A Wedding Show That Gives Back

This weekend, local brides-to-be and their friends, families and future husbands have a chance to check out dresses, accessories and every other wedding service imaginable all in one place at the South Sound Wedding Show, Feb. 25-27, taking place at the McGavick Events Center at Clover Park Technical College.

South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine has teamed up with Portland-based non-profit Brides Against Breast Cancer to create something of a rarity among bridal shows: one that gives back.

“Though Brides Against Breast Cancer is based in Portland, it’s a nationwide organization,” Paula Lowe, publisher of South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine said. “They tour and travel around the US and sell gowns. The dresses are donated from manufacturers and stores to them, so they receive them for free and turn them around and sell them for 25-75 percent off from what brides would usually buy them for at a retail store.

“The money spent on the gowns goes to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, which grants wishes to people who have Stage IV breast cancer, either men or women. The magazine partners with them because we like to partner with non-profit organizations and the arm of Brides Against Breast Cancer is Making Memories, and it relates to what we do,” Lowe affirmed.

These dresses are coming from 20 total manufacturers from many retail locations and do include couture gowns, ranging in size from 2-22.

At the event, brides can shop not only for gowns, but accessories and any number of services that they will need for their wedding day. Wedding professionals of all sorts will be in attendance, including photographers, caterers, representatives from venues, musicians, DJs and anyone else who would can help a bride with her celebration. The professionals will be available and at the show Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday is reserved just for gown sales.

For those who have to have the first pick of all the gowns, the VIP event will offer the most choices for those seeking the perfect dress, and more. From 6-10 p.m. on Friday night, brides can check out all of the gowns and accessories, and then enjoy catered snacks, cupcakes, live music and booths with an array of wedding professionals and services. Money raised from VIP ticket purchases goes towards Brides Against Breast Cancer.

Throughout the weekend, visitors to the South Sound Wedding Show will have the opportunity to receive complimentary gifts, (including a copy of South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine), as well as prizes and giveaways. “The wedding professionals donate prizes, so that when brides come, they register with their name and info and it they become eligible to win prizes,” Lowe said. “We’ll be giving away  a gift about every half hour on Saturday. A few items we’re giving away are a gift certificate for an hors hors d'oeuvres package from a caterer, valued at $200, and an overnight stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Tacoma and breakfast next day.”

Some individuals may think wedding shows are for brides and brides only, but Lowe helps reaffirm that that just isn’t the case these days. Family, friends and more can come to the wedding show to help the bride choose the things she’ll need for her and her future husband's big day.

“Couples who are engaged should come, young ladies looking for gowns and accessories and if they need a vendor, come and bring the fiancé to the Wedding Show,” Lowe said. “People from wedding party, friends, moms, grandmas, family, etc. are all welcome to come. Typically most brides bring two friends to wedding shows on average.”

For those who may be curious as to what type of wedding show the South Sound Wedding Show is, Lowe affirms that it is class and extravagance all the way, every time.

“We at South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine present upscale wedding shows. There are lots in wedding shows and lots are very different, but ours are always upscale.”

The South Sound Wedding Show takes place Feb. 26-27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGavick Events Center, Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd S.W. in Lakewood. Tickets are available at the door for $8. The VIP event will take place Friday, Feb. 25 from 6-10 p.m. and tickets are $25. For more information and tickets, call (360) 480-5095 or visit www.southsoundweddingshow.com. For more information on South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine, visit their website at www.weddingandeventmagazine.com.