Best Spring 2013 Wedding Shows In SoCal
The wedding season is here, and the first half of 2013 is packed with events and showcases for brides and grooms planning a walk to the altar. Preparing for a wedding can be an extensive and overwhelming process, but when dozens, and at times hundreds, of vendors gather under one roof to present their offerings, it's one of the best ways to view numerous options in one day. Here is a short sample of just a handful of the wedding shows that will take place in Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Los Angeles County
BRIDEWORLD Expo
Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
(800) 600-7080
Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.brideworld.com
After nearly two decades, BRIDEWORLD boasts more than 200,000 engaged couples in their roster of assistance. The upcoming show will host 125 vendors, and the cost is $10 per person. Register online and save $2 on the entry fee. Early registration also guarantees receipt of a free bag full of coupons, samples and more. Drawings for door prizes and a grand prize trip to Tahiti, as well as entertainment, grooms' contests and fashion shows will round out the full day's list of activities.
The Wedding Salon
SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
465 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
March 25, 4 to 8 p.m.
www.weddingsalon.com
For a higher ticket price, you can check out The Wedding Salon's showcase. Spend the evening surrounded by luxury and perhaps celebrity in an atmosphere that mimics a true wedding. High-class vendors tailored to the sophisticated couple -- think Martha Stewart-approved folks like Colin Cowie and David Tutera -- gather to showcase their products and services. Entry is $75, and show tickets are available at the door and online.
Great Bridal Expo
Westin Bonaventure Hotel Los Angeles
404 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(800) 422-3976
April 14, noon to 4 p.m.
www.greatbridalexpo.com
The Great Bridal Show features a runway model show, including menswear, musical entertainment and dozens of exhibitors. This year's sponsors include Cuisinart, David's Bridal, Sandals, BrideBox, Bed, Bath and Beyond and more. Prize giveaways will be offered at the fashion show for all big winners. Purchase a ticket online for $8, or grab one for $10 at the door.
Orange County
Wedding Showcase At The St. Regis
St. Regis Resort-Monarch Beach
1 Monarch Beach Resort Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3455
Feb. 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
www.stregismb.com/showcase
The St. Regis Monarch Beach will feature a showcase with host Renee Strauss of TLC's "Brides of Beverly Hills." All future brides receive free entry, although RSVP is required via phone or website. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served, followed by a fashion show.
Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting exhibitors' booths and possibly winning one of the giveaway prizes. If you book your wedding with the St. Regis, you will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize honeymoon package at The St. Regis Bahia Beach.
South Orange County Bridal Open House
Mission Viejo Country Club
26200 Country Club Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 322-1091
March 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
eventsbycori.com
Events by Cori will host a wedding showcase of local professionals and vendors for anyone living in the Orange County area. Appetizers and champagne will be served, as well as a prize raffle. Online RSVP is required, and with confirmed entry, you will receive two free raffle tickets.
Inland Empire
Temecula Wedding Event Bridal Show
Promenade Mall
40820 Winchester Road
Temecula, CA 92591
(877) 522-7158
Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TemeculaWeddingEvent.com
More than 60 exhibitors and vendors will be available to answer questions, share portfolios and hand out samples in Temecula. There will be two fashion shows featuring the latest trends, as well as prizes awarded throughout the day. There is no cost to attend the event, but online registration is encouraged if you want to put your name in the pot for the grand prize drawing. The grand prize is a $500 shopping spree that would definitely be useful for the big day.
Bridal Show Open House
Mountain Meadows Golf Club
1875 Fairplex Drive
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 620-9037
March 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
www.countryclubreceptions.com
Pomona's Mountain Meadows Golf Club will host a bridal show for all engaged couples. Sample hors d'oeuvres and champagne, and meet local vendors from the area and beyond. Put your name in the hat for prizes, and if you decide to book the special day with the Club, you will receive great discounts.
Chrystal Baker is a freelance food, events, culture travel contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine, Frugivore Magazine and Politic365. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere, as well as the Farm 2 Plate Culinary Club site.
