Brides of central Alberta are in for a treat this February as Ponoka offers its first Bridal Gala.
“It used to be a bridal fair,” said co-coordinator Amanda Nickerson. “Our goal is to keep it low key and informative.”
The festive event kicks off on Friday Feb. 27 at the Ponoka Kinsmen Community Centre; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The admission is free but Nickerson recommends those planning to attend to register online at newbeginningsfashion.net to keep an estimated guess on how many are coming.
Already firmly established in the bridal world with New Beginnings Wedding and Formal Wear, Nickerson wants to take the gala as an opportunity to connect brides with local vendors from across central Alberta. “We have so many you don’t even know are there.”
Vendors attending will range from decorators to DJs to wedding cake designers and jewelry retailers. “Everything you need for a wedding,” said Nickerson.
“We’ll have a fashion show toward the end of the evening,” she added.
Nickerson says a tip for brides on the hunt for wedding inspiration is to bring their bridesmaids to the gala. “Because they’re the ones who will be helping you execute your ideas.”
There’s also more than $2,000 in prizes up for grabs that evening.
“That’s always the biggest draw, prizes, dresses then ideas,” Nickerson explained with a laugh.
For those not getting married in the near future, Nickerson says the gala is still worth checking out, as many vendors and planning ideas can be used for other functions such as anniversaries, family reunions and corporate parties.