Welcome Wagon has been a household name for over seventy-five years. Starting out by delivering goodie bags of wedding resources and personally explained tips to brides in need, they've since spread their wings into full-fledged bridal shows that draws between 150 and 250 brides to each event. These shows offer fashion shows, twenty-five to thirty sponsor exhibits, door prizes from each sponsor, and a grand prize at the end of the afternoon.

Susan Casey, Show Coordinator for Kitchener's Welcome Wagon 'Bridal Showcases', says, "Brides that come to one of the Welcome Wagon shows, do so because it is smaller. There is more opportunity to give personal attention to each bride coming through our doors. Our wedding service providers get a chance to speak with each bride and answer questions, and explain their services." Susan has more than five Bridal Showcases under her belt.

An afternoon in the life of a Bridal Showcase...

The Bridal Showcase at Kitchener's City Hall takes place on on March 14, 2010. At the door, each bride gets a name tag, a Today's Bride magazine, and a goodie bag of gifts (while quantities last) and business materials provided by each of the sponsors of (and in attendance at) the show.

Brides and their entourages have the chance to take a stroll through the massive room of exhibits, checking things out, asking questions, and getting to know the participants of the show. Because Welcome Wagon exhibits only one service provider in each wedding planning category, it doesn't take long for brides to get to know the wedding professionals at the show. Complimentary coffee is offered at the door, making it a bit more like a casual get-together, than a bridal show.

Brides find their seats in and around the runway, and the fashion show begins, profiling the latest gowns offered by the gown and formal wear shops participating in the show.

Models come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, including the wee ones, of course (they are our favourites!), and they will be showcasing bridal gowns and tuxedos. Periodically throughout the fashion show, the MC introduces sponsors and draws door prizes (with bridal reaction ranging from shy excitement to jumping up and down!). The Bridal Showcase is concluded by allowing time for bridal parties to mingle, wander, and follow up with any sponsors they'd been meaning to speak with at the beginning of the evening.

All in all, the show takes about three hours, doesn't take up your weekend plans, and is a really good way to meet and greet some of the wedding professionals in the K-W area.

Details, details, details

• The Spring 2010 Bridal Showcase is on March 14, 2010, at Kitchener City Hall.
• Cost: FREE.
• Registration is required (we are told that 90% of the brides register), however last minute walk-in's still welcome! Free goodie bag for first 150 brides at our doors.
• A parking fee may apply, lot is located underneath City Hall.
• Coffee at the door.
• Free Today's Bride Magazine (while quantities last).
• Entire show is approximately 3 hours.

To register to attend...

Contact Susan Casey either This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 1-877-675-8463. You can also check out Welcome Wagon's services online at www.WelcomeWagon.ca or www.bridalshowcase.ca. This seventy-eight year old organization offers helpful information and home visits for brides, new moms, new businesses, and anyone who's moving into a new neighbourhood.