Here come the brides

Despite the struggling economy, double-digit unemployment and a record number of foreclosures, it seems there will always be weddings.

"A bride is still a bride," said Debbie Rutledge, co-owner of Elizabeth's Bridal and Formal Wear in Lake Placid. "Girls dream about it their whole lives."

But brides might be more frugal now in planning for the big day, and businesses that cater to the wedding industry realize that.

"They are watching their dollars," Rutledge said.

Elizabeth's Bridal and Formal Wear has been a full-service bridal shop for six months.

Rutledge said an entire wedding party can be outfitted, including bridal shoes, jewelry and purses.

Rutledge said women can get dresses "at a great price" and personal service at her shop and not to have to make at least a couple of trips to the "big chains" in Orlando and Fort Myers.

Complete alterations are available at her shop, which she said has pageant, prom and homecoming dresses. The business also sells men's suits.

The Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring will have more weddings this year than the previous two years, according to Tenille Lee, sales manager.

The historic hotel is offering brides more options. Lee said a wedding party can bring in their own food and set up their own bar as long as they are giving the drinks away.

Lee said the cost of using the Plantation Room, which holds up to 200 people, on a Friday or Saturday is $1,400 for the entire day. The hotel will set up the tables and chairs, provide floor-length white linens and table skirting.

On an "off day" (Sunday through Thursday) the Plantation goes for $800.

The smaller Cabaret Room, which has seating for 75 people, can be booked for $700 on a Friday or Saturday and $500 Sunday through Thursday.

The hotel has 13 weddings that have been either scheduled or held this year. The Kenilworth had nine weddings in 2008 and eight in 2007.

Lee noted that the hotel's pool area is being renovated. There will be seating for 200 people for weddings. The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The Kenilworth is hosting the Central Florida Bridal Gala on Oct. 5.

This will be the fifth year for the event. A total of 30 vendors have signed up so far and Lee expects a few more to get in at the last minute.

The number of vendors has remained basically the same since the gala began.

"It is definitely tougher times for some more than others," Lee said.

The show has averaged 60 to 70 brides and approximately 300 people attending, Lee said.