Did you just get engaged? Congratulations! So what now? A lot of brides-to-be answer that question with, “I’m going to go to a bridal show!” Bridal shows can be totally useful, but the sheer number of them can be staggering, and once you get there, you might be bombarded and overloaded with all the possibilities.
The BrideWorld Expo in 2008
In my experience, there’s two types of bridal shows — the real big, slightly overwhelming and very crowded ones like the BrideWorld Expo, pictured above, and the smaller shows hosted by wedding venues, gathering together their favorite vendors.
If you have had your heart set on a certain venue since you were a little girl, the smaller venue shows are probably perfect for you. Popular, small venues like La Venta Inn in the Palos Verdes Peninsula partner with certain vendors, so you can’t bring in just any, say, caterer or florist. It’s a good opportunity to meet those vendors in advance, see their work in action and get to know them. FYI, to my knowledge, La Venta Inn does not hold its own bridal show.
Wedding cake by Sweet Lady Jane at a bridal show at Shades in Manhattan Beach.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of bridal shows. Then again, I had a tiny, no fuss wedding, so you shouldn’t expect me to be. Basically, bridal shows are much like the blogs — wedding porn. Be real, that’s what it is!
So, as a courtesy to you, my dear readers, here is a few of the really big bridal shows that will be holding events at multiple locations throughout the year.
BrideWorld Expo — the big dog of bridal shows. Register in advance to save $2 off the $10 general admission.
L.A. Convention Center, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14-15
Anaheim Sheraton Park Hotel, Sunday, Feb. 12
Redondo Beach Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sunday, Feb. 19
Festival of Brides — this show promises to be super upscale. Pre-register to save $10 off the $25 general admission.
Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Sunday, Feb. 26
The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, Sunday, March 11
The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Sunday, March 25
The Ponte Family Estate in Temecula, Sunday, May 6
Bridal Showplace — admission is $5 per ticket and a $1 coupon is available on their website.
Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel in Buena Park, Sunday, Feb. 19
Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach, Sunday, March 4
Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, Sunday, April 22
The Sky Room in Long Beach, Sunday, May 6
The Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort, Sunday, May 20
The Queen Mary in Long Beach, Sunday, Aug. 12
Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel in Buena Park, Sunday, Sept. 30
Hilton Hotel in Pasadena, Sunday, November 4
These are some of the biggies. There are countless smaller ones, so if you’re a venue holding a bridal show, either send me the information (darleene at this domain) or leave it in the comments of this post. I will post your info!
Not all bridal shows are created equal, that is for sure. Why would Brideworld make their row so narrow as pictured above? Larger shows do not have to be crowded and hectic, they can also be well organized and spacious with plenty of room to shop and get ideas. At Premier Bridal Shows, we pride ourselves in assembling high end wedding professionals in one elegant and convenient location for brides to plan their special day. Our upcoming shows include- January 22, 2012 – Radisson Newport Beach, January 29, 2012 Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club, February 12, 2012 – DoubleTree Anaheim/OC and March 4, 2012 LA Marriott Downtown. Price of admission is $10 at the door or $5 if you pre-register or purchase tickets on-line.
Hi Darleene!
I am the owner of an on site Beauty Services Company called Glisten Creations (facebook.com/GlistenCreations & http://www.GlistenCreations.com ). We specialize in custom HD Airbrush Makeup and Lashes as well as the latest in Trends with gorgeous Hairstyling & Nails. We will come to brides and do everything on location as to help with ease and comfort on their big day! I would love if you could maybe help with venfor info on these events or maybe we can do a lil swap as far as promotion?
I love your blog and think its super informative.. keep up the great work!
Cheers!
Annette Davenport
Hello Darlene: Thank you for listing our shows. Bridal Showplace has been bringing Brides and top Wedding Professionals together in So Cal for 18 years and over 100 amazing shows. We welcome you to join us.
in 2013at the following shows:
1/6 – The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach.
2/17 – Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park.
3/10 – Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort, 12021 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove.
5/19 – Hyatt Regency, 200 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach.
7/28 – Hyatt Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 PCH., H. Beach
8/11 – The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach.
9/8 – L.A. Marriott Burbank Hotel, 2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank.
10/6 – Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park.
11/3 – Hilton Hotel, 168 S. Los Robles, Pasadena.