RTW Fall

Thirty-eight vendors, a diamond ring “cake dive,” and a runway show with the “Hip Hop Cops” as male models are to be featured in the Tribune-Star’s 16th annual Bridal Showcase next March 13 in Hulman Center.

“If you are engaged and planning a wedding, this is like a one-stop shop where you can get information and prices because of the variety of vendors,” said Erin Powell, Tribune-Star advertising director. “We also have wedding planners.”

The event begins at 11 a.m., with the runway show at 3 p.m., and concludes at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. By pre-registering online at , brides-to-be pay only $3 for tickets and are registered for the chance to win an $1,100 ring from Ross Elliott Jewelers. On Wednesday, the names of 25 preregistered brides will be drawn for a chance to pull on one of 25 rings in a cake at the end of the runway show. One of the strings will have the ring as a prize.

Related: One Shoulder Wedding Dresses

Vendors in the main concourse of Hulman Center will showcase options for catering, photography, floral arrangements, cakes, music, photography, trip planners, tents and outdoor activities, as well as wedding gowns and tuxedos. Powell said that a $500 television is one of the many door prizes that will be given away throughout the day.

“One of the things I like about our show is, of course it is a bridal show, but there are still others such as mothers and friends who can use these vendors for other events, such as showers or parties,” Powell said. “It’s just good exposure to a variety of businesses.”

The title sponsor is again Complete Outdoor Rental, owned by Steve Heck. The business provides tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, stages, linens and well as heaters for tent events in cooler weather.

“Outdoor weddings are very popular,” said George Patterson of Complete Outdoor Rental, noting that the business provides delivery and pickup for the tents. Options include tents with solid side panels, as well as cathedral sides with screened windows. Table and chair delivery and pickup is also optional, and Patterson said the business will travel to a two-hour radius of Terre Haute.

The business will also do site visits in advance if requested in order to plan the best location for tents and answer questions, he said.

“We want people to know that no matter what kind of event they want, there’s no event too far or too big that we can’t do,” Patterson said.

As for wedding attire, the runway show will feature men’s fashion from Jim’s Tux Shop in Terre Haute, as well as Lucia’s Bridal and David’s Bridal.

Local police officers modeling tuxedos as the “Hip Hop Cops” are a big draw for the show, said Jim Arnett of Jim’s Tux Shop.

One of the fashion trends for weddings that began a few years ago, Arnett said, are gray tuxedos. Navy is also big this year. Black is no longer the primary color choice.

Both Arnett and Karen Ater of Lucia’s Bridal encourage brides-to-be to shop around before making a wardrobe decision. Both say that the attention to detail from a local shop makes for a better investment.

In gowns, Ater said that lace is popular now, with a variety of lace patterns available. The country-style wedding has been losing popularity, she said, while more brides are going with the Venetian style of elegant weddings. In dresses, the “mermaid” is still popular, with a fitted skirt that flairs at the knees. However, the modified “mermaid” is gaining popularity because it is still tight around the stomach and upper hips but it flares higher to make walking easier.

Still, Ater said that what should be the biggest consideration for the bride is what feels best for her.

“The most popular is what makes you comfortable,” she said. “You are going to have this on for eight to nine hours, so you want to have something that fits you well, and you will be comfortable in.”

She also recommends that brides on a budget decide if they want a large wedding and small reception, or a small wedding and large reception, then pick the dress that works best. But don’t pick a dress based solely on cost.

“If you don’t follow what your heart says, you are going to be disappointed for a long time,” Ater said.

A David’s Bridal spokeswoman, she said that a popular bridal trend for spring weddings seems to be long sleeves, with softer fabrics such as tulle and lace.

“A lot of brides want to sparkle on their big day so embellishments are definitely trending, with everything from 3D floral embellishments to bling worthy crystal details adorning gowns,” she said.

Important features to consider when selecting a gown are comfort and style.

“The key for any bride when shopping for her wedding gown is to know her personal style and how she wants to reflect that on her special day. It also helps to know which parts of your body you want to highlight and which you may want to minimize – that will help you find the perfect silhouette. You should also be open to trying on different dresses that you may not have thought about but the stylist may recommend – many women end up buying a dress completely different from what they had originally thought they wanted! At the end of the day, the dress should be an expression of your personality and make you feel beautiful,” she said.

Also see: Cheap Wedding Dresses