My first bridal show

Coincidentally, a bridal show was set for the first weekend of January, soon after my engagement. It sounded like it would be fun and informative, so I rounded up my posse - mom, sister and best friend, aka. maid of honor (MOH)- and headed to the Great Bridal Expo at the Anaheim Hilton.

Although I registered in advance, the line just to get into the expo was about 20 minutes long, and the registration staff was a little confused as to how to direct the guests in. My MOH pointed out to me that they looked like models. As I looked at each of them, they did look unusually thin, all with a lot of makeup and their hair in similar updo's. When the bridal fashion show began later, it was confirmed, they were the same model-looking girls at the registration booth. What a way to save money.

  As soon as I stepped into the expo space, there were so many vendors but I tried taking my time to stop at each one to see what they had to offer. There was everything from bridal fashion to cake tasting and honeymoon ideas.

I soon learned my easy-does-it plan wasn't quite working out. My posse kept splitting up around me and I was being pulled from one booth to another so quick it was a blur. They were more excited than I was.

The vendors I did get a chance to talk to for a bit had a lot of information about their services and what they had to offer, but they weren't as eager to talk prices at the expo. Not very helpful for this budget-minded bride. Almost each of them had the same thing to say "We personalize our packages for each couple."

Although it was an overload of some necessary, and many unnecessary, information, it did help me get an idea of what I will be dealing with for the coming months as I work out all the wedding details. And it gave me insight into how much my family and friends want to be involved in the process as well.

I know many details will ultimately be my decision, I mean my fiance and mine's decision, but it's nice to know they feel vested in this too. I am not alone.

I have since been to two other bridal shows - mostly for business (visit the Rose blog for the Upscale Bridal Show at the Langham), but also for pleasure. They each had something unique to offer and I have enjoyed spending time with friends and family at each.

As you start attending bridal shows or registering at wedding sites, prepare for your inbox and mailbox to get inundated with offers and emails from many vendors. To stay more organized, consider creating a separate email account (ie. jackandjillwedding@....) for all the wedding related items.

As bridal or party planning shows come up in the San Gabriel Valley, I will try to post them here. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to email them to me at claudia.palma@sgvn.com.

Upcoming local shows:

Mountain Meadows Country Club Bridal Show, 1875 Fairplex Drive, Pomona - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 7. Hors d'oevres, champagne and door prizes. Free parking and admission. More information at 909-620-9037.

Bride World Expo, Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St. - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 14. Brides receive bridal magazines, shopping bag, coupons and a free wedding planner workbook. 125 wedding vendors and a honeymoon prize to be awarded. $10 admission. More information and pre-register online at www.brideworld.com or call 800-600-7080.