Wichita Bridal Expo: July 26th & 27th

Photo Courtesy of 360Wichita.com

Are you newly engaged and unsure where to begin? Maybe you're almost done planning but need a few more ideas? Then mark your calendars for the Wichita Bridal Expo! Join us Saturday July, 26th and Sunday, July 27th at the Century II Expo Hall (225 W. Douglas) in downtown Wichita, KS! Many of the area's wedding vendors will be on hand to answer your questions, share their expert advice, and offer great prizes and discounts! Plus, Corporate Caterers will be giving away a $10,000 Wedding Grand Prize, and Tomorrow's Memories will be giving away 2 bridal gowns!

Bridal shows can be a great opportunity for you to kill about 30 birds with one stone. Think of all the time you'll save having so many reps from dress boutiques, paper companies, reception sites, bakeries, and florists right there in one location!

FOR THE NEWLY ENGAGED: Take a leisurely stroll by the tables that interest you, pick up a brochure, and make notes of your discussions with each wedding vendor. That way you can take everything home and review it all before making any big decisions.
While many vendors may have a list of their open dates to show you, don't commit to one location or vendor until you have done enough research to know that it's your best fit. If you're a shy bride, be sure to bring along your mom or one of your more outspoken bridesmaids as your "protector", so they can politely decline for you if you begin to feel pressured. Be sure to bring a notebook or wedding planner to jot down notes, and your datebook to set appointments with the vendors who make a good impression!

FOR THOSE MORE ESTABLISHED IN THEIR PLANNING: If you already know your colors, bring along a few swatches. If you already have an idea for bouquets or your cake, bring photos. This can be helpful when speaking to florists, bakers, gown shops, and other bridal professionals. Also, if you've had enough time to research your top choices for photographers, reception sites, caterers, etc. then don't forget to bring along your datebook or wedding planner. You can schedule further consultations or book them right on the spot!

S&K Menswear Store Closing Sale!

OK, girls, you'll have to act quickly on this one. S&K Menswear (located in Towne East Square at the corner of Kellogg and Rock in Wichita) is selling EVERYTHING in their store 50-75% off for a VERY limited time! I spoke to a sales associate who said that the sale includes suits, socks, ties, vests, shoes - anything left on the rack or shelf must go!

The clerk did specify that entire tuxedos were no longer available - just the jackets - but he said there were still a lot of great suits & accessories to choose from.

**EDIT: THE STORE IS NOW CLOSED! HOPE YOU GOT IN ON THE GREAT DEALS!**

Free Online Wedding Mapper

This is pretty cool. The people over at Wedding Mapper offer a great free mapping service. Just choose the city where your marriage will take place, and add all the icons your guests will need! Simultaneously map the ceremony and reception locations, rehearsal dinner location, airport, hotel - anything! You can even recommend your favorite Wichita restaurants and attractions!

Additionally, you can save the map and embed it on your wedding website - or create a printable map to be included in your wedding invitations.



This map shows the (fictitious-yet-based-on-my-own-wedding) locations for the Smith/Johnson Wedding. The ceremony site (Grace Presbyterian Church), reception site (Scottish Rite), and other important spots are all listed. Wedding Mapper allows you to add any location you desire - and create your own labels, description, and notes!

In an upcoming Do-It-Yourself Wedding series, we'll come back to Wedding Mapper for tips on how to create and print your own maps for inclusion in your wedding invitations.

Money $aver$: 40% Off at Michael's and 75% off Neiman Marcus Monogrammed Sheets

For you crafty brides, there is a 40% off Michael's coupon here. It's good through June 28th on any regularly priced item. They often have sales rotating through their different departments, so to save the most money, try to use it on a larger item that doesn't usually go on sale.

Neiman Marcus is offering 75% off their Egyptian Cotton Sheet Collection - use the code SHOPNM for free shipping at checkout! They will even monogram your sheets for FREE! The Lace Trim sheets are $20 here. The Marcus Dot sheets (shown in various colors) are $24 here.

Save 10% at MyWeddingFavors.com!

To celebrate the launch of our site, Wichita Wedding Blog has partnered with My Wedding Favors for a 10% discount off orders $150 or more! MyWeddingFavors.com is the leading online wedding favor shop, offering bridal shower favors, beach favors, Asian-themed favors, wine favors, personalized favors - just about ANY favor you can think of!

Just follow this link and

Mike Seltzer Jewelers 50% Off Anniversary Sale

For a limited time, Mike Seltzer Jewelers will offer 50% off most their jewelry - this includes wedding sets and wedding bands. Diamonds over 1 carat are not discounted at 50% but will be given a smaller discount (call the store for more details). My husband and I actually purchased our bridal jewelry at Mike Seltzer during their 50% off blitz 2 years ago. My husband designed my ring, and I designed his - and we still saved 50%!

Be sure to shop around before you pull the trigger, though. Price a few online jewelers as well as other local shops in Wichita offering wedding and engagement rings. That way you'll whether or not you're getting the VERY best price.

To see their current inventory, visit Mike Seltzer Jewelers at 2929 N Rock Rd. in Comotara Center.

Wichita Wedding Blog Launching in June 2008!

We are the first blog exclusively for wedding planning in the Wichita, KS Metro Area! Join us as we review bridal and tux shops, wedding ceremony sites, reception venues, bakeries, musicians - ALL FROM THE WICHITA AREA!!!

Are you tired of mega-websites with great ideas but no LOCAL resources? Then subscribe to the Wichita Wedding Blog!