So what is a trunk show?  To begin with it is a showing of designer’s merchandise to entice buyers to make a purchase of a particular item that day. It started by designers bringing select clothing to a boutique to engage shoppers to view items in the trunk and buy on special from the maker of the design.

Today’s bridal trunk shows are more about seeing the latest line of gowns from a designer and being able to get custom dresses or same-day sale price that can often be hundreds under the retail price. Attending a trunk show can be a fun event where you can spend the day trying on couture fashion and enjoying a lively atmosphere at a bridal boutique. Often times boutiques have lots of brides-to-be trying on dresses during a trunk show event, so call ahead and schedule an appointment to secure a chance at seeing a designer gown on.  Also many times designers will bring dresses in only a few sizes, ranging from 2-10 so if you are a particular size be sure to state so when scheduling an appointment.

Want to save 10% off of a Maggie Sottero wedding gown? Attend the trunk show at Fantasy Bridal, October 19th-24th, during designer week. An authorized retail representative will be available during the show to answer any questions you have about a particular gown or the Maggie Sottero line.

Head up to Park City for the Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses trunk show, and see Jenny Yoo’s entire collection for bridesmaids. Make a day of it with your wedding party by including a brunch in Park City and a unique photo shoot for your bridesmaids.

Enjoy finding the perfect dress for your wedding day.

What more could you ask for than an entire warehouse of wedding vendors finding ways for you to spend money? Perhaps, not much, but it is a great resource for wedding planning and defining what you want for your perfect day.

The Utah Wedding Expo
Date: September 19, 2009
Times: Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
At the Thanksgiving Point Show Barn

Go online at: http://www.utahweddingexpo.com/brideregexpo.asp to register and fill out all the information vendors will need to assist you. You get a free entrance ticket at the completion of filling out the form, takes about 5 minutes at most. Then take it with you to the expo and you are in and have skipped lines – already ahead!

Now take your printed budget from TheKnot.com planner, or your excel spreadsheet or heck even the notepad paper and tuck it in a planning bag close by. As you visit various vendors refer back to your sheet on what you have allocated for that particular service then get on your bargaining hats. New brides often feel like the price is set, when in most cases vendors have specials or ways to reduce prices to fit your budget (you may have to skip on the ice sculpture) and you can get what you want for a price you can afford.

Noted on the site as a “tip” is to bring your checkbook so that you can reserve your date with their service. If you feel same-day pressure instead offer a contact card to the vendor and tell them that you will be reviewing their offering and can return a call to place a deposit if you select that service. This way you don’t feel buyers regret and lose your money. If it is a great deal today, it will be a great deal tomorrow. The one catcher we all know is that some services are a limited quantity (like reception venues) and if your date is important to you, then you will need to act then to hold the spot.

Grab your friends and head down south to a day of lace, frills and hopefully good finds.