Tying the knot, one vendor at a time: Logan Bridal Faire brings each piece of your wedding to you
Imagine you’re on a beach in a tropical paradise with the sun setting. The sky is glowing with pastel pink, yellow, blue and purple. You can feel the moist warm sand in between your toes and the light breeze rippling through your hair feels heavenly against the sun-kissed heat on your skin.
And just when you think you’re dreaming and life couldn’t be any better, you look to your right and see the love of your life down on one knee, asking you to be theirs forever.
Of course, you say yes to this gorgeous human being and now you’re engaged — but then what?
Between finding a good photographer, a gorgeous venue, the perfect dress and delicious food, it’s easy to forget the little details, not to mention the giant dent it makes in your bank account.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone.
The Logan Bridal Faire, held every January at the Riverwoods Conference Center, was on Jan. 29 and was a resource for all types of bridezillas to get help and receive inspiration.
Each year the event has an average of 80 vendors along with more than 45 prize giveaways, free samples, discounts and plenty of business cards.
Shaya Hawkes, who is getting married in June, said not only does being there make her feel special but also gives her options to find her style.
“This is the second one I’ve gone to and I really like them. You get a lot of awesome ideas and it’s just a good environment to be around,” she said.
The event, which was created when one couple struggled to round up the dozens of vendors needed for their own wedding, started 38 years ago and has stayed in the family ever since.
“We put it on to make it easier for brides so that they have a chance to plan their wedding with ease,” said Tricia Falslev, the daughter of the founders and the social media coordinator for the event.
Some of the vendors included Janelle’s Bridal, Twisted Sugar, Castle Manor, Red Poppy Rentals, Perrine No. 5, Andria Joleen Photography, VCI Audio Entertainment and Harp Music by Chelsey.
“I don’t know how people plan without something like this,” Falslev said. “They’ll come in and be like, ‘Oh my gosh I never thought of this. Who thought of having a bounce house?’ Or, ‘I didn’t even know this was a business.’”
Although most of the vendor booths had both visual aids that cater to the brides — such as VCI’s interactive dance floor and photo booth or Janelle’s Bridal dress model — and coupons — such as Babe Cave Salon’s $5 off card or Cold Stone Creamery’s discounted chocolate-covered strawberries — the vendors also see a benefit in being there.
“It reminds people of where we’re located,” said Catie George, a vendor at the event for Temptation Cupcake. “Everybody knows that we do cupcakes and cookies because we have those every single day, but it reminds them that we also do wedding cakes.”
Outside of businesses assisting with the day-of planning, Feel Free Travel attended and Healthy Relationships Utah was there giving resources to courses and workshops that enhance communication skills, increase trust and develop a deeper relationship.
And though one could’ve correctly assumed not many grooms attend the event, they did have a tuxedo booth and free samples from Culinary Concepts Catering, and who doesn’t love food?
The organizers said they mostly see students and local brides because of the local vendors, but they have seen people travel from parts of Idaho.
The event is also strategically planned to be in January each year to give brides who are planning their special day during the peak wedding season in the summer enough time to make all of their reservations.
And from one bride to the next, they all had the same advice — plan ahead as far as possible.
“Don’t stress about it. Take your time and enjoy it,” Falslev said. “I feel like especially in our culture it happens so fast that the planning is set to the side, but that’s where the real fun is. It’s not just the wedding. Even if you’re not engaged, come and just get an idea. Even if it’s a year or two down the road — it comes by fast.”
Other than the event, the Bridal Faire organization also offers a wedding checklist, a budget tracker, planning tips, DIY ideas and more on bridalfaire.org.