So many different little details can contribute to a couple’s “big day.”

With so many options and decisions available, wedding shows and bridal expos can be a great resource for brides-to-be.

“Couples can find everything they need to plan their wedding,” said Ashley Noe, wedding show and event coordinator at the Hy-Vee Conference Center.

Noe said wedding shows can be like a “one-stop planning shop” for a wedding. Engaged couples can find everything they need in one day, taking the pressure off of the planning process.

The Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines, is hosting the Everything Bridal Show on Sept. 12. This event will have more than 100 vendors and a live fashion show featuring the latest styles in gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos and formal wear.

The Hy-Vee Conference Center has been hosting this event every January and September since 2003.

“Weddings have become such a big business,” she said. Noe works to coordinate all aspects of the event, from selling booth space to vendors to organizing the fashion show and creating advertisements for the event.

The vendors at the wedding show will display their businesses’ photography, florists, wedding cakes, invitations, limousine rental, catering services, banquet facilities and more. This open-house style show allows brides and couples to come and explore the event for as little or as long as they like.

Bride-to-be Valerie Pitts said she has never been to a wedding show before, but would consider attending one to help her plan for her wedding.

“A bridal expo would give me the chance to meet with multiple vendors all in one place, giving me some ideas about what I might like at my own wedding,” Pitts said.

Pitts and her fiance, Josh Strehle, both of West Des Moines, were engaged April 10 in Des Moines. The couple plans to marry May 14, 2011, at St. Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines.

Come prepared

For brides or couples planning to attend an upcoming bridal expo, Noe had a few tips to make the experience easier:

Before you attend a wedding show or bridal expo, researching some of the vendors showcasing their services. The website for the Everything Bridal Show had links to every vendor’s website and information.

It might also be a good idea to bring note cards or something to write on. These events often showcase multiple businesses for each service so brides might want to write down information about each vendor to help remember.

The vendors will have take-away pieces and possible give-a-ways at their booth.

Because of all the possible drawings and give-a-ways, brides should type up their own labels to bring to the show. These labels should have the couples’ name, address, phone number, e-mail address and wedding date. Without labels, brides might find themselves filling out a lot of sign-up sheets during the show.