By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Tuesday, June 9, 2015
David Tutera is to weddings as Ryan Seacrest is to TV hosting. He's the man celebrities go to for their biggest day of their lives - until the next wedding, if need be. He sells branded books, candles and wedding gowns. He has two reality shows on WE-TV.
And now he wants to bring his expertise and knowledge to Atlanta for his first David Tutera Wedding Experience expo at the Georgia World Congress Center June 14. He has two more planned later this year in Houston and Philadelphia. If the Atlanta expo is successful, he hopes to return in 2016. (Tickets from $25 to $178 each available here.)
"Every vendor has been vetted and certified by us," said Tutera, who is in Atlanta today to work with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Cynthia Bailey for one of his shows "David Tutera Celebrations." "There will be no fly-by-night operations. Consumers know they're getting quality experts. We don't want to jeopardize our brand for revenue."
He will provide photo opportunities, the Cake Boss Buddy V, a cocktail lounge, a trends & tips stage, a photography art exhibit, a wedding catwalk and reception table designs. "I want people to have a great time and at the same time get real information, all the things I've seen missing [at other bridal shows] all wrapped into one," Tutera said.
And he will be everywhere, he said. There's a special VIP party on Friday at Terminus 330 for $129 . (Tix here.) On Sunday, he'll be around all day taking photographs and joining the fashion show.
Among the topics we broached:
- Flow. He is trying to create experiences that flow from the wedding itself to the reception to an afterparty all in one place. "You lose people going from location to location," he said.
- Wedding dresses get sexier. "We're going back to more glam. Low-cut necklines, plunging backlines, more sparkle. More glamor, more sex but appropriate and classic."
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
- Strange requests. People, he said, want cool entrances into the reception. One couple was lowered down by trapeze. Others want props and animals as they enter. "It's ridiculous," he said.
- Evergreens. The first dance. Dances with the parents. Presents. Toasts.
- Going away. Thank goodness. Bouquet toss and the garter removal.
- Coolest gizmo: The glam cam you see on E! red carpet specials is now available for you and me so you can have your photos taken in 3D fashion.
EVENT PREVIEW
Your Wedding Experience Presented by David Tutera
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
$25-$178
Georgia World Congress Center
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