Bridal Shows are a great way to meet and talk to representatives from the area's best wedding venues and professionals and start reserving their services for the coming year. Grab your fiancé or a friend or two and spend a few hours getting to know local vendors and venues and find out what they have to offer to make your wedding unforgettable! And of course, Sacramento Bride & Groom will be at the shows, so come by our booth and say hello, pick up your free copy of the Winter/Spring 2012 issue and sign up to win one of our monthly giveaways!

My Bridal Sale Event & Wedding Faire
Saturday, February 4, 11 am - 4 pm
Crowne Plaza
5321 Date Avenue, Sacramento
Meet and speak with amazing wedding professionals and vendors in the Sacramento area. The My Bridal Sale Event will feature photographers, wedding planners, beauty & cosmetic specialists, and much more!
Website: www.mybridalsale.com

The Diversity Wedding Show - This show has been cancelled.
Sunday, February 12 , 11 am - 4 pm
Citrus Heights Community Center
6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights

It's a Wedding Affair
Sunday, February 19, 10 am - 3 pm
Cameron Park Community Center
2502 Country Club Drive. Cameron Park
A special wedding show designed for brides of every style. Meet the area's most experienced wedding professionals and get every aspect of your wedding planned from bridal gowns, florists and honeymoons to MC/DJs, party rentals, photographers, videographers, catering and dessert tastings and more!
Admission is free! Pre-register online to be entered in the special Wedding Giveaway!
Website: www.cameronpark.org

The Dream Wedding Show
Sunday, February 26, 11 am - 4 pm
Cal Expo
1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento
With over 150 wedding vendors, it's easy to see why brides love to attend the Dream Wedding Show. We showcase the best selection of photographers, reception sites, DJs, Florists, Videographers, Wedding & Event Planners, and other wedding professionals in Northern California. You'll be able to compare photography and videography styles, talk to representatives of many of the best reception sites, and save time in your wedding planning! And don't miss the three different fashion shows at 10:15, 12:30 and 2:30!
Website: www.dreamweddingshow.com

Winchester Country Club Bridal Open House
Sunday, March 4, 11 am - 4 pm
Winchester Country Club
3030 Legends Dr., Meadow Vista, CA 95722
Come meet and talk with the area's leading wedding vendors. Visualize the possibilities of how amazing your wedding will be while experiencing the beauty of Winchester Country Club! Offering champagne along with delicious appetizers prepared by the chef. FREE limousine transportation from Roseville to the clubhouse will be provided for the first four couples who sign up!
Contact Darcie Carrier - 530-878-3015

Weddings & More Special Events Showcase
Sunday, March 4, 10 am - 3 pm
Freeborn Hall at UC Davis
Whether you are looking for unique ideas or searching for the perfect venue, the Weddings & More! Special Event Showcase will be your one-stop source for all your event needs. $5.00 per person in advance or $10 per person at the door.
Admission to the showcase is $5 per person in advance or $10 per person at the door for all attendees. Free parking.
Website: http://weddingsandmore.ucdavis.edu/wam/showcase.html

The Roseville Bridal Show
Sunday, March 11, 11 am - 4 pm
Placer County Fairgrounds
800 All America City Blvd., Roseville
If you are planning a Wedding, don't miss The Roseville Bridal Show. Every facet of your event is covered at this show, making your wedding and celebration planning experience less time-consuming, less-stressful & within your budget. There will be lots of great door prizes, give-aways and exciting promotins gathered under one roof. The biggest and best show of it's kind in the Rosveille/Rocklin area and admission is free!
Website: www.rosevillebridalshow.com

Brides & Basketball
Sunday, March 11, 4 pm
ARCO Arena
Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets
Your Sacramento Kings are hosting one special night dedicated to engaged couples! This fantastic event will include prizes, the latest in Bridal Fashion and the Sacramento area's best wedding vendors. Attend the event and you will receive a ticket to that nights game! Purchase your tickets at:
Website: www.bridesandbasketball.com

Bridal Expo
Saturday, March 18, 11 am - 5 pm
Lions Gate Hotel
McClellan Park
Northern California's number one resource for linking brides and grooms with the area's wedding service providers. Save money & time by completing most of your wedding planning.
Admission: $10 at the door, $8 online
Website: www.bridal-expos.com

The Folsom Bridal Show
Sunday, April 29, 11 am - 4 pm
Lake Natoma Inn
702 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom
Find over 60 of the area's finest wedding professionals and related businesses to cover all the needs for a beautiful wedding and this show features a runway fashion show with the latest styles for the entire wedding party. Free Admission!
Website: www.folsombridalshow.com

Top Ten Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Bridal Shows & Fairs

There is one thing a bride never has enough of – time. From the moment you get engaged until the day you get married, you will probably log hundreds of hours and endless miles. Take heart. There is a great time saver that allows you to shop for everything you need in one place, and at very little cost – it’s the bridal show. Good bridal shows have a variety of bridal vendors who exhibit many of the services and products you need to create a perfect wedding.

Sacramento Bride and Groom participates in several bridal shows in the greater Sacramento Valley each year, and one thing is certain: at these shows, the brides-to-be are the guests of honor and the total focus of the vendors. They are eager to provide you with free samples, brochures, advice and discounts, just for attending.

The following are Sacramento Bride and Groom’s top 10 tips for making a bridal show an enjoyable and successful experience.

Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing
You’ll be walking a lot and most likely carrying a big bag filled with goodies and useful information.

Bring a friend
Your mother, your maid of honor, a bridesmaid or, best of all, your fiancé. It’s to your advantage to include him in as much as possible from the beginning. He's also perfect for carrying the several pounds of information and samples you will gather!

Bring pre-printed labels or a rubber stamp with your name, your fiancé's name, your address, phone number and wedding date
These can be computer labels you print yourself or regular address labels to which you add the date and the groom’s name. Having labels or a stamp eliminates the need to write this information every time you register with a vendor to win prizes or to receive information.

Grab a bag
As soon as possible, find a vendor who provides them. You'll need one to carry goodies.

Register for everything
Vendors give away valuable gifts and services. You can’t win if you don’t sign up.

Take advantage of discount coupons
Many vendors provide special discounts for brides.

Take your time
A few extra minutes spent with wedding professionals at the show can save hours on the telephone later.

Talk to other brides-to-be
They might have tips you haven’t thought of.

Attend at least one fashion show
The fashion shows usually are choreographed beautifully, and they can be the highlight of the day. It may be the only time you and your companion will have an opportunity to sit down! Bring a pen or pencil to make notes on the program in case you see a bride gown you like.

After the show, treat your show buddy to lunch or dinner
At the very least, you’ll both need a latté or a mocha. Your friend will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Remember, not all shows are created equal. Very large shows with too many brides can be overwhelming and a deterrent to having adequate time to talk with vendors. On the other hand, shows that are too small may not provide enough variety in the services you need to plan your wedding.

Last, but not least, keep an open mind, have fun and don’t forget those tennis shoes!