Tovi Pare is hosting her third annual Bridal Fair and Women’s Expo this Sunday at the Elks Hall.
Pare is a hairdresser and make-up artist who has parlayed her skills into a successful home-based business that fits in well with raising two pre-school daughters.
Her business is called Event Essentials and provides planning services and essentials such as linens, chair covers, arches, decorations, wine glasses and the like on loan for special events such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.
Pare has been a hair and make-up artist for nine years, but for the past three years she has brought her skills to her clients rather than having them come to her.
This service is appreciated by couples planning weddings in remote locations such as lodges or on ranches or at rural resorts.
She can handle hair and make-up for a wedding party of up to five women. If the wedding party is larger she will call on her team of helpers for assistance.
She says basic nail care, massage and a brunch can also be included in the packages she offers.
During the past three years since starting her business Pare estimates she has planned and helped out with some 30 weddings. Her husband and parents take care of the children when she is working.
This Sunday will be the third annual Women’s Expo and Bridal Fair Pare has organized or the community.
Last year, she says more than 300 people attended the event and she already has many people registered for this Sunday’s fair.
“It’s catching on,” Pare says.
The Bridal Fair and Women’s Expo will feature 30 business exhibitors, a fashion show, concession, fitness participation demonstration events, as well as two grand prizes.
The event takes place at the Elks Hall this Sunday, Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
From 11:30 a.m. to noon Satya Yoga Studio will hold a free yoga class. From 1 to 1:30 p.m. Curves will host a free Zumba dance exercise class.
The fashion show starts at 2 p.m. with all types of fashions for women, as well as some alternate bridal stylings.
Fashion show participants include Tu Tu Temptations from Prince George which makes bridal gowns with the tu tu influence, Designer Consigner, Dandelion Expressions, Satya Yoga Studio and Tickled Pink Beauty Bar.
CJs Southwestern Grill will have a concession running where people can stop and have lunch or a snack between events and visiting the vendors that will feature everything from beauty and fitness aids to fashion, jewelry, planning and other resources for women in general and brides to be in particular.
Most of the exhibitors are listed on Pare’s web site the Cariboo Wedding Directory.
She says a bride can go to the web site and find all sorts of resources to start planning her wedding.
The $7 entry fee to Sunday’s event includes a chance to win one of two grand prizes.
Pare says all of the exhibitors are donating a gift for the draw.
These gifts will be divided into two big prizes, one for the Women’s Expo visitors and one for the Bridal Fair visitors.
People will register their category at the door when they arrive.
Kids Running for Kids will talk a bit about their project after the fashion show and the draw will be made at about 2:30 p.m., Pare says. She notes people need to be in attendance to win.
She says the grand prizes will be advertised in the Tribune Weekend this Friday.