The Bridal Circus

err... wedding fairs, that is. Seems that the fall brings on the new season, and I attended my first one of the year tonight (yes, I've been before, but was on hiatus while we came up with the date). 

This evening's event was the Welcome Wagon show, which I think is pretty wonderful. It's small and local, which means there aren't a lot of competing vendors. Basically one from each category, which is easy on my memory! I attended with my mom and maid of honour, Michelle. Before we go any further, let me assure you all that I have the world's best maid of honour. No really, she could do this for a living. I lucked out, I only bought her dinner.

Michelle comes with me to these things, she carries my look bag, and she listens to all my strong opinions on everything (no over-sugary first dance songs, no kitschy heart motifs). She cried when I tried on wedding gowns. I think she likes to think of herself as my big sister, and I'm okay with that. She even called me prior to our outing to check on what I was going to wear, lest she "accidently outshine the bride." Which of course she does anyway, but nobody can hold that against her because she doesn't mean to. She's just beautiful and lovely, and can't help it.

Enough goopy stuff, it's clearly too early to be emotional. So, let me let you in on the real secret. Brides go to wedding fairs for the good deals, and the loot. Especially Welcome Wagon ones, where they hand you the bag at the door (no need to collect table to table)! Want to get in on my amazing stash? Read on for a sampling of all that was received:

PartyLite candles. Appletini mixer (I've never had an appletini, but see no reason not to try one right away). A dish towel. Some sort of red candy, which ironically came from a fitness company (aha! I see their evil plot!). A compact mirror. Recipes from the Pampered Chef. Sparkly body lotion. Really, really good chocolate. I should have figured out what it was before we ate it, because now I want more. Gorgeous lavender bath salts from Nectar Lingerie. A whole bunch of magnets and pens, and a key taped to a postcard from a realtor (admittedly, this one is a little odd). 

The fashion show was great (though I've already picked my dress), and I got to talk to lots of interesting people. Among others on my long list, we haven't chosen vendors yet for stationary, music, flowers, or clothes for the gentlemen, so it was a great opportunity to get some ideas. Most of all, it really was fun, if not a little exhausting. And I get to do it all again on October 8th.

Until then, appletini cheers!