The 2nd Annual Day of the Diva Women’s Expo & Bridal Showcase was on Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 at the Westin Resort in Rancho Mirage.  This was a great show with some very unique ideas that appealed to a wider audience than just brides-to-be.  You can check out a video of the expo here.

Location

Rancho Mirage is in the Palm Springs area and has a steadily growing population.  The wedding industry is building up out there and neighborhoods are being built and sold all over Yucaipa, Joshua Tree, 29 Palms, and Indio.  The Westin Resort and Spa was BEAUTIFUL!  It was huge and had a great entrance, helpful staff, it was easy to find, and had free parking!  The hotel was so big that the ballroom, foyer, and an extra bachelorette room (which I will talk more about later) were all bustling.

Vendors

There were 58 vendors at this show, which I think is the best size.  The show at Knott’s a couple weeks ago was too small with only about 30 vendors and the Brideworld show had over 100, which was overwhelming!  The variety of vendors was unmatched.  Aside from all the typical wedding vendors like bakeries and DJs, there was a shoe store, clothing, jewelry, mendhi, smoothies (yum!), an interior designer, and even someone threading eyebrows on the spot!  There was one DJ MCing the entire event including the great door prizes and two fashion shows.  There was a wedding planning package give-away (from this company called Planning Elegance, I think I’ve heard of them before), free interior design consultation, free smoothies, free cake, and prizes for games.  The layout of the vendors was the best thing (compliments to Ms. Linda Jenks) because it wasn’t up and down aisles, but in unique flower shapes so that every vendor had equal opportunity to greet guests.

The Crowd

Diversity!  There were people of all ages and nationalities at this event, it was great.  Many people brought their children to shop for wallets, shoes, and clothes while some couples scoped out vendors for their upcoming wedding.  During the wedding dress game, the guests were enthusiastic and enjoyed participating.  Below is a picture of the winner of the wedding dress game posing on a set up from Plural ID in a tissue paper wedding gown and veil.

Energy

Great energy was brought by the coordinator of the event (Linda Jenks, Day of the Diva) and by several of the vendors there.  Elaine Swann, San Diego’s Lifestyle and Etiquette Expert, brought some enthusiasm to the show through her NBC spotlight.  Dr. Boogie, from Bravo’s Sheer Genius, also pumped up the crowd and the vendors.

The most exciting and unique exhibit which set this show apart was the Bachelorette Party exhibit provided by Plural ID.  Yes, there means that Stephanie Cook, HG TV’s 2008 Design Star Finalist, was at the show posing for pictures and entertaining questions and comments about her unique exhibit.  There were 3 set-ups of in-home bachelorette party ideas along with game and gift ideas.  One of Plural ID’s set-ups is below with a bright blue and black theme, the answer is yes…those are handcuffs and a whip!  This was couples with a wedding dress game headed up by yours truly and Planning Elegance, but the energy was from the great participants we had (the winner si pictured above).

Overall, this show was wonderful and Planning Elegance will definetely be co-hosting the next OC Day of the Diva show in Anaheim on Sunday, February 8th, 2009.  Details for this show can be found here and the Bachelorette Party exhibit, along with Stephanie Cook, Elaine Swann, and a LOT of shopping, will be there as well.  We will definitely have new vendors and features too!  We are also proud to announce that we are focusing on providing entertainment for children and men at this show as well, so feel free to bring anyone.  Happy expo hopping!

-Amy