Article Photos

WHEELING - Planning a wedding is a big job, but The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register will make it a little easier for brides- and grooms-to-be by presenting the fourth annual "Wedding Bells" bridal show extravaganza on Sunday.

Set for noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at West Virginia Northern Community College's Education Center in downtown Wheeling, the event will offer access to a variety of vendors offering nearly every product and service a betrothed couple could need. "Wedding Bells" will be held in the Education Center's Multi-Purpose Room, located at 10 17th St., not far from the college's main B&O Building.

Participating vendors - such as florists, photographers, caterers, salons, banquet halls, decorating services, disc jockeys and gown providers - have supplied a variety of door prizes to be offered at the event, including one grand prize. Engaged couples, who will be easy to identify with the brightly colored stickers that will be provided, simply need to have each vendor mark their completed registration cards to be eligible for the prize drawings. Attendees must be present at the time of the drawings to win.

"Some of the door prizes are unbelievable," said Pam Bennett, advertising director for The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register.

Two bridal fashion shows will be featured as part of the event. They will be presented by Sorelle Bridal Salon of Washington, Pa., and by David's Bridal of St. Clairsville. Fashions from the latest bridal gowns to dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers of brides will be modeled.

In addition to visiting the various vendors and viewing current trends in wedding fashions, visitors to the event will receive a "Wedding Bells" planner, which Bennett said includes tips and ideas as well as tools for wedding preparation.

"The planner will provide a bride with everything she needs to keep her organized," Bennett added. "And it can serve as a keepsake after the wedding."

Prospective brides and grooms will be admitted to the "Wedding Bells" bridal show free of charge; other guests will pay just $5 for admission. Brides can pre-register online at www.theintelligencer.net, or register at the door when arriving at the event.

Doors will open at 11:45 a.m. Sunday.

Additional "Wedding Bells" sponsors include The Times Leader of Martins Ferry and West Virginia Northern Community College.