According to Signet Jewelers, the largest jewelry company in the United States, the country is seeing a spike in post-pandemic marriage proposals, and that trend is only expected to increase in 2024. Which means that this year, the hosts of the 25th annual Reno Bridal & Beauty Expo have their work cut out for them. The expo is helping cater to the local increase in engaged couples and help alleviate some of the wedding planning stress. Reno’s largest, most diverse, and elegant wedding event is also helping couples get a jump start on planning their special day.
Larry Williams, President of Northern Nevada Bridal Association, says, “The three of the four busiest engagement times to get engaged are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, with the fourth being Valentine’s Day. So, these brides are coming here to look at services and products and latest trends to find great vendors in anticipation of getting those dates booked for 2024.”
Some couples have told me that one of the most challenging things with planning a wedding is staying organized. With this event having everything laid out for them to see in person, it helps make things a lot easier. The Bridal & Beauty Expo offers a wide range of vendors showcasing wedding venues, entertainment, photographers, suits, dresses, and games. Attendees also sampled food from local bakeries and restaurants, enjoyed a fashion show that displayed wedding gowns, and were given the opportunity to win prizes such as diamond earrings and gold bands.
With the cost of diamonds increasing, some brides are resorting to other options. Beverly Burton, a future bride, tells us, “We’ve definitely looked into other options because jewelry is expensive, and so looking at other environmentally friendly things or options outside of the box, so yes, definitely looking to those things.”
Another future bride says that she’s focused on her wedding first and then the ring later. Ciara Viola says, “As far as that goes, I am totally fine with lab grown diamonds to take the cost down a little bit, but we’re not necessarily worried about diamonds. Definitely just want it to be a nice day and then we can worry about the accessories later on.”