With wedding season just a DJ and a few tuxedo rentals away, Kansas City brides need all the help they can get. As anyone who’s ever gotten married knows, even the most efficient couples can feel overwhelmed by the length of their to-do list. That’s why a handful of wedding merchants at Briarcliff Village are staging a free,day-long, intimate look into tips and trends for brides on Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.“Bridal shows and expos are a great source of information, but they can be daunting,” says Maggie Goldsborough, wedding consultant and owner of Salutations custom stationery. “If you really want to ask questions of someone who works in the industry, you have to talk to them one-on-one .”At the Briarcliff Bridal Show, brides can talk invitations and place-setting with Goldsborough. They can talk rings with Tivol, Kansas City’s premier jeweler. They’ll learn trade secrets from Shana Vaughn, a florist who’s been featured for her wedding designs on local news shows. Sugar Mamma’s wedding cakes (think Cake Boss), seasoned photographer Allison Marie, and international stylist Carolina Coleman from Eclektica are just some of the Briarcliff merchants who will host seminars, demonstrations, Q&As and more.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. at Latte Land. At noon and 3 p.m., special guest merchant the Gown Gallery (1901 Main Street in the Crossroads) will send in models for two runway shows, featuring the hottest bridal styles of the season. Held at Piropos and Trezo Mare restaurants respectively, these shows also offer brides the chance to scope out two elegant reception venues.

In addition, brides who visit every vendor will be entered in a drawing to win one of eight high-dollar prizes:

• $500 gift certificate to the Gown Gallery
• $500 gift certificate to Briarcliff Village
• Free engagement photo session with Allison Marie
• Free wedding hair and makeup with Eclektica Salon
• $1000 gift certificate to Burleson Orthedontics
• Free Day of Serenity at the Spa
• Free men’s wedding band from the Scott Kay Cobalt Collection from Tivol
• One night stay valued up to $200 at the Main Street Inn Bed and Breakfast in Historic Downtown Parkville courtesy Farmers Insurance-The Bower Group

“We want to offer brides a simple, fun day where they can get the answers they need,” Goldsborough says. “Whether it’s learning about trends or having a chance to connect with a good vendor, we hope they’ll leave feeling more prepared and focused on the excitement of their big day.”