says Harlan Diamond, owner of Executive Caterers.
Executive Caterers is licensed in seven states, and is a special events go-to in Cleveland. "Together, with Executive Caterers, we can do any kind of party, any time of day, anywhere," Boccuzzi says, sharing that the partnership gives those planning events flexible, creative possibilties in terms of location and cuisine. Guests can even have Boccuzzi customize a menu, provide cooking demonstrations and make appearances.
Meanwhile, weddings with Executive Caterers are turn-key because it boasts a floral, design and decor department, rental, linens and an in-house bakery. "They offer everything from A to Z for every type of occasion," Boccuzzi points out, noting that the partnership with Executive Caterers is inspirational because of the organization's 30 years of experience and extensive resources.
Diamond says that Boccuzzi's international culinary knowledge will expand the menu at Executive Caterers and present guests seeking ethnic dishes with inventive options. "Dante Boccuzzi is one of the most sought-after chefs in Cleveland, and Executive Caterers can offer his star power as an enhancement to our services," he says.
Guests who visit this year's Bridal Fair will get a taste for this partnership and Landerhaven while they check off their many wedding planning to-do's during the show. Schmidt says the location and a partnership between Bridal Fair and Executive Caterers will "launch Bridal Fair to a new level."
"We think brides are evolving, and we want to evolve with them," she says.
