Iredell Living: Living the Good Life (January 2018)

Statesville Bridal Expo - A Civic Center Extravaganza!

by Kristie Darling

Love is in the air! And there is no better place to celebrate the joys and festivities that romantic love manifests than at the Statesville Bridal Expo. This hugely popular wintertime celebration of all things weddings is one of the longest running bridal shows in our area. Held each year at the Statesville Civic Center in Historic Downtown Statesville, the Sunday afternoon show this February 18th (2018) brings excited couples, their eager bridesmaids and groomsmen, and of course, their helpful sisters, cousins, mothers, and grandmothers to preview, sample, taste, and try out all that is available for couples in love. It's the most beautiful show in town!

Celebrating Weddings Year 'Round

Some brides have been planning their wedding day since they were little girls; many begin planning just as soon as the engagement ring is in place. Some couples take a leisure approach, with a bit of planning here and there over a longer time. It doesn't matter your style or your season, this February bridal show is perfect. Statesville's Expo is just the right size, too. All wedding ideas are there on display, but not so much that couples are overwhelmed. It's a fun day out to this about love!

For every couple, important considerations are: Where should we have the wedding and reception? Who will we invite? Will it be an intimate family and friend's affair or a kick-up-your-heels party for 500? Should we serve dinner with dancing to follow? In the city or the country? All these questions (and many more that you haven't even thought of yet) can be answered in this one afternoon. "Our vendors go all out putting their displays together," Amye Burks, Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Civic Center, explained. "It's amazingly beautiful here during the Expo, and we are always delighted with the creativity and time that is put into making this event one of the best in the region." The Statesville Civic Center team, along with the help of sponsors and partners, such as Holiday Inn Express, Events Unlimited, Johnson Greenhouses, DJ Superfly, and Sharpe House, all in Statesville, make this special event come together. Heather Krumroy at Events Unlimited does here magic throughout the show and provides decorating ideas you can create through party rentals. A striking cadre of footmen in full formal dress from the Sharpe House next door serve as official greeters and escorts. Keith Rhyne, Sharpe House Site Manager, opens the historic home during the Expo as an extension of the Civic Center's festivities for light refreshments and tours, a delightful wedding venue to see in itself.

All the latest trends and traditional possibilities overflow from Expo booths. You'll find ideas suited to the diverse weddings that Amye hosts each year at the Civic Center - from many cultures and couples and families of all persuasions. "Perhaps our most astounding Civic Center wedding entrance was the groom who rode an elephant here!" She told me.

Continue reading the full Statesville Living Magazine article from January 2018 here.

2025 Statesville Wedding Expo

Organized by the Statesville Civic Center, the Statesville Wedding Expo is one of the longest running bridal shows in the state and it just keeps getting better and better each year!

The Statesville Wedding Expo is your one-stop destination for all things wedding! Whether you're recently engaged or deep into wedding planning, our expo offers everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams.

Learn more about the 2025 Statesville Wedding Expo here.

About the Statesville Civic Center

The Statesville Civic Center stands as a vibrant hub of community engagement and cultural enrichment. Nestled in the heart of Statesville, this facility serves as a versatile space where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate a diverse array of events and activities. The Statesville Civic Center hosts to an eclectic mix of gatherings, including concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and events. Its welcoming atmosphere fosters connections and a strong sense of civic pride, making it an integral part of Statesville's social fabric. Whether hosting educational forums or providing a platform for artistic expression, the Statesville Civic Center undoubtedly embodies the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines the essence of a tight-knit community. 

Learn more about the Statesville Civic Center or contact us here