Bridal Showcase is one-stop shop

Every year, hundreds of brides-to-be go to the annual Bridal Showcase at the Dulles State Office Building to tackle the biggest part of any wedding — the planning.

Many have just started the planning and have no idea where to start. Some are putting the finishing touches on the entertainment or the flowers.

More than 150 brides register at the event every year, where more than 45 vendors specializing in areas from makeup to dresses and cakes work to make the bride's day perfect.

"Over the years, brides have told me that they can get more done here in two hours than they can get done in two weeks of making appointments," said event organizer Judith C. Mead. "I have always enjoyed helping brides feel confident and beautiful on their day. I love to pamper my brides."

Mrs. Mead and husband Larry R. are the owners of Far View Images, Pulaski, and have put on the event for the last 18 years. The showcase hosts vendors from all over the state, Mrs. Mead said, and this year's show included a harpist for the first time.

"It's a great event because it makes it so easy for brides to get all of the information they need," she said. "It also allows vendors to come together once a year to network. If one photographer is booked on the day of a wedding, he knows other photographers who may be available and can refer the brides to them."

Cynthia J. Converse, Henderson Harbor, was at the showcase Sunday putting the final touches on her wedding, planned for July 17.

"It's too time consuming to meet with everyone individually," she said. "So this is very useful to have everyone here. I came here for a few things but I keep getting distracted by all of the other fun stuff. A lot of this stuff I didn't even know was around here. I found a florist that I didn't even know existed."

Ashley N. LeConey got engaged two days before the showcase and made it her first stop for planning.

"I just need some ideas," said Ms. LeConey, who now lives in Syracuse but will get married in August 2010 in Clayton, where her family still lives. "I didn't realize there were so many places here where you can get married."

Ms. LeConey brought her maid of honor, Julia E. Radley, Cape Vincent, along with her to the event.

"It's great, very informational," Ms. Radley said. "The vendors are very helpful. You can tell that they're not just here to sell things, but they really want to help the brides."

Lisa M. Furgison is from Watertown but lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and was in the area visiting family members for the holidays when she decided to stop by the Bridal Showcase. She got engaged at Thanksgiving and will get married in the Watertown area in summer 2010.

"I knew I had to start somewhere," said Ms. Furgison, who brought her sister, mother and aunt with her to the show. "I keep telling my sister if she gives me any grief, I'm going to get her the ugliest dress I can find."

Lisa T. O'Brien, Ms. Furgison's aunt, said it was the perfect one-stop shop for many brides.

"It's so nice that it's all in one spot," she said. "She doesn't have to take a lot of time away from her family while she's here visiting. It's all in one place."