[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has been in the wedding business for over 10 years, ever since the Zoo added its acclaimed botanical gardens in 1995, but its wedding symposiums - free monthly lectures designed to break down wedding planning to the nuts and bolts - just kicked off last month and continues this Wednesday, April 5.

"We were really pleased with the reception we received from local brides who came out in March looking for a relaxed way to plan their weddings, said Dorothy Team, Riverbanks facilities manager and a veteran wedding planner for over 20 years. "We're looking forward to sharing this new wedding planning tool with even more brides this month."

Riverbanks Botanical Garden is opening its doors at 6:30pm on the first Wednesday or each month to brides-to-be from across the Midlands, not to mention their mothers, sisters, and friends.

Wednesday's lecture will feature Michael F. Koska, III, an award-winning photographer who's been in the industry for more than a decade and has most recently taken home the award for Best Wedding Album for the last three years in a row. Koska will talk about the differences between digital and film photography and why it's important for brides to know how they'll use their photographs before they decide on format.

"Attendees don't need to be planning a wedding in the Botanical Garden to accept the invitation. Come if you're struggling with finding the right photographer, or come if you're just looking for a way to do some wedding unwinding with your girlfriends," Team said.

Each month, Riverbanks' sessions covers a different topic with the idea that no matter what time of the year a woman gets engaged, she can pick up attending the symposiums. One month, the evening lecture might cover apparel while the next month's session might focus on invitation etiquette.

In addition to a relaxed learning environment, brides can count on being wined and dined. Riverbanks' exclusive caterer Aramark provides a selection of hors d'oeuvres at every lecture and guest speakers and vendors give away door prizes and special gifts.

"We're aiming to keep these gatherings intimate," Team said.

2006's wedding symposiums run March through July with a break in August and then again from September through January. Upcoming symposiums through July feature:

April 5, 2006	When the Dark Room Goes Digital Wedding photography veterans go over the benefits and drawbacks of film versus digital photography
May 3, 2006	Don't Gotta Lotta Love for Love Shack? DJs discuss first dances, the clichéd songs we all love to hate, and what it takes to create a song list that'll be contemporary, memorable and will still get the grandmas groovin'
June 7, 2006	"No Vacancy" at the Heartbreak Hotel Hotel experts dish the dirt on group rates, blocks of rooms and how booking early guarantees your guests less grief
July 5, 2006	Cooking Up a Menu Without Burning Down the House How to budget for and plan a mouthwatering menu no matter what the size of your reception

"These are meant to be fun and informative," Team said. "We're trying to give stressed out brides-to-be an hour out of their busy month to relax and take wedding planning one step at a time."

Lectures are at Riverbanks Botanical Garden's Visitor Center and begin at 6:30pm. They are free and open to the public. Enjoy guest speakers, question and answer sessions, special opportunities to meet vendors, door prizes, and invitation-only discounts. Seating is limited so brides are encouraged to pre-register online at www.riverbanks.org or by calling 803.779.8717, x1123.