For those about to enter into marriage, tying the knot can mean tying up a significant amount of funds.

Fortunately, the Bridal Extravaganza held Sunday in the Student Center offered options for couples struggling through rough economic times.

More than 250 brides-to-be, hopeful girlfriends and a few willing groomsmen filled the Student Center ballrooms for the 18th annual Bridal Extravaganza.

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Susan Coriasco, deputy director of the Student Center, said staff members began planning the event back in October, starting with getting the word out to possible vendors and then advertising to the public once the vendors were registered.

‘After break, we went from 14 vendors to 20 in one week,’ Coriasco said.’ ‘Once winter break is over, it is crunch time for planning the bridal show.’

Vendors such as disc jockeys, florists, cake decorators and photographers showcased their businesses in efforts to land clients.

Coriasco said the economic crisis was expected to hurt the event’s attendance, but said she was pleased that many couples were booking vendors.

‘ ‘Now I can relax,’ Coriasco said once the show was under way.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

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Meredith Stine and Joshua Wilson, a newly engaged couple studying political science, were planning their July 2010 wedding. They said they took advantage of the choices shown at the Bridal Extravaganza.

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Stine said she had a lot of ideas, but was at a loss about where to start. ‘

‘It’s been a long journey,’ Stine said. ‘I never thought I’d get married and now here I am.’

She said there is so much involved when planning a wedding and seeing a lot of options in one place helps a bride see what she really likes and dislikes.

‘I had to get started right away so I can get over my own indecision.’

Businesses such as A Special Occasion, Kathleen’s Bridal, Formal Wear and Christine’s Bridal all put models on the runway with bridal wear from flower girl dresses to wedding gowns.’ ‘

Shannon Crain, a first-year law student from Ava, modeled a Christine’s Bridal wedding gown with a platinum accent color. Crain said working with Christine’s Bridal has been a great opportunity for her. ‘

She said she was not engaged, but that when the day came she would be fully prepared because of her bridal expertise.

‘I get to come and play dress-up and by the time I do get married I’ll have it all down,’ Crain said. ‘I could plan it in a week.’

Rachel Snow can be reached at 536-3311 or [email protected].