MANSFIELD, Ohio – Future brides and grooms in Richland County were able to plan their wedding all in one place on Sunday at the first annual Prospering Life Events Bridal Show.
Set at picturesque Spruce Hill Inn & Cottages, the bridal show featured 35 vendors offering all details needed when planning a wedding. Services offered included makeovers, massages, wine tastings, catering samples and ballroom dancing.
“This is a one-stop shop for brides,” said Shanna Stapleton, owner of Prospering Life Events. “We have everything you need for the day of, but we also have stuff you need leading up to the day of and afterwards.”
Stapleton said the event was mostly attended by brides and their families, including mothers of the bride and maids of honor. She noted the vendors present were pleased with the turnout, affording them the opportunity to connect face-to-face with their customers.
“It’s a great place to meet brides and grooms, and it’s nice to have your face out there,” said Jessica McFarland, manager of American Commodore Tuxedo based in the Richland Mall. “We get most of our weddings from bridal shows. You only talk to them for a few minutes at bridal shows but when people come in to the store and we’ve already spoken to them once, that’s always nice.”
American Commodore Tuxedo provided the tuxedos featured in the bridal fashion show, featuring bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses that were available for discount purchases after the show. Bankz Salon provided full-glam runway hair and makeup for the show.
Jeff Haring, owner of Haring Jewelers in Mansfield said as a vendor he was not necessarily present to make sales, but to establish the store as a go-to store for brides.
“The bridal industry is big, and for the jewelry industry it’s been one of the few things that’s constant,” said Haring. “Business changes, but the bridal end of the business has stayed pretty strong.”
