Those who attend the annual Leader Wedding Fair on Sunday, March 6, will have the opportunity for a real hands-on experience, with a variety of things to see and hear; to eat and drink; and to sample; and to learn.
In addition, one lucky bride will walk away with the grand prize package that includes a three-night, all-inclusive honeymoon at the deluxe, adults-only Secrets Royal Beach Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, courtesy of A-Plus Travel in Imperial.
The wedding fair is slated for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 1200 W. Gannon Drive, in Festus. Potential brides and grooms and their family and friends are invited, as are those planning special events, like a retirement party, anniversary, birthday, housewarming or other celebration.
Admission is $3 per person in advance and $5 (cash only) at the gate, with proceeds going to Living Life on 2 Wheels, a local charity that provides bicycles to schools in hopes of encouraging children to ride.
Wedding-related businesses, representing everything from photos, cakes and food to jewelry and travel, will have booths at the fair. Additional services like financial institutions, home decor businesses, insurance and health care will be represented as well. The fair also will include a cash bar, with mimosas, wine and beer for $3 and mixed drinks for $5.
A fashion show video by the Bridal Shoppe in Festus and Greenlight Videography will run on a loop throughout the fair, giving visitors a chance to get a glimpse of some of the latest trends in bridal and formalwear. The video may be viewed at the fair in a special area called “Watch Party: 2022 Wedding Gown Trends.” The video will be projected on a big screen courtesy of the Fox C-6 School District.
The Leader will make a donation to the Fox C-6 Educational Foundation in appreciation.
“Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting,” Leader assistant publisher Peggy Scott said. “Bring your wedding crew on Sunday and you can find all the folks who will help guarantee your special day is perfect.”
Bring your luck
Brides who attend the fair will have the chance to enter a drawing for the honeymoon package grand prize. There will be a limit of one entry per bride, and they need not be present to win.
The prize package, valued at $3,100, includes accommodations, all meals, drinks, daily activities, nightly entertainment and gratuities. Airfare discounts are available.
The first 100 brides in the door will receive a special gift bag, and most vendors will offer attendance prizes and giveaways. Many vendors also will have special offers and discount packages exclusively available to fair attendees.
(Helpful hint: Bring stick-on address labels to make entering giveaways and requesting information much easier!)
The fair, sponsored by Leader Publications since 1995, has raised $45,615 for local charities such as Habitat for Humanity, the Jefferson County Rescue Mission, the Homeless Youth Initiative and many local food pantries.
For information, call the Leader office at 636-931-7560.