On Saturday, April 10, Brookfield’s Grand Boulevard shops are reaching out to brides for the second year in a row. From noon to 4 p.m., the Grand Prairie Crossing business district will be hosting “Brides on the Boulevard,” an event where local store owners will be meeting with brides in hopes of bringing business to Brookfield.
“Between all the marketing we’ve done, whether it’s mailings or on Facebook, or emails, we’re doing this as a service to brides and the community,” said Christopher Borzym, owner of Christopher Mark Fine Flowers & Gifts.
Borzym said that these events bring people into Brookfield, exposing them to local shops and businesses.
“Brides said to us last year, ‘We never knew this strip of shops existed,'” said Borzym. “People come from all over, and I booked four weddings last year, just at this event.”
On the poster for the event is a bride who grew up in Brookfield but lived in downtown Chicago. She attended last year’s event and ended up using four of the local vendors at her wedding, including Borzym.
“The excitement is there, because even if it is cold and wet, we get very positive feedback from brides and in the community,” he said.
Last year, the event was deemed a success despite the inclement weather. Borzym hopes better weather will bring even more prospective shoppers to Brookfield.
“This is just one marketing tool the Grand-Prairie business district is using to get the word out,” Borzym said. “Whether or not people are shopping, just being in town and getting them here is great for us.”
The participating shops include Christopher Mark Fine Flowers & Gifts, Salt Creek Wine Bar, To Do or Dye Hair Salon, Le Grand Décor Ltd., Emerald Bay Jewelry & Design, Brennan Spa & Massage and Bon Bon Babeez.
Weather permitting, there will be an opera singer going around the shops, singing as the event is taking place. There will also be models wearing gowns or bridesmaids’ dresses and holding bouquets as they walk up and down the street.
In addition to answering questions and offering advice on wedding arrangements, some of the shop owners will be offering raffle prizes, including a bridal bouquet, jewelry and even a wedding dress.
“I just like that it’s a community event,” Borzym said. “It brings people into Brookfield. Whether it’s six or 60, it brings people here from all over to see what we have.”
