DuPage's virtual wedding showcase keeps planning possible

No need to leave home to find the perfect wedding venue. The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a Virtual Wedding Showcase from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 14, inviting brides, grooms and planners to explore the many wedding services and venues in DuPage County.

With the ease of a virtual trade show platform, participants can meet "face-to-face" with numerous venues - including restaurants, hotels, banquet facilities, golf clubs and unique attractions with event space - along with businesses such as transportation, florists and caterers, all in the matter of hours.

"Your love story begins in DuPage. Whether you're looking to plan now and are in need of an intimate setting or choosing a future date to throw a grand evening of dinner and dancing, DuPage offers the very best in style and premier hospitality services," said Beth Marchetti, executive director for the convention bureau. "Now is a great time to get inspired and put plans to paper, booking while businesses have date flexibility and are offering special rates and incentives."

Sponsoring the showcase are two of the biggest names in wedding planning: Chicago Style Weddings and DB Luxury Bridal Expos.

Participants will get to hear about current trends from Kelly Broz, Chicago Style Wedding's regional publisher & vice president of sales, who has had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of couples about their wedding journey and learn insider tips from industry professionals. Broz and her team have heard it all - the good, the bad and the COVID! With so much insight into the wedding industry, she looks forward to sharing her advice with couples who are about to walk down the aisle.

For over a decade, DB Luxury Bridal Expos has produced the largest South Asian Bridal Expos in the Midwest, Southwest, Southeast and the West regions with Phoenix and Chicago markets. Participants will get to hear from Chief Executive Officer Shy Khan - from a wedding planner as well as bridal show producer's perspective, focusing on the challenges faced during COVID and how couples can still have a dream wedding during the ongoing pandemic.

The showcase will include a fashion show and raffle, as well as the face-to-face meetings with vendors. Participants will be able to reserve a time to speak with vendor representatives and will use the platform's seamless Zoom integration to meet face-to-face during the trade show portion of the showcase.

There is a $10 registration fee, with 100% of ticket proceeds being donated equally to Giving DuPage, People's Resource Center, and Special Olympics Illinois.

"We are proud to call these three organizations partners," Marchetti said. "They provide valuable services to the DuPage community and we look forward to supporting their work as they meet the needs facing our friends and neighbors during this pandemic."

For information on showcase vendors and registration, visit www.DiscoverDuPage.com/virtual-wedding-showcase.