Northern Arizona wedding expo offers great ideas for large events

More than 50 vendors will be available

Make your wedding plans in one place at Radisson Woodlands Hotel's Northern Arizona Wedding Expo Jan. 30. The expo will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Radisson Woodlands Hotel, 1175 W. Route 66.

More than 50 vendors including caterers, florists, reception venues, photographers, DJs and more will be available offering samples, ideas and more. Admission is $10 with prize raffles throughout the day. One of the larger prizes - valued at $300 - is a Romance Package from Radisson Woodlands Hotel. The Romance Package includes a one-night stay at Radisson along with welcome amenities of chocolate covered strawberries and champagne, a $50 credit at Sakura, breakfast in bed and a late checkout.

To qualify to win one of 50 raffle prizes, brides must visit every vendor, where they will receive a sticker for a map. Once a map is filled with stickers, participants are qualified for the raffle. Raffle items include gift baskets, wine and more.

"There are more than 50 raffle prizes since all vendors donated something for the giveaways," said Gina Leingang, group sales manager at Radisson Woodlands Hotel.

This is the 10th year the wedding expo has been offered.

"Last year we had approximately 100 brides plus their entourages for a total of 350 people," Leingang said. "This year we are expecting 150 brides for a total of 500 people."

Anyone planning a large event for 2010 including Quinceañeras and reunions is encouraged to attend.

"We will have everything from cakes to DJs to jewelry reps," Leingang said.

Three vendors will have models dressed in their wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos. Makeup artists from local beauty salons will be on hand with beauty tips on hair, makeup and nail care. A mock reception will be set up featuring linens, tables, cakes, food and more.

Participants will have the opportunity to sample food from caterers and wedding cakes, discover honeymoon getaways, step into executive limousines and visit all the experts that make a wedding complete.

The expo is sponsored by Radisson Woodlands Hotel, Arizona Daily Sun, Arizona Weddings Magazine and Website and Northern Arizona Mountain Living Magazine. For more information, call (928) 774-0609, ext. 503.