Holiday Engagements Make West Des Moines Cash Registers Ring in January, the Wedding World's 'Black Friday'

With 43 percent of all engagements in the United States occurring between Thanksgiving and January, wedding planners and related businesses are in the midst of what the Washington Post called the “month-long equivalent of Black Friday in the wedding world.”

Indeed, there have been three wedding shows in nine days in West Des Moines and the Des Moines metro area, the most recent a huge extravaganza at the Hy-Vee Conference Center

Here’s our virtual wedding fair, from the West Des Moines Patch Business Directory. Many of them are locally owned small businesses.

Schaffer’s Bridal Shop: For more than 55 years, the professional and attentive staff at this bridal boutique has been providing personalized services to help shoppers select their perfect wedding and bridesmaids dresses, accessories and tuxedos for their special day. Professional designers and tailors are on staff for alterations or to create a customized one-of-a-kind design.

Selina’s Bridal Boutique: Selina's Bridal Boutique is a one-stop for all your wedding, prom and formal wear needs. We have a selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses,
flower girl dresses, mom's dresses, cocktail dresses,
formal wear for men, shoes, veils and tiaras.

David’s Bridal Shop: This is a branch of the national chain. David's Bridal offers a variety of services to brides-to-be and those looking for formal wear. David's Bridal offers everything from wedding dresses to bridesmaids dresses to invitations, accessories and more.

Weddings By Design: Weddings by Design is a full service bridal boutique and tuxedo shop. It offers a selection of gowns, veils and jewelry. The shop also provides invitations, bridesmaids dresses and tuxedos. It features designer gowns such as Maggie Sottero, Martia Liana and Sophia Tolli.

Magnolia 105 by Divine Flowers: Magnolia 105 by Divine Flowers provides floral arrangements for weddings, parties and other occasions. This establishment also offers rentals for special events, including wedding arches, aisle decorations, tables, chairs, back drops, linens and other items.

The Florist on 5th: The Florist On 5th is a locally-owned floral and gift shop in the heart of historic Valley Junction. Selling a variety of flower arrangements for any occasion, The Florist on 5th can accommodate a wide variety of arrangements, bouquets and centerpieces.

Petal Perfect Custom Flowers: The shop offers beautiful flower arrangements for every occasion including birthdays, Mother's Day, weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and much more. Employees are able to make custom arrangements for any budget.

Specialty Cakes and More: This bakery is run from a private residence. Operating largely through recommendations, the small team at this mom-and-pop contracts for occasional weddings and special occasions.

Nan’s Nummies Nan's Nummies is located in the historic Valley Junction area and has been serving the West Des Moines area since 1988. The company started by offering 15 different kinds of cookies and has now broadened to offer wedding cakes and other specialitis.

Let Them Eat Cake: Let Them Eat Cake is the culmination of a dream for owner and head baker Vicente Diaz. Founded in 2006, Diaz and LTEC prepare a good deal of wedding cakes for local couples. Diaz invites engaged couples to come in for a tasting and consultation.

Melody’s Makings: Melody's Makings is a custom tailor of mens' and womens' clothing, including wedding dresses and suits.

Classic Events & Parties: Classic Events & Parties rents all of the supplies you'd need for a wedding reception, corporate event or other private affair. The selection ranges from glassware, tables, linens, stages and lighting to food service supplies.

Letter Perfect: Wedding invitations, frames and specialty pens for the guest book.

Josephs Jewelry Stores: Josephs Jewelers is a four-generation family-owned jewelry store that has been in Des Moines since 1871. With a branch location in West Glen, Joseph's provides the finest in diamonds, gems and custom jewelry for any occasion and budget, specializing in wedding and engagement rings.

Herman’s Fine Jewelry: Located on University Avenue, Herman's Fine Jewelry has been a part of the West Des Moines community for more than a decade. The store offers rings, necklaces, bracelets, engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary jewelry, earrings and birthstone jewelry, as well as fine diamonds, rubies and other precious stones.

Top Hat Party Bus: Fun and safe transportation makes bachelor and bachelorette parties memorable.

West Des Moines has a plethora of photographers, including Andy Paine Photography, Extreme Photography, Blaser Photography, Tim Vorland Photography, James R. Cobb Photography, BG Photography and Dixie Lane Photography.

If Business Was Listed, Claim It

If your business is one of the ones featured, please claim it. There's a button on the right side of the page that lets you do that. It’s free.

To find your business, just  type your business name into the search field. If you don’t find it, fire off an email. Listings are free and we try to have one for every business in town.

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