Toronto’s Bridal Show & Last Bride Standing have joined forces for a 3-day event of tantrums, tiaras and bridal meltdowns. Okay, I don’t know that for sure. But there is a 3-day event. And I’m quite certain that there will be tiaras. The tantrums and meltdowns will be at the discretion of the attendees.
 
So, what is Last Bride Standing? According to their website, it’s: “a contest where Brides-to-Be compete against each other for over $100,000 in Wedding Packages including a free 250 person Wedding reception. All they have to do is BE THE LAST ONE STANDING with their hand on the wall.” God help us. (Apologies to fans of the genre, but Reality TV leaves a bad taste in my mouth… just sayin’.)
 

 
But a Bridal Show is a Bridal Show. And if you’ve got planning to do (or you just like the general atmosphere of weddings and all the accompanying trimmings), I say get yourself to the Toronto Congress Centre. Plus, if you’re into reality shows this is definitely the spot for you to let your tenacious Bride-to-Be colours fly!
 
The contest itself gets underway April 27 in Woodbridge, Ontario and runs until… well, the Last Bride is Standing. First prize is valued at almost $70,000, so if you don’t mind looking like a crazy freak show (and even if you don’t in real life, you’ll be playing one on TV after editing gets through with you) then sign yourself up!
 
The Last Bride Standing Bridal Show takes place April 30 to May 2, 2010 at the Toronto Congress Centre (which, technically is in Etobicoke – 650 Dixon Road, to be exact. Not exactly the downtown core.)
 
Show hours:
Friday: 5pm – 10pm | Saturday: 10am – 9pm | Sunday: 10am – 6pm
 

And because they make me smile.
 
You’ve all seen these. I know you have because I keep seeing them posted to your Facebook profiles and they keep arriving in my email, LONG after they’ve fizzled from their viral glory.
 
But, I like them. And it’s my blog. So THERE.
 
I also feel that I should write a wee disclaimer in case LX reads this (and, since he’s my IT guy, there’s a very real possibility he will). So, in the spirit of keeping the Groom-to-Be from having a full-blown panic attack: “No, honey, I’m not planning to enroll us in dance lessons or hire a choreographer so that we can perform a Broadway number during our reception. On the other hand…”
 
Julia and James’ First Dance. This, to the best of my knowledge, is the first in the Choreographed First Wedding Dance craze. And, seriously… what’s not to love?
 

 
 
Simply titled The Best Wedding Entrance Dance Ever – it really is quite unfortunate that this over-the-top fun entrance was to a Chris “I beat my girlfriend, then conveniently forgot about it when asked on Larry King” Brown song. Whatever. How could this happy couple and their delightfully dorky friends have known?
 

 
 
Even better?
Jim & Pam’s version… because, well – it’s Jim & Pam.
 

 

and I cannot stress enough: RESEARCH.
 
There is such a glut of information out there with regard to… well, everything, really. But, when it comes to weddings, there are dollars (and usually plenty of them) to be shelled out. And wherever there’s money to be made, there’s money to be scammed.
 
Billed as the Boston 411 Home and Bridal Show 2010, a recent event bilked around 5,000 people (vendors & guests, alike) out of their hard-earned cash.
 

 
Hopefully some of these folks will be able to recoup what they’ve lost and the asshat organizers will get what’s coming to them (it’s called Karma, people… she can be your best friend or a complete bitch: treat her nice or she’ll make sure there’s hell to pay.)
 
Unfortunately, these clowns managed to have reputable websites advertise for them. But there are ways to make sure you’re not taken advantage of. Talk to people. Don’t just see a website and decide a vendor is for you. Ask around. Join online forums and speak with folks who may have used these services. Find out if what’s being offered is actually what you’ll receive. Don’t be shy. And don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to to ensure you’re comfortable with what you’re paying for. You’ll be happy you did.