Bridal Show Set For Next Month In Berlin

BERLIN -- Drawing on support from businesses in and around Berlin, the 1st Annual Berlin Bridal Show to be held in September seeks to provide a complete “gamut” of wedding services, according to organizers.

“It’s trying to promote Berlin as a wedding destination,” said Jen Davis, co-owner of Bustle, the new bridal boutique that opened in Berlin this summer.

As chair, Davis explained that she and the other organizers have been working for months to create an event that would engage the business community as well as residents of and visitors to Berlin.

“I think that, overall, businesses are supportive,” Davis told the Mayor and Council at Monday’s meeting.

Davis explained that the show will feature a mix of locals and out-of-towners.

“We’re working with what we have on Main Street, first,” said Davis. “We’re trying to keep it as local as possible.”

According to Davis, all of the businesses that will attend the event will offer something to those looking to put together a wedding. Besides Bustle, which specializes in wedding gowns, Davis expects florists, bakeries and jewelers as well as possible attendees such as limousine providers and DJs.

“We’re hoping to have at least 25 wedding-related businesses … everything that a bride needs when making a checklist for her wedding,” she said.

Davis also mentioned that the wedding celebration is a follow-up to June’s successful Bridal Stroll event and that the September show will get a boost from the echoes of wedding bells from the summer.

The council unanimously approved of the idea.
“It has, I think, a tremendous amount of potential,” said Mayor Gee Williams.

Councilwoman Paula Lynch voted to approve the event but did question if local vendors would want to pay the $125 registration fee to take part when they already have locations in town. Davis pointed out that registering will get the businesses outside table space where crowds should be most active.

Community and Economic Development Director Michael Day added that a lot of town businesses might support the event by registering just because they believe that the Bridal Show will be good for Berlin and help attract visitors.

Councilwoman Lisa Hall called it a “wonderful idea” as Williams reiterated his support.
“I hope it meets all of your expectations,” he told Davis.
The event will take place Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.