Some women long for the day when they become a bride and ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after with their one true love. They dream for the day and imagine it in all its perfection — until the reality of making that perfect day match their dream hits them in the midst of a Bridezilla moment. There is no question that the preparation for a wedding can be a stressful event, but you can breathe easy. Help is on the way!

The 7th Annual Bridal Extravaganza at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux, sponsored by Up & Coming Weekly and Fayetteville Women’s View, is a unique one-stop location for all of your bridal needs. The event is on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux.

“This is our seventh year and we are known for having the largest group of vendors,” said Heidi Politi, sales manager of The Holiday Inn Bordeaux. “We work for a whole year toward this event and it takes the whole team to support it.”

Politi added that it is an opportunity for brides and grooms from across the region to come and see the various vendors who can fulfill all of their needs. Also on hand is every bride’s best friend, event planners! Event planners who can ensure that everything is covered from the perfect cake to keeping the flower girl in line to ensuring the reception rocks will also participate in the expo.

“We have the largest facility (in the area) with 15 different event rooms and 33,000 square feet of meeting and event space,” said Politi. “It takes a lot to fill it and on any given day we could do four weddings.”

The event first began as The Holiday Inn marketing their meeting/event space, but over time, the event became a much anticipated annual event with brides calling frequently to make sure they didn’t miss the event.

“We’ve kept our ticket prices very low purposefully because we wanted to make sure that everyone gets a chance to come” said Politi. “It is a day of lots of door prizes. We probably have in excess of 60 door prizes.”

To register for the drawings, attendees will receive a flyer at the registration desk. As attendees visit the vendors, they will collect a signature from the vendor and when their card is complete, they can drop it in the basket for a chance to win one of the many great prizes.

What is the most dramatic moment at a wedding? That moment when the bride takes her first step into the room in her gorgeous gown and makes her walk down the aisle. To ensure that local brides have the ability to see the latest in wedding gowns, the expo is hosting three fashion shows, with one of the shows geared to mens formal wear. Of course, one show will feature top-of-the-line gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

In total there are 42 exhibit booths featuring everything from performers to bouquets and centerpieces, as well as tastings of cakes and appetizers. Of course, there will also be demonstrations of perfect bridal hair and makeup, as well as entertainment to make your reception unforgettable.

“We try to stay up with the latest trends— and there are a lot of them — that are announced on websites like WeddingWire.com and Pinterest,” said Politi. “They are the top websites for brides.”

All brides will receive complimentary gift bags.

“It’s a great day and it is always so exciting but it is an enormous amount of work,” said Politi.

Tickets are $3 in advance and $7 at the door. Exhibit booths are $300. For more information and to R.S.V.P., call 323-0111.

Photo: 7th Annual Bridal Expo at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux helps make your dream day a reality.