Though the Palace Wedding Show is, as with traditional bridal shows, aimed mostly upon the brides, the grooms have plenty to look forward towards according to O’Bryan, such as a grooms’ lounge up in the marquee on the second floor, where the future husbands and their buddies will find “a whole slew of ‘mancentric’ items… from Derby City Chop Shop, Bourbon Barrel Rehab, Kentucky Gentlemen Cigars… bourbon tasting… pool table,” though no burlesque dancers, as the producers don’t wish to cause any “premarital fighting” between the bride and groom, though the idea may be considered in future shows should this first outing be a home run out of Louisville Slugger Field. While no one will be taking their clothes off for money that night, O’Bryan said that it was important to welcome in the grooms as well as the brides, “the guys play[ing] just as much a part in the wedding and the marriage as the ladies do” in 2013.
Downstairs in the theatre, O’Bryan explained that there would be a mock-up for a wedding ceremony, which would be a part of a wedding package being offered by The Palace starting this year. The mock-up will feature ceremony music by the Highlands Chamber Players, Sam Meyers Formal Wear, Blackstone Bridal & Prom and Couture Closet Bridal Boutique will provide wedding fashions, and Boston's Floral Couture and Events LLC will demonstrate stage and stair design. Meanwhile, the second floor bar area will have lighting from PartyZone Productions to help transform and showcase the space for guests. Murphy noted that the bar was the most customizable space out of The Palace, due to the lack of customizability with the remaining areas.
Regarding why couples should consider the historic venue, “the magnitude of the theater – it’s about the experience of getting married in The Palace… where else do you find this in the city,” O’Bryan stated. Furthermore, “[the couples] don’t have to do a lot of décor… It’s a really fun, whimsical place to host. And… since not everybody and their mother has hosted their wedding at The Palace, it’s time that we open the doors to those brides.” As a demonstration of this idea, the entirety of the 1920s theater will be open to brides and grooms attending that evening, where vendors will be distributed on the mezzanine, the grooms’ lounge, the theatre, the lobby and the second floor bar area. This is so guests can get an idea of what all can be rented for a wedding, allowing the bride to use her imagination regarding floor plans for the wedding and the reception.
Brides and grooms will have also have plenty of opportunities for prizes and giveaways from the vendors at the show, including two boudoir photography packages from Boudoir Louisville (Armbrust's boudoir photography studio), discounts on wedding packages from Four Leaf Photography (Murphy’s main photography business), and so forth.
Murphy encourages brides to pre-register at the Palace Wedding Show website up to the day of the show for free admission, along with their grooms, with the possibility of drink tickets for those 21 and over. As for those not heading to the chapel anytime soon, yet are interested in having a good time at The Palace, $5.00 will get them through the door.
For more information on The Louisville Palace Wedding Show, as well as to pre-register for free admission, visit the official website at www.palaceweddingshow.com, or email them at info@palaceweddingshow.com, or call them at 502-736-1249. You can also follow the event on its Facebook page and on Twitter.
Photos: Courtesy of Sydney O'Bryan and Ryan Ambrust, and Facebook/The Louisville Palace Wedding Show.
