Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — In collaboration with local vendors, the bridal fair allows engaged couples to cover every aspect of planning a wedding with one easy stop.

"The fair gives brides and grooms a head start in planning their weddings," said Susanne Bostrom of Alpine Floral, coordinator of the event."In one evening, they are able to get all the information at once."

The participants can talk to people, taste cakes, see past work and pictures, ideas for dresses and even book their location.

At the door, participants are handed a folder, then encouraged to pick up brochures from the vendors.If it's early enough, they can even book them at the fair.

Bostrom said that locals are being edged out by out-of-town brides for their choice of vendor or location.She hopes the fair will allow locals to plan the wedding they want, where they want.

The fair is always held at the end of February or the beginning of March to give newly engaged couples enough time to plan their weddings.

"A lot of brides get engaged on New Year's and Valentine's day, so early March is the perfect time to start planning their weddings," Bostrom said.

"We really want to accommodate the bride and groom to make it as easy on them as possible," said Bostrom. "There's a real value in a bridal fair."

The fair has been happening on and off since Bostrom can remember. "I've owned a shop for 26 years and seen bridal fairs come and go. We've had them at the Depot, shops, restaurants and even some years we've had no bridal fair.Since Alpine Floral is the longest established business out of the group of vendors, we've taken the fair on."

Bostrom has more than 30 vendors lined up this year and is expecting 75 to 100 brides and grooms to attend the event.

Bostrom hopes to increase the size of the fair and make it an annual event."It's a great asset to the bride and groom if we can keep it going strong.We want to build a solid base and make it a stable and strong event, letting it grow as needed."

If you are a vendor interested in next year's bridal fair, please contact Bostrom at Alpine Floral at 879-2682.