The annual Sheraton Bridal Showcase featuring local wedding vendors took place Sunday afternoon.

Lori Angebrandt, who owns Lori Angebrandt Event Planning and Design, said a trend she has noticed recently is couples are opting for smaller more realistic and natural weddings.

“People are wanting to spend less,” she said. “Instead of the $40,000 or $50,000 budgets, a lot are just opting for 30 people,” she said. “They are beautiful weddings. A lot of restaurant receptions, renting out a restaurant and having everything there.”

Another trend Angebrandt has noticed is the average age of the bride is older – between 30 to 35, she said. The age group has changed from 30 years ago when couples got married right out of high school, but she said there are still younger brides as well.

“I think weddings these days are more about common sense and people being realistic about what is a reasonable amount to spend on a wedding,” she said. “A lot want to save money so they can go on a honeymoon or buy a house.”

She added, “Now it’s more personal, it’s more romantic and it’s more realistic and more natural as opposed to overblown.”

At the event, visitors had the chance to chat with specialists in transportation, flowers, decor and wedding attire. It ran from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel.