HAMLET — Calling all brides and grooms: Cole Auditorium is set to host the ninth annual Piedmont Bridal Show, as it has for the better part of the past decade.
The regional bridal expo showcases area wedding professionals, and according to show organizer Sharon Nichols, exhibitors this year will include caterers, bridal gowns, tuxedo stores, florists, photographers, DJs, wedding consultants, bridal registries, jewelry, ceremony and reception locations, lighting and decor designers.
The event is open to brides, grooms, friends, family, event planners and the public. The first 25 brides to arrive, Nichols said, will receive a special goodie bag.
As far as for the public, general admission is $5.
“This will be an elegant, lovely event, and people should come regardless of when their wedding is,” said Nichols. “It’s such a wonderful shopping experience that they can plan the entire wedding at the show. And there will be prizes given away to the brides.”
In addition to the bridal bags, brides-to-be will be entered into the prize drawings twice if they pre-register at www.piedmontbridalshow.com. Nichols added that prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon with the grand prize drawings at 4 p.m.
Nichols said the goal of the show is to gather area merchants together for an event to show brides and grooms what is available. According to the organizer, many people who plan weddings often think they need to go to Raleigh or Charlotte to find everything they will need, although that simply isn’t the case.
“We have tried to cover all wedding services, and the exhibitors who are coming are excellent providers,” she said. “We have several new exhibitors this year, plus a bridal fashion show, and this is the first year for our new game show for couples. This will be a fun afternoon, and if you know anyone who is getting married, tell them to come.”
The bridal show, which is sponsored by Richmond Community College, Bridal Nook, Coldwell Banker, Ward Productions and Christie’s Home Garden and Gifts, is always held the last Sunday in February and vendors from Moore County, Laurinburg and South Carolina will attend with those from Richmond County.
Brides are encouraged to bring their wedding planner along for the day.
The ninth annual Piedmont Bridal Show will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 on the campus of RichmondCC at Cole Auditorium, 1042 West Hamlet Avenue, Hamlet.
