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Okay, you're engaged. After the excitement of showing off that
sparkler and fantasizing about
the big night, now comes the
reality: How am I going to pull this off?
Fortunately, there is a way to put the
whole event together easily, without
quitting your job or hiring a high-priced
wedding consultant, and still have fun
doing it.
A bridal Affair to Remember, the brain
child of owner Cookie Parisi, is a
traveling bridal fashion show and much
more. For 21 years, Parisi has helped
brides and grooms line up everything
they need for their big day. Here's how it
works: You call and reserve tickets
(free, of course) for an upcoming show.
The night of the show, you get to see an
elegant display of designer bridal gowns
and tuxedoes, then visit with the suppliers
of photography, invitations, flowers,
bands - everything you need for your
wedding. There's even representatives
from Macy's, Sterns and Brooklyn's
Berta 67, so you can set up your bridal
registry, too.
"We get brides who select everything
in one night," says Parisi. "Grooms love
it, because they don't have to drive from
one place to another." There are several
different vendors for each specialty -
three or four photographers set up
tables, there are deejays, bands, makeup
artists, and about 15-16 limousines
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parked outside, so you can try out your
luxury vehicle of choice. "We even have
horse and carriages for brides who want
something a little different," says Parisi,
who organizes 58 shows a year.
Lots of brides attend several shows,
first with their fiancée, then again with
mom or a maid of honor. Entire bridal
parties show up en masse to choose
gowns with the bride. Shows are held in
Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx,
Westchester, Queens, Long Island, and
New Jersey.
Besides saving time and making
shopping fun, smart brides can also save
money. "The companies and vendors
offer big discounts the night of the show,
so you can get the best price," says
Parisi. There's also free bridal magazines
and tons of prizes given away-you
could win a cake cutter, a designer
headpiece, tuxedo rentals, even a
honeymoon!
A Bridal Affair To Remember is hosting shows in all 5
boroughs and also in New Jersey. Tickets are free but
reservations are necessary. |
