By CAROLINE WOON
AS MANY as 200 blushing brides-to-be will paint the town white this month with the help of Redlands businesses eager to make the most important day of their lives truly memorable.
Sponsored by Something Blue wedding invitations, the "Bride and the City" event on the evening of Oct. 8 is no less than a three-hour, limo-guided tour of downtown Redlands highlighting the best of what the city has to offer for the big day.
It’s a new take on the traditional and often uninspired bridal expo, said Nancy Ternasky, owner of Something Blue. "We know that bridal fairs are great for one-stop- shopping, but they tend to be held in sterile, less comfy settings where guests aren’t given the chance to see vendors in their element or to view their work at its finest," she said. "Brides are herded through a long line of displays, meeting owners and picking up business cards, but are still left guessing about the quality of the vendors’ products and services."
Aiming for a sensory-driven experience, Bride and the City allows guests to sample cakes and hors d’oeuvres, sip champagne and enjoy live music as they are introduced to an entourage of florists, caterers, photographers, musicians and wedding coordinators.
Whether it’s at Adair Photography on Orange Street, Shake It Up Dance Studio on State Street or inside Something Blue’s Sixth Street store, future brides can get everything they’ve been looking for, minus the legwork.
"Every woman is bombarded with things like wedding dress options wherever she goes," Ternasky said. "We’re here to tap into and capitalize on those additional services she’ll need for the big day, but might not be able to pick out of a magazine." Bride and the City organizers hope to inspire attendees with fully-decorated sample venues meant to showcase multiple vendors while distilling the bride’s vision of the perfect shower, bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner.
"At one location you might see invitations, flowers, entertainment and table settings, all coordinated to present a more complete package," Ternasky said.
"Imagine spotting a pair of shoes you like — when they’re paired with a sweater, silk scarf and jeans, the outfit as a whole is irresistible — and the work is already done for you." Sweetening the pot are several vendor- sponsored drawings, the largest of which will award a wedding package that includes a morning ceremony, a honeymoon for two, floral and photography services, custom invitations and dance lessons.
Although the event was designed with brides in mind, friends, relatives and those planning any type of special occasion are invited to join the festivities — if for no other reason than to have a good time.
"Even though it’s a great way to develop relationships with the folks who are creating your wedding, it’s not all business, but more like going to an all-night cocktail party on wheels with a designated driver," Ternasky said.
Bride and the City
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event. For more information, visit www.somethingblueweddinginvitations.com.
