WEST SPRINGFIELD — There is a good reason the Springfield Wedding and Bridal Expo is held each January at the Better Living Center on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition.
“Couples often get engaged at Christmastime and the holidays, and holding the Wedding and Bridal Expo right away in the new year gives them the opportunity to get a jump start on their planning whether their wedding is this year or a couple of years from now,” said Dennis Jenks, owner of Jenks Productions, organizers of the event.
“Many brides come to the show with their bridesmaids to have a fun time together and get ideas, while others who may be well along in their planning come to the show to reinforce what they may have already planned,” he added.
Hours for the show are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 and are available online at jenksproductions.com or at the door.
Nearly 75 vendors attending the show will be focusing on a variety of products and services such as: wedding dresses and shoes, bridal veils and hair accessories, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses, maid of honor and junior bridesmaid dresses, wedding venues, wedding cakes, gifts and favors, decorations and centerpieces, flowers and bouquets, bands and DJs, photographers and videographers, jewelers, limousine services, wedding invitations and cards, and more.
At one time, couples would visit their local print shop to select their wedding invitations. Today, like many aspects of wedding planning, the invitation landscape has evolved to offer a wide variety of options.
Ann Guttman of ANNVITATIONS will have a booth at the Wedding and Bridal Expo. As a one-stop shop, she works closely with couples to create wedding invitations that reflect their personal style while staying within their budget. Guttman is based out of her home in Longmeadow but also works with clients through virtual consultations.
One of the benefits of working directly with a person rather than the internet is the personalized service. Whether a couple chooses a custom invitation from a sample book or wants to design something entirely their own, Guttman guides them through the process.
“I meet with couples to establish the mood they want to convey and the number of guests they are inviting, which helps determine quantities and cost. I help them choose from a wide range of papers, inks, fonts, and wording, all while keeping them within their budget. I also proofread everything as a final double-check before anything goes to print,” Guttman said.
“Trends are all over the place, but one constant is to give as much information as possible. Invitations have also become a reflection of a couple’s personality and the tone of their event. Some couples still prefer formal, traditional invitations with multiple insert cards—such as response cards, details cards, and maps—while others are choosing a simpler approach, using a single card that includes the invitation along with links for details and RSVPs,” she added,
With over 20 years of experience in the invitation field, Guttman noted that another common trend is to send out “Save the Date” cards – which have become more informational and creative – before formal invitations.
“They may include an engagement or vacation photo, or a sketch or photo of the wedding venue as well as pertinent information. In addition to the wedding date, couples may include details about welcome parties, post-wedding brunches, or hotel accommodations. Some will include a link for additional information, while others wait to provide full details on a separate insert included with the invitation,” Guttman said.
Guttman offers a full range of printed materials to meet all of a couple’s wedding stationery needs. In addition to invitations, she helps couples with menus printed for guest tables, place cards, table numbers, ceremony programs, shower and rehearsal dinner invitations, and thank-you notes.
While at the show, participants can also sit and enjoy a fashion show and entertainment planned both days at the show’s main stage, featuring Caccie’s Bridal Closet, Fred Astaire Dance, David’s Bridals, Nicole Wzorek Designs Gowns & Lingerie, and music by saxophonist Quinn Mitchell.
One lucky couple will also win a grand prize package which you can register for online or at the show that includes a tuxedo package, invitations gift certificate, cake certificate, an engagement photo session and more. Additional door prizes will be given away at the fashion show stage.
For more information about this weekend’s show, visit jenksproductions.com.
