here comes the bridal show

America's biggest bridal extravaganza engages Houston in a weekend of inspo, giveaways, TikTok challenges, and more

Blushing brides-to-be will flock to the Bridal Extravaganza Show.

Photo by Anthony Rathbun

Given the endless amount of Pinterest boards, Instagrammers, influencers, wedding planners, and more, Houston-area brides-to-be need little help in planning their big day. But for those looking for some in-person inspo, the biggest bridal planning showcase is back in Houston.

The Bridal Extravaganza Show returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24. Tickets, which range from $15 for general admission and $49 for VIP, are on sale now online.

A longtime favorite that dates back to 1983, the biannual event features more than 200 vendors that cater solely to the wedding industry. Thousands of visitors pack the George R. Brown for cake samples, décor, flowers, 13 fashion shows, multiple Instagram walls for selfies, speaker presentations on the latest bridal fashion and trends, and entertainment from Houston’s top wedding professionals, per a release.

New this year, vintage trucks and trailers will be transformed into drink and catering stations. Other new vendors include BachLit, which promises “the ultimate bachelorette party planning service,” and bachelorette party outfits from the And a Little Hope Boutique.

Also on the program is a “What You Need to Know Now!” wedding seminar for VIP Brides on Saturday and Sunday. The first 100 VIP Brides will also score signature swag bags with complimentary gifts from sponsors and vendors.

No detail is spared, from the getaway car to the honeymoon, wedding party, and more, and brides and couples will receive a digital list of all of their favorite vendors with a BrideScan app which allows engaged couples to connect with wedding professionals via a QR code.

Always a big draw, formal fashion shows hit the 60-foot runway stage all weekend. On Sunday from 3:45 pm– 5 pm, guests will be treated to an immersive fashion show experience for a grand finale.

Speaking of fashion, brides-to-be and their squads are encouraged to dress to impress on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, where they’ll join the show onstage to create a TikTok video. Bridal parties squads can also post pics on Instagram, tag @bridalextravaganza, and use #bridesquad2022. The bride squad with the most likes will win a travel card; winners will be announced on Monday, July 25.

As always, the show promises big giveaways for those tying the knot. Top prizes this year include romantic honeymoons, shopping sprees, a bachelorette weekend at the Westin of The Woodlands, a weekend escape at Deer Lake Lodge, and more.

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The Bridal Extravaganza Show; George R. Brown Convention Center; 1001 Avenida De Las Americas. Hours are 10 am-5 pm Saturday, and 11 am-5 pm Sunday, July 24. For tickets and more information, visit the official site.

The biggest bridal bash in the U.S. is back in Houston.

Photo courtesy of Bridal Extravaganza Show

The biggest bridal bash in the U.S. is back in Houston.

weddings shopping young-professionals trends inspiration

FALL FÊTE

Texas luxury boutique collabs with Houston designer for new fashion brand

Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard teams up with Houston designer Lyndsey Zorich for Love Note.

River Oaks District boutique Saint Bernard is getting ready for fall with a new collection created with Houston style veteran Lyndsey Zorich. The fashion-forward retailer and the founder and designer of Mason's Daughter teamed up to launch Love Note by Lyndsey Zorich, a new Saint Bernard-owned brand.

Saint Bernard doesn't usually collaborate with local designers on its own brands, making this partnership with Zorich special. She was involved in everything from creative direction and textile development to fabrication and production. Shoppers can expect a feminine collection with a playful take on everyday dressing for women who want to look put together, but not too serious.

Love Note officially launches on Thursday, September 10 at Saint Bernard stores in Houston, Dallas, Southlake, San Antonio, and Austin, as well as online. Customers will have to be patient, because another unique aspect of this collaboration is that the entire collection won’t debut at once. Instead, the brand will roll out in a series of monthly drops, each having its own seasonal point of view.

Saint Bernard x Lyndsey Zorich Love Note by Lyndsey Zorich is available at Saint Bernard stores in Houston, Dallas, Southlake, San Antonio, and Austin, plus online.Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard

The Kick Off is the first drop in September. It is a game day-inspired collection with pieces designed for fall sports and weekend road trips. In October, The Lean In will debut with more feminine silhouettes, followed by Getting Comfortable, which focuses on the perfect layering pieces for Texas’s warm fall weather.

A longtime Saint Bernard shopper herself, Zorich's unique style and Texas perspective gave her a greater understanding of what Texas customers want.

“Getting dressed has always been one of my favorite forms of self-expression, and Love Note allowed me to take that idea from concept all the way through the finished product,” said Zorich. "Saint Bernard felt like the right partner, because I genuinely understand and love their customers. Love Note is meant to bring a little more playfulness to getting dressed, pieces that feel personal, special, and bring joy to everyday life.”

That individual connection is what Saint Bernard wanted in this project. According to Ashleigh Goyer, director of owned brands for Saint Bernard, the store wanted a new way for Saint Bernard to give customers something both recognizable and unexpected.

"She shares her perspective, her lifestyle, and her love of fashion, and she has an incredible ability to make getting dressed feel effortless and personal," said Goyer.

lyndsey zorich river oaks district houston shopping saint bernard houston