The Bridal Expo and Wedding Festival was presented at the San Diego Convention Center on Jan. 28. This is a perfect place to do one-stop shopping for all the up-and-coming couples who will be tying the knot. Vendors set up booths, there were photographers, videographers, and ideas for honeymoon destinations. One of the crowd favorites was gourmet food sampling and dessert tasting offered by the catering businesses.

The event also had interactive wedding activities, gorgeous flowers, and live music. Strolling through all these merchants, one can’t help but come away with a multitude of ideas for their special day. If you are looking for tuxedos or a bridal gown then this is a great way to make your big decision by watching the runway shows.

This Bridal Expo had two fashion shows produced by Gretchen Productions during the day. The runway featured all the latest trends in bridal wear including the bridesmaids and flower girls’ dresses. Gretchen Bergman always produces a runway show offering top-notch entertainment. This show featured Krista King singing and Nicole Thomas dancing. Patricia Norvell created the makeup and hair for the show. At the finale of the show, the models tossed sachet rice balls into the audience with fantastic prizes in them from the participating vendors.

The models coming down the runway were no longer only wearing white. Brides now have been favoring non-traditional colors such as pale pink, blush, and even black. Some of the other trends in bridal wear were off-shoulder dresses, detachable sleeves and capes, high slits in the dress, A-line princess style, and the popular mermaid style.

This is a wonderful way to find inspiration and ideas for your upcoming wedding. If you missed this event, then the next Bridal Bazaar will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 28 with two fashion shows by Gretchen Productions. For more information, call 760-334-5500.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, Jan. 27 to April 27: “A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard: featuring the art of the fiber artist Mary Ornish at the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House (gaslampfoundation.org/visit) and the Vila Montezuma Museum (villamontezumamuseum.org). Check websites for days and hours.

Saturday, March 9: Soroptimist International of San Diego at the Sycuan Casino. The afternoon will have a fashion show produced by Gretchen Productions and feature the “Live Your Dream” awards. For information: 619-670-9880.

Sunday, March 10: Sip and Style Secondhand – Embrace sustainability and come and fill a bag with clothes while you sip an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage at the Kairoa Brewing Co. on 4601 Park Blvd. starting at 11:30 a.m. For tickets: https://bit.ly/3SQm1D3.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.