MOSES LAKE - The Columbia Basin Bridal Show and Expo is a Moses Lake institution, but people attending this year's show get to experience many firsts.

It's the first year wedding attire will be modeled on a new, custom-built catwalk runway.

It's the first year the event features a trunk show, offering the opportunity to snatch up designer dresses for as much as 75 percent off.

And it's the first year the fashion shows at the event conclude with a performance by a top-secret special guest.

It all starts Saturday, when vendors, brides-to-be and anyone planning a special event will descend upon the Big Bend Community College ATEC building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free.

Vendors are showcasing products for almost every conceivable aspect of a wedding or any big event, including tuxes, wedding dresses, photography services, DJ services, restaurants, cakes and more, said Courtney Simmons, events coordinator.

The show is emceed by Audio in Motion and D&Z Events' custom draping and decorating service transforms the building into a wedding wonderland.

Not only does the expo give brides the opportunity to find the right services for their wedding, it also gives people the opportunity to leave with free stuff, said Simmons.

Vendors will give away free prizes like spa packages and massages and hold drawings.

At the end of the event, couples have a chance to win two free nights at the Coeur d'Alene Resort for their honeymoon.

The event features two fashion shows.

The first, at 11 a.m., features clothing for rehearsal dinners, wedding guests and mothers of brides from Fashion Bug; a special dress showcase from The Kitten; and dresses for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and girls celebrating their quinceañera, as well as other formal and evening wear attire, from Casa Del Sol.

"I think (people) are going to be surprised at all of the amazing things and options that they have here locally," said Simmons.

The second fashion show at 1 p.m. features wedding dresses from Fashion Couture in Richland.

Fashion Couture only carries designer dresses, said Simmons.

"We're going to have at least $50,000 worth of designer gowns walking the runway at (1 p.m.)," she said.

The Fashion Couture show features high-fashion hairstyles, done by One80 Color Bar, and custom headpieces by Lavish Designs.

For the first time, both fashion shows will take place on a new, custom-built, lit catwalk runway with specialty seating for brides, said Simmons.

"A lot of brides and vendors have said that that's how they'd like their stuff showcased ... They deserve to be up on a runway," she said. "They need to be showcased in great light and in a great way."

Formal Couture is also holding a trunk show, offering more than $30,000 worth of bridal gowns for up to 75 percent off, something that's never been done in the area, said Simmons.

"We're creating a mini-boutique where ... women can come in and try on the dresses and be fitted for the dresses for either evening wear, prom wear, or for a bridal gown," she said.

The fashion show ends with a grand finale, she added.

"It's going to be a surprise ... performance," she said. "I can't give away anything other than that, but they need to come out for that."

For more information on the bridal show, call 509-765-4561.