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WHEELING - They already have their prospective husbands - and now all local brides need are the dresses, cakes, catering and other amenities to bring their upcoming weddings to life.

On Sunday, local brides turned out for the 2009 "Wedding Bells" bridal show, sponsored by The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, West Virginia Northern Community College and the Times Leader.

The event in the WVNCC gymnasium served as a meeting spot where brides could first meet their wedding dress, wedding photographer and wedding cake baker.

And a lot of the brides seemed to think Masterpieces of Old Town in North Wheeling really "takes the cake" when it comes to wedding cakes, flower arrangements and wedding planning.

Baker Brad Riser offered free samples of his offerings, and brought with him examples of products to show what's on trend for weddings this season.

The key word is "color," he noted. His wedding cakes and flowers all were adorned with splashes of plum and green hues.

Riser said his cakes are typically ordered 12-18 months in advance, and that it usually takes him a week to 10 days to make them.

"A lot of people don't know what's out there," said Bob Bailey of As You Like It catering service. "There are a lot of options, but people lean toward what they know. This is great exposure."

Bailey said what sets him apart from other catering providers is that he is not set into any one dining genre.

"I can do casual as well as a four-course meal," he said. "Everything from a barbecue to a high-end meal."

Recent West Liberty University graduate Kelsey Batten doesn't have her dress yet. She feels she can wait a while longer to select one as she continues to "hit the gym" each day.

Her wedding is set for May 29. She admits it's all a bit much for her as she also starts a new job in Charleston.

"I'm overwhelmed with everything," Batten said. "Events like this help brides to get everything together."

David's Bridal of St. Clairsville and Sorelle Bridal Salon of Washington, Pa., presented bridal fashion shows during the gala.

"It gives you a chance to get your name out," said Rikki Insana, a bridal consultant with Sorelle. "It's good advertising."

Disc jockey Brian Oliver of Wheeling concurred.

"It's really good when you get the brides to be all in one place," he said.

Brianne Tomolonis of Bridgeport, who is to wed on July 31, said much of the preparation for her wedding is complete, but that there are some loose ends to tie up.

"A lot of it is booked, but we're looking for a photographer and some ideas," she said.

Photographer Mike Strough of Magical Events in Belmont said he was the only vendor present who also could provide videography services. He also has another trick up his sleeve: In addition to photos, Strough is a magician who on occasion entertains wedding guests between the ceremony and reception.

Bride Rena Clark of Martins Ferry is getting married on Oct. 30, 2010.

"We're here getting some literature, and are going to sit down and compare prices," she said. "There's a lot to look at. I'm really stressed. It's overwhelming."