Seminars, exhibits cover all aspects of wedding planning

Chicago Bridal Showcase 2007

Raffle Offers trip to The Crane in Barbados

An exciting week for two in Barbados will be the featured prize in raffles conducted at Chicago Bridal Showcase 2007, to be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, January 28, at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, IL.

The Showcase will also feature an unparalleled opportunity to talk with experts on all areas of wedding planning, making it a true one-stop shopping arena for brides to be and their families. This includes a set of seminars conducted by premiere wedding consultants, and exhibits mounted by leading boutiques and purveyors of wedding services.

The programs will conclude with a fashion show at 2 p.m., featuring the latest in bridal and resort clothing.

The winning couple in the raffle, which will also feature 50 bridal baskets worth $1,200 each in wedding products and services, will fly Air Jamaica to The Crane, one of the finest destinations in the Caribbean. The Crane, the Caribbean’s first resort hotel, was built on Barbados’ east coast in 1887 and fully restored and expanded in the 20th century. A truly unique property, it combines elegance, old-world charm and incredible natural beauty with a romantic sense of seclusion. Guests often feel they have retreated to a place where life is truly simpler. The property retains a distinctive historic and intimate feel, and the sophistication and old-world charm it has been noted for since it was first built. Secluded, with an incredibly beautiful location, the resort is set on a pink sand crescent beach, protected by a natural coral reef. It has half a mile of ocean frontage, and panoramic views of the blue Atlantic that fade into eternity. Combining this with an relaxed atmosphere and friendly, well-trained staff and The Crane is Barbados’ premiere get away and an ideal Honeymoon destination. Raffle winners must be present when their names are drawn, which will take place after the fashion show.

The seminars, being organized in part by Jane Skarosi, owner of Weddings … By Jane, will be from 11:30 to 1:30. Skarosi is one of 42 consultants worldwide who holds the coveted designation of "Master Bridal Consultant" from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She also is a member of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide (WBW) and holds their Certified Wedding Specialist (CWS) designation.

In addition to a panel of consultants, the seminar program will feature tips for handling life beyond the wedding given by an interior designer, a life coach and an organizer. 

The exhibition, which will be open throughout the showcase, will feature a full range of exclusive shops and services catering to brides and grooms, most located in the northern suburbs. This will include fashion boutiques for brides, grooms and all members of wedding parties, caterers, photographers, music, florists and suppliers of all other aspects of a perfect wedding day.

There is no charge to attend the Showcase.

For additional information, call event coordinator, Candice Kuhnen at 847/835-0121.