Brides use expo to plan ahead

<span style="font-size: 12px;">Models walk the runway in gowns from Casa Del Sol in Moses Lake during the 2013 Columbia Basin Bridal Expo Saturday.</span>

by Tiffany Sukola & Herald Staff Writer
| February 26, 2013 5:05 AM

For Basin brides, it's never too early to start planning a wedding.

About 800 people visited the Columbia Basin Herald's 2013 Bridal Expo at Big Bend Community College Saturday, according to Bob Richardson, the paper's advertising manager. While many were at different stages in their planning, most brides agreed it's better to plan sooner, rather than later.

Bride-to-be Haydee Guevara, of Richland, said although she won't be getting married until sometime next year, she wanted to start getting some ideas together.

She and her fiance haven't set a specific date yet, but she said she needed to see what options for food, dresses and other wedding essentials were available.

Guevara said having dressmakers, food vendors, photographers and other artisans together under one roof is a major benefit to brides.

"This is my first expo, and so far I'm just looking at everything," she said. "It's great that it's all right here."

Moses Lake resident Angela Yruegas said she's not getting married until next July, but she wanted to visit the expo this year so she could get some of the planning out of the way.

"I don't want to freak out next year," she said.

Martha Hernandez, of Othello, said she came to the expo to get ideas she can take back to her fiancee for their wedding next February.

"I'm just looking around, and I'm in the very first steps of planning the wedding," she said. "But I wanted to get some basic ideas so when my fiance comes back I can get his opinion."

Carrie Wisenor, of A to Z Rentals, said she encourages brides to start planning their weddings as early as they can.

"I usually recommend they start planning about six to seven months ahead," she said.

Wisenor said brides don't want to risk not being able to secure wedding essentials like tables and chairs, dance floors or even tents.

She said she noticed most brides at Saturday's expo were about a year out from their wedding.

"I've seen some brides come in a few days before the wedding to try and rent chairs and other items," she said. "I don't recommend it."

Wisenor said A to Z rentals provides brides with everything from tents to table settings and can customize items to fit the bride's theme. She said the earlier a bride comes in to select what she needs, the better.

"We can provide basic quotes and get things started so even if things change a little as it gets closer, it won't be a big deal," said Wisenor.