When you get engaged, it’s a time of celebration, and excitement for the future. Then you realize…. “Oh my gosh, we actually have to plan a wedding!” Naturally you’ll start doing research on vendors and venues, and getting advice from friends and family.

One suggestion you may get is to check out a few wedding expos. There are definitely pros and cons to traditional wedding expos.

Pro: Wedding expos are a great way to get in front of a ton of wedding vendors at once and get facetime with people that you may eventually want to hire.

Cons: As someone who has experienced wedding expos as both an attendee and as a vendor, it is a TON of people. At traditional wedding expos there are hundreds of vendors and even more couples attending. It can be a bit overwhelming, and it can be difficult to connect with vendors in a meaningful way.

If you’re planning a wedding in Chicago there are wedding events you can go to that are less overwhelming and are more likely to be worth your time. Why? Because these events are intentionally designed to be more intimate and put you in front of a curated group of vendors that you can actually have a conversation with. Here are a list of my favorite Chicago wedding events to attend.

West Loop Wedding Walk

The West Loop Wedding walk is a great way to meet vendors AND see venues at the same time. Focusing on popular weddings in the West Loop neighborhood in Chicago, couples can shuttle between various wedding venues and get a chance to meet a variety of wedding industry professionals from caterers and photographers to florists and planners. With 6 years of success so far, the team behind the West Loop Wedding Walk has taken their talents to the Northside of the city and established the North Side Wedding Walk as well!

Wedtoberfest

Wedtober fest is a wedding “expo” meets Octoberfest! Normally taking place annually in either September or October in Chicago, its described as “an alternative wedding expo that includes all the fun of a beer festival”, couples get a tasting glass to sample bubbles and brews from local breweries AND meet some of the best wedding vendors that Chicago has to offer. Going on its 11th year, it’s a great way to meet potential vendors in a casual, fun atmosphere. If you’re engaged, and love beer and bubbles, Wedtoberfest is for you!

Committed Wedding Show

Committed is particularly great for the environmentally conscious couple. Host by the Green Wedding Alliance, Committed brings together a curated group of vendors that are committed (see what I did there *wink*) to being sustainable. Couples can meet like-minded vendors and also learn about ways to make your wedding more sustainable.

Bonus Event: Wedding Recyclery

Also hosted by the Green Wedding Alliance, the Wedding Recyclery is “A garage sale full of wedding-related items” Couples who’ve already gone down the aisle can sell their decor and attire to couples that are looking for items for their wedding. You can find anything from signs and candles to card boxes and dresses. Whether you’re looking to buy items for your upcoming wedding or a married couple looking to sell your wedding decor, its a great way to make your wedding sustainable both pre- and post-wedding!

Attending these curated events are great for recent engaged couples or couples that are just beginning their planning journey. If you’re ready to start planning and want guidance and clarity on where to begin before you start making decisions, consider scheduling a Wedding Architecture Session!