Thirteen days before Christmas, my boyfriend proposed to me. And, of course, I said, “Yes!”  After celebrating our engagement, my fiancé and I were quickly prompted by our mothers to begin the wedding planning process. Well, Las Vegas brides, I had no idea where to start. Fortunately, we spotted the colorful billboards for the upcoming Bridal Spectacular bridal show.

One month later, my groom and I walked into Cashman Center to experience Las Vegas’ biggest bridal show. Flanked my sister, my mother, and two excited girl friends, my fiancé and I officially began the wedding planning experience. We walked in with only a date in mind. We left with the resources to successfully and efficiently plan a wedding only six months away.

What to know what we found? Take a look at these images to see our top five favorite finds. As you look, let yourself soak in the excitement that’s waiting for you in just a few weeks. At Bridal Spectacular, you too can find all your wedding necessities while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon with your groom and girl friends!

1.  Venue: Siena Golf Club

We found a Tuscany-inspired venue that provided a grassy knoll (which my groom insisted upon…haha!) for the ceremony. Also on the property was an elegant reception room, perfect for a sophisticated dinner followed by a wild dance party. To seal the deal, the catering director was incredibly easy to work with, from start to finish!

Ah, we had our grassy area for the ceremony just like we dreamed.

2.  Flowers: Naakiti Floral Design

At Bridal Spectacular, I discovered a new technique for chic, simple centerpieces. The florist whose décor had inspired me at the bridal show worked with me throughout my wedding to keep that vision blossoming. Props to her!

This elegant design for each centerpiece embodied my vision of simple calla lilies.

3.  Music and Entertainment: Knight Sounds Entertainment

My groom and I instantly felt a connection with one of the disc jockeys we met at the bridal show.  He grasped our vision and knew exactly how to develop it to make it better. We felt so comfortable that we booked the DJ right there at the bridal show. Six months later, he delivered the best party we’d ever experienced!

We're booking our DJ, bridal show style!

4.  Wedding Attire: Alfred Angelo for the bride, David’s Bridal for Bridesmaids, Men’s Wearhouse for groom and groomsmen

With so many gorgeous collections on display, I couldn’t pick my exact bridal gown at the show. But I was able to decipher which designer’s style I most liked. Then, after the show, I knew exactly which store to start my search for wedding attire. I loved their products so much that I picked up additional attire necessities, including the garter, strapless bra, bridal veil, and tiara. May I mention I adored my gown!

Love my dress! Love my Dad much more!

5.  Stationery: Alligator Soup

As a writer, I’ve found that I love the texture and feel of hand-prepared papers. While Bridal Spectacular also offered plenty of modern alternatives for invitations, I wanted traditional and classic. That’s just what I found! My perfect fit!

Alligator Soup owner Helen Edell displayed stationery at Bridal Spectacular that piqued my interest.

Las Vegas brides, Bridal Spectacular truly offers options for every aspect of the wedding planning process. Just take a quick peek at Bridal Spectacular’s website, and you’ll find hundreds of recommendations for Las Vegas wedding professionals in every field. But while the website is a useful tool, also make plans to attend the bridal show on August 19-20, 2011. You’ll be able to view the latest fashions, gather inspiration from décor displays, and speak face-to-face with vendors to determine your best fit.

Just like I found so many wedding planning staples at Bridal Spectacular, you can also accomplish many tasks on your wedding to-do list. So why not make it as enjoyable as possible? Grab your groom, gather your girls, and buy online tickets today to visit the best bridal show in the city!

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2011

Photographs: Jamison Frady, Summer Roybal, and Allyson Siwajian