EDITOR'S NOTE: The Meadowbrook Mall Annual Bridal Fair is Sunday, Feb. 18, not Saturday, as was previously reported. We apologize for the error. 

 

In less than a month, Meadowbrook Mall will be the site of the Annual Bridal Fair, featuring this year’s hottest fashions, trends and an information station of all products and services relating to the big day.

 

This year’s vendor show is sponsored by Tuscan Sun Spa and HighGate Carriage House with House of Fashions and Oliverio’s Bridal & Prom Boutique fashions for brides, grooms and bridal party members.

 

It all happens Sunday, Feb. 18.

 

“Visit with the experts that will be on-site to help you plan your dream wedding,” said Robin Urquhart, marketing director for Meadowbrook mall. “The first 100 brides to register at WDTV5 Event Center will receive free tote bags, while supplies last and all registered brides will have the chance to win fantastic prizes, including three nights at the all-inclusive Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort.”

 

The vendor show will run from noon to 3 p.m. with the bridal fashion show taking place 3 p.m. at Marshall’s Court.

 

Owners of House of Fashions and Oliverio’s Prom & Bridal Boutique offer a sneak peek into this year’s bridal fashions.

 

“We’re again seeing styles across the board with all different styles, but we are definitely seeing ballgowns this year,” said Keri Snell, owner of House of Fashions. “Brides are also wearing sleeves; either long lace sleeves or some type of cap sleeves. We aren’t seeing as many brides wanting strapless styles.”

Popular dresses range from formal ballgown and mermaid silhouettes to those with modern, deep-plunging necklines or Boho-chic, country styles or simple, flowy dresses featuring tops with intricate detailing. Lace and tulle still dominate fabric choices, Snell said.

 

Owner of Oliverio’s Prom & Bridal Boutique, Angela Patsy said she is also seeing brides wanting more solid colors as opposed to two-tone bridal ensembles.

 

“In the past, it has been like ivory/champagne or ivory/gold or ivory/taupe and brides are starting to lean more toward solid ivory now. We are also seeing a little bit more white than in recent years,” she said.

 

Ballgowns are really big, as are more casual, country-style dresses for destination weddings – whether they are at an exotic beach resort or local barn, Patsy said.

 

“When the setting is on the more informal side, the dress is usually more light, airy, flowy-type,” she said. “But also some couples are going back to the nice church weddings with a reception at a nice venue and for those weddings, many brides choose the ballgown-style dresses.”

In addition to the bridal fashion show, both Oliverio’s and House of Fashions will have on hand accessories and jewelry, with consultation available for deciding upon those finishing touches.

 

The veil, Patsy said, always completes an ensemble.

 

“I think the veil completes the whole outfit. It just finishes the look,” she said.

 

Veil styles vary from short styles – reaching just to the shoulder blades – to waist-length and fingertip styles.

 

Bridal footwear ranges from heeled pumps for church and formal weddings to flats and cowboy boots for informal, destination affairs.

Visit the Meadowbrook Mall customer service desk or the Meadowbrook Mall Web site, MeadowbrookMall.com, for complete details.