Dresses, caterers, and florists, oh my!

With the arrival of the new year, engagements announced over the holidays are in full swing.

Brides to be — mark Saturday, Jan. 15, on your calendars for the first Southern Charm Wedding Expo at the Ringgold Depot.

“We are so excited to have a bridal fair at the Depot,” Depot coordinator Pam Green said. “It is going to be a great event for the entire community.”

The event will feature local caterers, bakeries, florists, dress boutiques and tuxedo shops, photographers, venues, wedding/event planners, bridal jewelry and gifts, and more.

“The wedding expo will benefit the city in a number of ways,” Ringgold marketing coordinator Meaghan Dant said. “It will bring people into downtown, promote local businesses, and reconnect Ringgold’s wedding history.”

The event is being funded by the Downtown Development Authority, and all vendor fees will be given to the DDA to be used for façade grants.

Guests to the wedding expo will see live modeling of bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns, and tuxes. There will also be food samples and door prizes.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

For more information and a list of vendors visit www.cityofringgold.com under the “Events” heading, or call 706-935-5290, or visit the city’s Facebook page.