The first annual Champagne On The Green hosted by The Ultimate Bridal Event and The Links at Riverlakes took place two weeks ago at… yes you guessed it The Links at Riverlakes. As a wedding vendor myself, I had a great time at the event. Despite Mother Nature’s attempts to thwart the event, it turned out to be a huge success. It was the first opportunity for most of the vendors to participate in an event that allowed them to approach the brides, instead of the normal bridal fair layout which tends to keep vendors pinned down in their booth spaces.
The event itself was set up much like an actual wedding with a large white event tent set up on the golf course. Under the tent were tables decorated by many of the participating vendors each with nine chairs. There were eight chairs for brides and their guests and a ninth chair for the vendors. Some of these tables were even designed by attending brides. Along the interior perimeter of the tent, vendors were allowed to set up small displays of their products and services. Caterers were also set up along the perimeter offering brides and their guests samples of what they offer for events. The first portion of the day was set up much like the cocktail hour at the beginning of a wedding reception, with heavy hors d’oeuvres and of course free flowing champagne. After all, it really couldn’t be called “Champagne On The Green” without plenty of champagne. During the cocktail hour Roger Martin, aka The Lounge Guy, entertained guests with a wide assortment of melodies. Once the event was underway, vendors were announced and then sent out to visit each table one at a time. Brides and their guests were given a mini consultation with each vendor for an allotted amount of time. A bell rang when the time was up, notifying vendors when it was time to move to the next table. Freestyle Entertainment MC’d the event and ensured that each table was given a chance to talk one on one with every vendor. A groom’s lounge was set up across the parking lot in The Links at Riverlakes Banquet Room. The gentleman were provided with sports games of their choice, a dealer run blackjack table, snacks and a no host bar. The vendor list included some of our good friend Jenny from Little White Dress as well as some of our future interviewees like Fairy Godmother, Gimmee Some Sugar, PM Custom Catering, Finos Menswear, The Bell Tower Club, Details Party Rentals, The Lounge Guy and just to name a few of the many outstanding vendors. Not to mention brides were given gift bags full of wedding swag and the opportunity to win some wonderful prizes!
During the event I had a chance to hear bits and pieces of many of the conversations between brides and vendors, and the brides seemed very receptive to the new approach. In fact many of the brides were so focused on their time with the vendors that they didn’t even seem to notice the wind rattling the tent. While walking around, I made a point of talking to the vendors and they had many positive things to say. All in all it looks like this is the first of many more Champagne On The Green’s!
If you didn’t get a chance to make it to this event, don’t worry, we have a bunch of images from Champagne On The Green for you to enjoy! You can also attend the next Ultimate Bridal Event this fall downtown at the Rabobank Convention Center on September 19th. So if you are planning a wedding or event make sure to check out all the phenomenal vendors we have on our site, and don’t forget to check out the Ultimate Bridal Event website for information on vendors and upcoming bridal events!
Author: Andrew Skelton
Photos: Courtesy of J. Andrew Photography
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