Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Getting hitched?  Well, stop stressing!  Here's how you can get some much-needed wedding planning assistance. 

I’m thrilled to report I’m newly a bride-to-be, but all this wedding bliss surely comes with planning anxiety.  Between flowers and cake, photogrhapers and a DJ, it’s downright tough to decide on perfect vendors while staying in an undeinable budget.  However, there’s good news for all you ladies rocking an engagement ring: the Phoenix Bridal Show is in town just in time to soothe our stress levels.  I’m hopeful it will be my haven for everything Arizona weddings. 

This Sunday, October 9^th, Valley wedding vendors are coming together, showcasing their services at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.  From 10am-3pm, my fellow engaged sisters and I can peruse more than 100 booths—there will be cake tastings, florists, caterers, DJs, all available to answer your burning questions.  In addition, you can preview and try-on hundreds of designer wedding gowns marked 30%-75% off!  You’ll also get to see the gowns in action, as models rock the ultimate in bridal fashion on the event’s runway. 

Basically, it’s the only place you’ll get face-to-face TLC with an array of vendors without traveling all around town. 

Nick Dilello has been spearheading the Phoenix Bridal Show for more than 12 years.  He’s witnessed weddings evolve into an enormous industry—last year alone Maricopa County issued more than 42,000 marriage licenses!  He says in today’s $78-billion-a-year business of getting hitched, it’s essential to have go-to hubs like the Phoenix Bridal Show.  That’s why Dilello suggests brides-to-be stay focused on what’s important, set a budget, never assume anything, and put everything in writing. 

While you’re at the show, you’ll want to take some notes.  That’s because the event highlights the hottest wedding trends for 2011/2012.  As for dresses, Dilello says you’ll see a lot of vintage and classic cuts, in addition to embellished gowns for any savvy Scottsdale bride.  But if you want something a little bigger, go for a ballgown—the timeless trend continues to be “in.”

Multi-tiered cakes are still pretty cool, but it’s hard to live up to Royal wedding expectations.  That’s why Dilello says we’re starting to see mini cakes on each table.

As for colors, we have quite a list of the combonoations scoring high on this year’s hot list.  Consider aqua & chartrease, blush & mauve, lavender cream & chocolate, garnet & tangerine, and lemon & celedon.  (If you’ve never heard of these colors, just Google them.) 

And we’re also giving you the scoop on “in” bling.  Ring trends we’re seeing among women include vintage-styled with colored stones and Asher cuts.  Guys seem to be going for titanium and stainless steel wedding bands or white gold/platinum bands with diamonds.

If you’re not sold on the show quite yet, here’s the kicker.  You can score big just by attending; yep, there will be tons of giveaways!  Simply by swinging by the Sheraton, you’ll get the chance to win a honeymoon and amazing floral, photographer, wedding planning packages.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.phoenixbridalshow.com. 

See you there!

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