Brides-to-be shop vendors at Evaline’s Bridal Show

On Sunday, brides-to-be were busy planning everything that goes into the big day at the Evaline’s Bridal Show. Dozens of vendors set up tables and showcased what they can offer the couples.

“You get to taste the cakes, you're going to hear the music, you're going to see displays, you'll see colors of dresses, tuxedos, and when you visually see things, I think it's so much easier to plan,” Lori Dubasof, owner of Evaline’s Bridal said. 

But the price tag that comes with planning a wedding could be pretty hefty. 

“The venue, the food, and the alcohol. You go to weddings, and you appreciate how beautiful it is, but until you get married, you don't realize how expensive it is,” Nicole Johnson, a newly engaged bride-to-be, said. 

Zola.com, a wedding planning website, predicts the average cost of a 2024 wedding in Ohio to be around $26,489. Whether the wedding is big or small, brides in our area are sparing no expense. 

“I feel that they knew that they’re getting married and their families have saved and they have plans,” Dubasof said. “I don't feel like weddings are something that are cut back.”

The biggest part of the budget for some brides is the dress. 

“They're asking us for what’s different. ‘Where can I get this?’ Some are getting two dresses,” Dubasof said about brides that come into her shop.

Others are willing to pay anything for vendors like photographers.

“We want to capture our memories and our moments throughout the day, so finding a good photographer is top priority,” Johnson said. 

To stay on budget, some came to the bridal show hoping to win raffles or to cut costs by securing vendors that day to lock in special low prices.

“There's so many reasonable options you don't have to go overboard but you can find what you love with all the great vendors in this room,” Dubasof said. 

“You have so many different options about so many different things, and just the energy in here with everyone being so happy and celebrating is amazing,” Johnson said. 

Checking off their to-do list before they say 'I do.'