Lexington, S.C., florist Jennifer Pryor has asked local brides and grooms (past, present and future), their friends and family, and local wedding professionals to save the date for her “engagement party,” Tuesday, June 23.
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Jennifer Pryor, of White House Weddings, planned an engagement party to let brides get to know vendors in a fun, informal setting.No, she’s not tying the knot; she’s been happily married for 16 years. Instead the owner of White House Weddings is hosting a mixer to bring together everyone associated with weddings to celebrate the joy of matrimony.
The party will feature hors d’oeuvres from a local caterer, desserts from three local bakers, a photo booth from a local photographer, gift bags for the first 50 registrants, and lots of flowers (obviously). But the purpose, Pryor said, is to socialize and not sell — at least not overtly.
“It’s an informal gathering, not a bridal show,” she said, adding that the event is free. (Fellow vendors’ donations help offset her costs.)
She scheduled the event to deepen the relationships she has with various people in her community. “We thought it would be good to invite them to our place to get to know us better,” she said, explaining that people are more eager to work with businesses they know on a personal level.
Wedding days don’t afford her the opportunity to visit with other vendors, “as everyone is focused on the task at hand,” she said.
“Also we thought it would be a good opportunity to stay in touch with past brides and have them invite their engaged friends,” she said.
At press time, 75 people had already RSVPed yes.
