Menlo Park Mall Hosts a Popular Bridal Expo

It was every bride’s dream come true in the center court of Menlo Park Mall in Edison.

Around twenty separate vendors took part in the bridal show displaying various wedding related services and specialties. Among those represented at the event was invitations, wedding favors, limousine rentals, tuxedos, bridesmaid and wedding dresses, floral arrangements, catering services, musical entertainment and an array of jewelry designers.

Many vendors also offered special discounts and coupons on their given services available exclusively to attendees of the event. Entry to the bridal show was entirely free as was eligibility for door prizes/raffles.

Not everyone is able to have famed wedding planner David Tutera manage their wedding. So events like these are of particular importance to brides, like Marina, a 26-year-old Edison resident and bride-to-be.

Overwhelmed in the planning of her wedding, she admited, “There’s so much that needs to be done. When I heard about this event I was immediately interested because it’s like everyone you need is here.”

Her sentiments are the very inspiration behind events like these - to provide brides and grooms a one-stop shopping of sorts for all their bridal needs. Also, many of the vendors are relatively local so it minimizes the need for personal research and in store visits during the planning stages.

For most vendors, events like this one are now a marketing staple. Anthony Campisi of Dante Zeller Tuxedo said he does around 60 bridal shows a year. Having recently opened a new location at 24 New Street in Metuchen, attendance at this event provided him with the perfect opportunity to network within the southern New Jersey area.

Dante Zeller Tuxedo has been in business for over 80 years. Part of the company’s success and appeal is that it specializes solely in tuxedos. “Tuxedos are what we do. As opposed to a Men’s Wearhouse or other suit stores that do tuxedos on the side,” Campisi said. Dante’s offers a $109 complete package which includes any wool tuxedo, vest, tie and shoes. The same package is available for ring bearers at the cost of  $79.

As for bridal wear, popular women’s dress line Caché displayed a rack full of some of its most beautiful dresses. Customers who spend over $100 on regular-priced merchandise receive $25 off and $50 off of $200 or more. The store manager also offers discounts on  bulk orders for bridesmaid dresses. Additionally, Sierla, a Caché employee, said aside from the obvious dresses, Spanx - the slimming under garment worn by the star - is also a necessity for most customers.

“I would say probably 50% of women who come in to try on dresses already have Spanx on and others buy it from our store,” Sierla explained.

A popular theme at the bridal show was jewelry. Lia Sophia is an exclusive jewelry line that sells online and through home shows. Independent advisor Lia Valentino said her line is perfect for any woman and especially popular with bridal parties. In offering home shows, she is able to provide an intimate session for clients with themed party nights, like "Margarita Night" and "Death by Chocolate". Also, anyone who hosts a party with their girlfriends, like a bride for example, qualifies to earn free jewelry herself. Lia Sophia jewelry comes with a lifetime guarantee and offers original designs as well as affordable versions of more high end lines like David Yurman and Tiffany & Co.

The brand new jewelry line, Stryngerz, also made an appearance at the Menlo Bridal Show. The concept is simple - one jewelry “stryng” worn several different ways. The logo, “Slyng it. Stryng It. Wear It.” explains it all. The jewelry chain can be worn on the body or on accessories like bags, coats, or clothing. Jewelry makes a nice keepsake gift to those in the bridal party.

Lastly, in terms of venues, Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel was also in attendance at the bridal show. The hotel is practically brand new as it as only been open for less than a year. Mario Enser, Director of Catering says the hotel prefers at least 6 months advance notice for a reception but they are aware that circumstances don’t always allow for that much time and they have successfully put together a wedding with as little as a month notice. Per person costs range from $99  to $139 and an added benefit of celebrating at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel is that out-of-town guests or bridal parties can also pay to stay overnight in the hotel before/after the wedding.

Given the exclusive discounts and coupons offered at the bridal expo (and the fact that entry is free) it is definitely an event worth attending. Furthermore the opportunity to speak intimately with an array of talent and experts saves you ample planning time.