Here comes the brid(al expos)

It’s not unusual for couples to get engaged over the winter holidays.

Couples planning their special day often look to wedding expos to get ideas, glean information and check out vendors. January and February are often peak times for wedding expos.

The Naperville Heritage Society hosts its annual Wedding Showcase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 20, 2024. The organization has held a showcase at Naperville’s Naper Settlement for many years, said Denise Cartina, public relations and social media team leader at the Naper Settlement.

“We do have a really good crowd every year, so we do anticipate a lot of people coming,” she said. “We’re going to have over 60 wedding vendors this year.”

For engaged couples, a wedding showcase helps them enjoy personal interaction with wedding vendors, she said.

“Couples can easily talk to a variety of different types of wedding vendors like photographers, florists and ministers,” she said. “It allows couples to have one-on-one consultations in-person with those vendors to get an idea of all the different (services) available.

“A lot of times these vendors will have special discounts and offers for the couples who are attending these expos as well. It allows couples to really get an idea of the wedding planning process and see all the different types of vendors that are available and to help plan their wedding day in a stress-free environment. We always say couples can plan their whole wedding at our wedding showcase.”

The expo will have musicians, caterers, venues, transportation services and more, she said.

“We have a good variety here,” she said.

People who register for free tickets in advance are eligible for the event raffle, she said.

Here are some other wedding expos coming up to put on your calendar.

Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee offers expos in several locations. Four tickets are free with registration and promo code; $10 without code and $25 at the door. 847-428-3320; facebook.com/bridalexpochicago. Couples can get all kinds of inspiration at this expo, from gowns and tuxes to cakes and honeymoon destinations. Vendors will offer exclusive expo-only deals.

— 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Marriott Hotel, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville.

— 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg.

— 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.

— 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 28 at Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park.

— 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin.

— 5-9 p.m. Feb. 28 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oak Brook.

ILLINOIS

Joliet

A wedding expo is from 12 to 3 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 day of show. 815-726-7171; rialtosquare.com/weddingexpo.

This expo seeks to connect future brides with wedding vendors presenting a wide array of services.

Naperville

A Wedding Showcase is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Tickets are free with advance registration. 630-420-6010; NaperSettlement.org/WeddingShowcase.

Parking is available at the visitor’s lot at Naper Settlement or across the street in the municipal center parking deck. The first 20 attendees will receive a free ice cream scoop coupon from Jeni’s Ice Cream. The showcase will be spread throughout the museum’s indoor buildings, including the new Birck Family Innovation Gateway and the Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center.

Rosemont

The Illinois Bridal and Wedding Expo is from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 6-7 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road. Tickets are free in advance; $10 at the door. bridalshowsil-de.com.

Get more information on dozens of vendors, from bakeries and dance lessons to bachelor/bachelorette parties and tent and furniture rentals. Some of the fun extras will be food samples, raffles and giveaways, a fashion show and a glam bar with free makeup trials.

INDIANA

Michigan City

Bride Blu is from 12 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Blue Chip Casino, 777 Blue Chip Drive. Tickets are free with advanced registration. 219-933-3247; facebook.com/brideblu.

Sip Champagne and sample hors d’oeuvres while visiting a multitude of wedding vendors. There will be giveaways and show specials.

Valparaiso

The Northwest Indiana Bridal Expo is from 12 to 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road. Tickets are free with advance registration. 219-464-0133; louiestuxshop.com/bridalexpo.

The Northwest Indiana Bridal Expo touts itself as the largest single-day bridal shows in the state and has more than 100 booths, show specials, door prizes and fashion shows. Photographers, DJs, dance studios, bridal boutiques, venues, spas and jewelers are just a few of the vendors that have signed on to appear at this expo.

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.