Sigma Society bridal show turns 40

The Sigma Society at Northwest Missouri State University will host its 40th annual bridal show, themed "I Loved Her First," from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 2, at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets cost $5, and proceeds benefit the Children and Family Center of Northwest Missouri. To purchase tickets, email co-chairs Megan Dunkin or Savannah Campbell at sigmabridal@gmail.com.

This year's show will feature more than 20 vendors representing bridal boutiques, florists and cosmetic and fashion companies.

Dunkin noted that one of the vendors, Kansas City-based Elm’s Resort and Spa, was recently voted best new vendor of the year by The Knot , a leading wedding planning magazine.

The show will also feature businesses catering to budget-conscious brides, such as Romancing the Gowns, a consignment shop specializing in worn-once wedding apparel. Decorations for the event are being provided by Upcycled Weddings, which also offers recycled or reusable merchandise.

This will be the fourth year that the bridal show has been held in support of the Children and Family Center, a local shelter serving the victims of domestic abuse. The event has evolved into the shelter's largest annual fundraiser.

"They help so many people in Maryville," Dunkin said. "We go and clean up and do whatever they need, because they just need a lot of help, and there are so few places for unfortunate families to go."

The Sigma Society is a women's student service organization that promotes academics, community involvement and leadership. In addition to the bridal show, the group also sponsors Project Warmth, an awareness and fundraising initiative benefitting the homeless, and Girl Scout Day.

"Essentially we're a service organization that’s tight like a sorority," Dunkin said. "I think you just get more opportunities when you’re in an organization and do something to occupy your time that’s good for the community."