“You never know if it’s a good idea until you try it,” said Sauganash Golf Club co-owner, Cheri Bales, about the course’s upcoming Bridal Show, Swap, and Sale set for May 17, from noon to 5 p.m. at the course in Three Rivers.
“I saw a need and had a vision to put on a show/swap/sale for brides in the St. Joseph County and the surrounding area,” she said. “I found nothing like it, anywhere in the area so I decided to do it myself.”
The Bridal Show, Swap, and Sale is a non-traditional bridal event giving brides the chance to compare low-, moderate-, and high-priced options for many of their wedding needs. Vendors have been asked to bring samples from three price points so brides can make an informed choice about how to best spend their bridal budget.
During the show, there will be vendors displaying their goods and services inside and outside the clubhouse with a special outdoor ceremony area complete with dance floor. Vendors from Three Rivers, Centreville, Sturgis, Vicksburg, Mendon, and Portage have been invited.
The Sauganash Bridal Show, Swap, and Sale will feature prize drawings, a Bride Guide and goody bag, food and wine tastings, and a grand prize drawing for a wedding package at Sauganash Golf Club. A fashion show will be ongoing throughout the day. There is a $5 admission to the show.
The average wedding in 2013 cost couples $24,000, according to Better Homes and Gardens.
“I know weddings can be beautiful for a lot less and still give brides their ‘perfect’ day,” Bales said. “It’s about priorities. Do you save money on your dress in order to invite more friends? Do you forego the disposable cameras on the tables so you can offer guests a third food choice?”
At the golf course, Bales has seen a definite change in the weddings held there, noting they have become smaller with 100-140 guests, less formal, and less expensive as couples operate on a fairly limited budget. Couples also often include their children in the ceremonies.
The course also has seen an increase in the number of second weddings and civil ceremonies.
“Sometimes, people want to get married without a lot of planning and expense; this is a Bridal Show for them,” said Bales.
The event is co-sponsored by Island Catering, and Grand Rental Station, Three Rivers, and WLKM Radio.
For more information about attending or being a vendor at the show, visit the website at http://www.sauganashgc.com, call the course at (269) 278-7825, or LIKE Sauganash Golf Club on Facebook.