Brides in North Texas are ready to spend again. The rebounding economy and the upcoming British royal wedding are inspiring brides to spend big bucks.
More than 300 vendors set up for this weekend's Dallas Bridal Show at Dallas Market Hall.
Bakeries, lighting and drape companies, and other vendors know that brides, and in some cases, brides' parents, are willing to spend more this year than last -- almost 25 percent more, according to an industry survey by The Wedding Report.
"I think everything is getting fancier. I think everybody this year is really trying to outdo what they did last year," said Naomi Hulme, the show's president & CEO. "It's really amazing. We have seen this industry have some tough times. This year we've kind of seen it rebound back."
"Since it's a vintage kind of wedding at Thistle Hill, I thought chandeliers under a tent," said Erica Fox, who is getting married in Fort Worth in May. "The broach that will be on my wedding dress. Those are the things that when you start adding it all up, gets out of control."
Fox's budget of $30,000 has grown to $70,000. Fox said she was inspired by England's most famous engaged couple -- Prince William and soon-to-be princess Kate Middleton.
"I thought what a perfect excuse to have one of the biggest days of my life be fit for a queen," Fox said.
Business News
So whether it's flowers or the wedding dress, more brides will be splurging in 2011.
The Dallas Bridal Show runs Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dallas Market Hall.
