It’s fiiiinally starting to feel like it’s winter in Indy (at least some days), but for those getting married this year or maybe even next, there’s just one season they’re thinking about: Wedding planning season.
We rounded up four bridal expos and three boutiques to kickstart your planning—but we’re not going to help with your guest list or give you advice on where to seat Aunt Selene because Cousin Troy can’t stand her nitpicking every little thing he does.
Four shows to go to:
Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show
This trade show will give you access to more than 100 local vendors in hopes you find your match in one of the available venues, dress boutiques, florists, caterers, and everything in between. Bonus: There will be complimentary champagne available and you could win a door prize—including a honeymoon cruise to the Carribean. Can’t make the January show? The organizers will have another one March 1 at the Westin Indianapolis.
Jan. 19, 12 to 4 p.m., JW Marriott, 10 W. South St., $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Buy tickets online here.
Engaged Indiana January Wedding Show
The Engaged Indiana trade show’s main attraction is a fashion show of local bridal trends and tuxedos, hair stylists and makeup artists. You can get a hands-on look at table settings, decor and more. Can’t make this one? Don’t worry, there’s another one February 23 at the Embassy Suites Noblesville, 13700 Conference Center Drive South.
Jan. 26, 12 to 4 p.m., Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Parkway West Drive, $12 for general admission, $25 for VIP. Buy tickets online here.
Indiana Bridal and Wedding Expo
This expo boasts a fashion show, giveaways, nearly 100 vendors, a live DJ, and much more as it comes to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Local and national vendors will give brides (and grooms, too! Aren’t they helping?) a good starting point for planning.
April 19, noon to 5 p.m., Indiana State Fairgrounds Agriculture Horticulture building, 1202 E. 38th St., free if you register online—or $10 at the door if you don’t.
One of Indy’s premier jewelers is holding its own bridal show in its relaxed, elegant space, complete with amazing exclusive offers on merchandise and, even better, giveaways.
April 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 5609 N. Illinois St., free admission
Three bridal boutiques to try out:
Sophia’s Bridal, Tux and Prom has two new spots: Both the Columbus location, 544 Washington St., and the Fishers location, 8966 E. 96th St., opened in October. And you can still visit the original spot on the southside at 2025 E. Southport Road.
One more thing about Sophia’s: For $399, you can have the store all to yourself and your crew for two to three hours of drinks and refreshments in what they call the “Royal Treatment.”
View this post on Instagram
“She’s an old soul with young eyes, a vintage heart, and a beautiful mind.” – Nicole Lyons
Marie Gabriel Couture, 5252 E. 82nd St., isn’t a new bridal salon but the independently owned boutique, run by the mother and daughter team of Young and Anne-Marie Colling, might be a nice change of pace from the corporate bridal chains.
One more thing about Marie Gabriel: This one’s a fun one on social media — follow #MGCrealbrides to see more than 1,700 brides putting their gowns to use on their wedding days.
Luxe Redux Bridal, 1101 E. 54th St., is a small Ohio-based chain with five boutiques that sell sample designer gowns at a discount price. This means you might now be able to afford that Badgley Mischka you’ve had your eye on.
One more thing about Lux Redux: It’s the local option for the online-shopper bride. With Luxe’s Luxe in a Box, you can have three gowns sent to your home for a $199 fee, and send back the ones you don’t want.
Amy Bartner is a regular Indy Maven contributor and, in the interest of full disclosure/firsthand knowledge, she recently purchased her wedding dress from Luxe Redux Bridal and was able to afford that Lazaro she’s had her eye on.
