More than 60 brides-to-be, along with a host of moms and friends, turned out for the first bridal event hosted by Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, in Birmingham Baptist Association.
Several brave grooms-to-be also took part in the event, held Jan. 31.
“This event was designed to help brides in planning not just a wedding but, more importantly, a marriage,” said Jeanne Wear, co-chairperson of the event.
Many attendees sat in on one or more of the event’s four wedding workshops. Instructors from Dawson Memorial Baptist’s marriage preparation class discussed In-laws, Not Outlaws; Reality Marriage: What Hollywood Doesn’t Tell You; Expectations; and Wedding Planning From the Inside Out.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea to combine biblical truths with practical things for planning a wedding,” said Meg Coats, who attended the event in preparation for her upcoming wedding. “Since I’ve been engaged, I’ve realized how this is such a crucial time in a bride’s life. Churches don’t always have a lot of formal things to offer.”
More than 20 local vendors set up displays in the fellowship hall, where attendees were also treated to a “fashion walk” featuring gowns from a local wedding store. Women of the church modeled the gowns while mingling with the crowd.
Those in attendance were also able to sample wedding cakes and reception fare, see a variety of arrangements from several florists and thumb through albums created by professional photographers.
“I liked the intimacy of the space and the fact that the vendors were limited. You’re able to visit with potential clients,” said Dianne Walters, an event planner.
The occasion also served to promote Together for Life, Dawson’s 13-week class for engaged couples and newlyweds.
“By giving them a small preview of the Together for Life classes, we hoped to encourage their participation in this course provided by the church. These classes address issues that can help couples pursue a Christian marriage that glorifies God,” Wear said.
In the class, married couples serve as mentors, teaching topics that include relationships with in-laws, spiritual unity, conflict resolution, finance, love languages and expectations.
For more information about the class, call the church at 205-871-7324. (TAB)
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