January 10, 2015
If one of those photos was yours, then congratulations. Not only are you engaged, but you've done it just in time for wedding planning season. Local bridal expos are popping up all over this month, as are a few fun showcases and workshops. Reserve your seats now before other bride- and groomzillas snag the best spots.
This expo comes courtesy of Offbeat Bride, so you know it's going to be fun, funky and a little left-of-center. The day's slogan is "defy the mainstream," and its vendor list fits that bill. Expect to see Little Baby's Ice Cream and The Peek-A-Boo Revue right alongside vendors like Hand-Painted Weddings and Confetti & Co.
Sunday, January 11
11 a.m.-3 p.m. | $10 online, $15 at the door
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400
Dress shopping or venue hunting might be at the top of your to-do list, but getting your invitations together can be time-consuming. Luckily, the good people of Paper Source are ready to help. They'll show you their invitation suites, help you brainstorm ideas and let you experiment with different looks right there in that stationery wonderland of theirs. Bonus: Each participant receives a bevy of goodies. Score.
Saturday, January 17
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | $20
Paper Source
1628 Walnut St.
(215) 732-2324
A huge expo like this one, full of nationally and internationally based vendors, is perfect for the newly engaged couple who have no idea what they want for their wedding. Big-time vendors like David's Bridal, Beaches and Sandals resorts and Men's Wearhouse will give you a good idea of what traditional weddings look like.
Saturday, January 17
Noon | $8 online, $10 at the door
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market St.
(800) 422-3976
This highly rated event comes from Bouche Productions courtesy of 95.7 BEN FM. Expect tons of glamorous formalwear, makeovers, wedding cakes, interactive showcases, free magazines and more. This midsize show will be less crowded than a big-time expo and features prize giveaways, including $500 in "Bridal Bucks" to use with vendors.
Sunday, January 18
Noon-4 p.m. | $5 in advance online, $10 at the door
The Radisson Hotel Philadelphia NE/Trevose
2400 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose, PA
(610) 917-9300
Philly weddings don't have to mean pretzels and wudder ice. Find out what a wedding at the Kimmel Center's Hamilton Garden (you know, that little rooftop spot with the skyline view) would be like with food from Garces Events at this showcase. You'll meet their in-house wedding planners and grab a few Garces treats. Yum!
Sunday, January 18
3-5 p.m. | Free for the engaged couple, $20 for additional guests
The Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
(215) 670-2381
Expos can get pretty hectic, but they are a great way to see tons of options for all your wedding needs right in one place. This expo will be full of LGBT-friendly vendors, including hotels, caterers, photographers, entertainers, florists, officiants, formalwear, hair an makeup artists and more. Can't make this one? They're also showing in Somerset, New Jersey, Jan. 18 if you're willing to make the hike.
Sunday, January 25
Noon-4 p.m. | Free admission
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch St.
