How to go
What: Dayton Bridal Expo
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10. Fashion shows are slated for 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. each day.
Where: Dayton Convention Center
Admission: $8. A coupon for $2 discount is available at www.daytonbride.com.
When she was pregnant with her first child, Tracy Claiborne began searching for a business she could do from home.
“I love to bake and at first I actually thought I would make wedding cakes,” the Springboro woman said.
When she started getting in touch with bridal show producers, she quickly realized she had the ability and the background to create a bridal show of her own. The Cincinnati native had spent 10 years working with her dad, organizing job fairs throughout the country.
Now, eight years and three children later, Claiborne is the proud owner of Claiborne Productions, a company that produces bridal shows in Ohio, including four each year in Dayton.
The Dayton Bridal Expo, slated for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10, at the Dayton Convention Center, is expected to attract about 1,800 attendees, including 500-600 happy brides.
The holidays, Claiborne said, are always a major engagement season, with many couples anxious to follow up their exciting announcement by starting to make plans for their big day. Many attend bridal shows together, other brides come with moms, grandmas and girlfriends.
This weekend’s show will bring together more than 100 vendors selling everything from bridal attire and flowers to photography, catering, cakes and reception venues.
Fashion shows by Altar Bound and Skeffington’s Formalwear will reflect the latest fashion trends for all members of the wedding party.
“This year, brides and grooms are more focused on their budget than ever before,” said Claiborne, who says many of the merchants are offering packages.
Claiborne believes too many brides make the mistake of rushing through a bridal show, instead of taking time to talk with the vendors.
“My advice would be to decide what you need, visit those vendors, take notes, pick up business cards,” Claiborne said.
“It’s a chance to sample the food, taste the wedding cakes. Then you can follow up by making appointments with the vendors that you like.”
An admission ticket permits visitors to attend both days of the Expo.
Claiborne said she’s found the right career.
“I love it. It’s a positive thing, it’s fun,” she said. “The vendors are small businesses like myself. And the brides and grooms are so happy.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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