Planning a Wedding? Love was in the air recently on the Virginia Tech campus when the War Memorial Chapel held a bridal showcase and seminar. An average wedding cost about $20,000 which adds up and makes the wedding industry a $25 billion dollar industry according to the Hallmark website. In a survey by Hallmark, it was found that the average bride needs seven to 12 months to plan her wedding. Vendors from the New River Valley showed off their services and facilities. The showcase featured photographers, florists, dress stores, limousines and wedding locations along with a catering service. Most weddings occur in the month of August, according to Hallmark's wedding website. Since most brides need a minimum of seven months of planning, now is the best time to start researching wedding services. Limousine companies brought sample limousines and photographers had samples of their work as well. The crowd’s favorites by far were the pastry and appetizer samples provided by a local cater. Halfway through the event Chantilly Lace, a local dress shop, presented a fashion show of gowns and tuxedos. The show lasted over a half hour and was enjoyed by all, Virginia Tech student Jaye Wallingford said. "I worked at a bridal shop and enjoy seeing the new trends and styles in wedding fashion". The fashion show consisted of several wedding style dresses. One of the dresses was for a casual style wedding while others were for formal ceremonies. The show also consisted of bridesmaid dresses. These dresses varied from long and short but all shared a common look of one solid color and a simple ribbon. The showcase was open to the public and was free of charge. Jamie Williams, the director of the War Memorial Chapel at Virginia Tech and the coordinator of the showcase said, "The event was extremely successful. We packed the ballroom." For more information on the wedding services offered at the War Memorial Chapel at Virginia Tech visit http://www.uusa.vt.edu/facilities/chapel/war.htm. |