‘Marry Me!’ Bridal Bazaar

By Diana Cavagnaro | Fashion Files

The Winter Bridal Bazaar was presented at the San Diego Convention Center on Jan. 8, and the theme for the day was “Marry me!”

Two hundred wedding professionals were on hand with all the information you would need for that special day. Brides-to-be could talk with experts about their upcoming wedding. Booths were set up with wedding cakes, catering and florists. If you were looking for music, they had DJs, musicians and bands.

To capture your important day, they had photographers, videographers and boudoir photographers.

If you needed a location for your honeymoons or a destination wedding, they had many companies to assist you. If you were still unsure about your wedding, they had bridal consultants to talk with you.

Gretchen Productions presented three fashion shows highlighting the latest trends in weddings.

The firm specializes in shows combining dance, theater and fashions, creating a highly entertaining production.

Attendees could also gather ideas about current fashions for the bride, bridesmaids, the groom and the entire entourage.

The fashion show began with music played by the Classic Brass. Models came down the runway wearing up-to-the-minute bridal fashions. There were styles in all sizes, and the audience favorite was the all-too-cute flower girls and ring bearers.

Besides the traditional white gowns, brides came down the runway in ivory and blush gowns. Bridal & Veil had eveningwear in colors of cranberry, pewter and rose. PreVue Formal & Bridal showed eveningwear in ruby red, and David’s Bridal showed light blue and lapis colors.

Some of the brides came down the runway in fitted silhouettes with beautiful laces. Others had plunging necklines with fitted bodices. One of the trends was off the shoulders bodices with full skirts while another look was high-waist eveningwear.

One of the standout evening gowns was a low V-neckline with embroidered floral design by PreVue. Another standout was an illusion bodice off the shoulders with a full skirt by D’Angelo Couture.

At the end of the fashion show, models threw rice sachets into the audience. Each one of these contained valuable door prizes. They were worth thousands of dollars and could be returned to the stage to receive a prize certificate.

In addition, everyone who registered at the show received a free year’s subscription to Brides magazine and were entered in a drawing for a chance to win the grand prize, which was diamond jewelry from Irelia Fine Jewelers.

This show is a must for anyone who is planning a wedding. The next show will be April 30 at Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, visit Bridalbazaar.com.

Próximos Eventos 

Through June 4 |Knotted Fiber Jewelry — This exhibition by Sandy Swirnoff is at Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. The artist combines the old with the new using various beads and a form of macramé. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Feb. 4 | Viennese Nights: A Victorian Ball — Join the San Diego Vintage Dance Society for its annual Viennese Nights Victorian Ball at Balboa Park Club. Music provided by Grand Pacific Waltz Orchestra under the direction of Joe Dyke. Formal wear only, and vintage style strongly encouraged. 7-10:15 p.m. Tickets $35 at brownpapertickets.com/event/2722142.

Feb. 19 | San Diego Steampunk Visits Kobey’s Swapmeet — Come before 8:30 a.m. for free admission or $2 admission after. At noon will be lunch on the lawn at Old Town. A prize will be awarded for who got the “most unique” item. 8:30-11:30 a.m. RSVP is a must at the San Diego Steampunk Facebook event page or the Meetup event page or email to [email protected].

Feb. 24 | Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2017 —Macy’s presents luncheon and fashion show at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Proceeds go to the American Heart Association. Visit goredforwomen.org.

March 3 — Fashion Redux! 2017 Finale Party | At San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. Four finalists from San Diego Mesa College will have their 1950 inspired designs on display from Feb. 21-March 3, with finale March 3, from 6-8 p.m. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/h5d6v5a.

—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.