HOBART | Brides-to-be gathered Sunday at Avalon Manor to look for ways to make their upcoming nuptials more memorable.

The Shore Bridal Showcase sponsored by The Times and Shore Bride magazine featured more than 70 vendors showcasing everything from bridal fashions and accessories to beverage menus, transportation, photography and music services.

"We're thrilled with the turnout, it's our best show yet," said Shore Bride managing editor Julia Perla.

Vendors came from as far as Southwest Michigan to take part in the wedding event, hoping to "tap into the Chicago market," Perla said.

Highland's Avanti Limousines was hoping to tap into a demand for its upscale, 18-seat Limousine Party Bus complete with a 42-inch plasma TV and surround-sound stereo system.

"This is the ultimate party right here," said Kenn Timm, Avanti's supervisor of operations.

Parked in "limousine row" just outside the Avalon entrance, brides and their guests were treated to tours of the bus and the experience of what Timm says is one of the biggest advantages over a standard limo.

"It's easy to board and unboard," he said. "Brides don't have to crouch down when they enter."

Blair Benson already has her transportation taken care of. The North Judson bride with a November wedding date was more interested in what options were available in photography and cakes.

"You can taste cakes here," she said. "And I don't have a cake yet."

Benson was accompanied by one of her bridesmaids at the event, as were most of the future brides.

But you didn't have to look that hard to find a groom in the crowd patiently perusing booths with his bride in search of that perfect wedding invitation or centerpiece.

For Keith Henry, this was one of several bridal shows he's attended over the weekend with his fiancée, Christine Paunicka.

The couple have a wedding date set for September at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton. Thanks to the Shore Bridal Showcase, the couple now have their photographer and disc jockey in place.

"It's nice here because you get to see the different vendors and get comfortable with them," Henry said.

Joining the couple during their search for the perfect way to complete their wedding was the mother of the bride, Nancy Paunicka.

For her, the showcase was bittersweet.

"It's hard to think of my daughter as grown up," she said. "But it's fun to see her making decisions. She might not be a little girl, but she wants to be a princess."