If You Go* What: A Formal Affair.* When: 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday.* Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza.* Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door.* Web site: www.timesfreepress.com/formalaffair.
So you got a ring for Christmas, and now you're planning the wedding of your dreams.
Why make numerous trips across town to florists, photographers and caterers when you could consult with all of them in one central location this Sunday afternoon?
The Times Free Press is sponsoring A Formal Affair -- a one-stop bridal shop and event -- from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the Chattanooga Convention Center. Brides-to-be are invited to bring their fiances, mothers, maids of honor or the whole group to browse booths, comparison-shop and consult with more than 120 vendors.
Engaged couples can view albums of photographers' work or taste samples from caterers. Musicians, florists, venue owners, travel consultants and makeup consultants will all be there -- everything a bride needs to create her perfect day.
"Every vendor is offering a giveaway of some kind that guests may register for at their booths," said Angela Doggett, Times Free Press events manager.
Among the door prizes guests may register for will be a wedding coordinator from LoveBridge Weddings and Photography, $200 gift certificate to Lovebirds Stationery, engagement photo session at Soli Photography, free bridal photo shoot with Dotson Studios, 30 percent off an invitation order at Blissful Moments and a seven-night cruise for two on Celebrity Cruise Lines from Cruise Planners.
Special guest at the bridal show will be Jason Mesnick, last year's star of "The Bachelor" who will walk the aisle himself in March.
The reality TV star will be on hand for photo-ops, to sign autographs and, of course, hand out roses. He'll also help emcee the bridal formalwear show with Kim Coulter at 4:30 p.m.
"Shops participating in the bridal fashion show are David's Bridal, A Walk Down the Aisle Bridal Boutique, A Dressy Affair, LaDean Bridal Salon, Giorgio Men's Warehouse and Belk. Dillard's will present honeymoon fashions," Doggett said.
Following the formalwear show, Mesnick will announce grand-prize winners. Winners must be present to win, said Doggett. These prizes include:
* Complimentary night in the Presidential suite and dinner for two at Porter's Steakhouse from the Sheraton Read House.
* Four-night, all-inclusive trip to Cancun from Choo Choo Travel.
* Diamond bridal pendant and groom's ring from Rone Regency Jewelers.
* Bridal bouquet from Flowers by Gil & Curt.
* Use of a BMW to be whisked away on your wedding day from BMW of Chattanooga.
Doggett said the newspaper sponsors the bridal expo to support the local bridal industry.
"It's our desire to help local bridal vendors' business," she said.
Coupons for $2 off the ticket price are available at select vendor locations. The list of vendors offering these coupons can be found at timesfreepress.com.