Here comes the bride!

Sunburst Media is stepping away from the microphone once again to showcase a desirable fantasy for many women in the Tri-parish areana bridal show.

Trapp Chevrolet in Houma is the titled sponsor for the sixth annual South Louisiana Women’s Expo and Bridal Showcase being held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center March 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission at the door is $5.

The customized event is ideal for brides-to-be, with caterers, rental facilities, wedding decorators, florists and designers all showcasing their wares.

Sunburst Media Assistant Sales Manager Paul Cook said there was an obvious need for a bridal showcase in the area.

“We have heard about bridal shows that were very successful in other metro areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and Houma had yet to join to fun,” he said.

The draw of venders has even reached outside the Terrebonne Parish area.

Because the demand is so great, a number of out-of-area vendors are planning to attend.

“The people really see a booming market in Houma,” he said. “We decided to put something together. There is an array of shops and businesses that cater to the bridal industry in this community. They all go together and we made the show happen.”

Visitors in the market for a wedding in the upcoming year will be able to get quotes on everything needednplus free samples, he said. “Young couples should be able to find everything they need to get started with,” Cook explained.

Across the southern region, the demand for the services of the wedding and bridal industry is much greater since the 2005 hurricane season.

“Especially after last year’s show,” Cook said. “We had people who signed up immediately wanting to participate in this year’s show.”

Sunburst Media’s team likes to let each individual vendor use their own personality and showcase what they want. “They know what sells in their business. We leave the presentation and showcasing totally up to them,” he said.

The event brings on-air customers and the public together for one common goal: Creating a memorable wedding.

“It’s something extra than just doing a radio show,” Cook said. “It’s getting our faces and our customer’s faces out to the public. Sometimes you can’t just get customers to come into your store. You have to bring your product out in the streets and get their attention that way.”

Past events have proven successful, and the expo continues to grow.

“This gives the vendors a chance to stand in the spotlight,” he continued. “We’ve sold a number of booths, which is proof of the demand.”

Some may think the broadcasting firm and bridal expo an odd marriage, but Cook says the relationship works well.

“Radio is a live medium and sometimes you have to show your face. We are a part of this community, but people don’t always know how we are,” he said.

Certified Radio Marketing Consultant Carmen Fontenot said in past years a coordinator handled the bridal show. Now Sunburst media employees have taken it upon themselves to handle the behind-the-scenes legwork.

Visitors to the expo will have a lot of chances to register to win all types of great prizes. There are nearly 70 businesses that will be at the civic center on the day of the show.

In addition, Sunburst Media is currently planning its bridal show for next year. Any vendors wanting to participate in the event should contact Cook at (985) 851-1020.