Plan Your Dream Wedding: Best Bridal Fairs to Attend in 2023 and 2024

Your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life. You want it to be special and memorable. And because you’re spending a lot of money, you want everything—down to the last detail—to be as perfect as possible.

To make that happen, you need to enlist the help of reliable suppliers. But where can you find them? At a bridal fair, of course!

Keep reading to learn more about bridal fairs and your options. 

What is a Bridal Fair? 

A bridal fair is a convention where wedding vendors come together to showcase their products and services. Some of these suppliers not only cater to wedding clients but also to those of other events, such as debuts and anniversaries. 

If you and your significant other are planning your wedding, attending a bridal fair in 2023 should be part of your to-do list. It’s a one-stop shop where you can find all the suppliers that will make your dream wedding happen—from planners and gown designers to caterers and travel agencies for your honeymoon.  

More importantly, you can score exclusive discounts and avail of exciting promos. Some bridal fairs even hold raffles where you can win prizes. 

5 Upcoming Wedding Expos and Bridal Fairs in 2023 and 2024

Attending a bridal fair is basically going window shopping for your wedding. Dedicate a day to this purpose, as each fair features countless suppliers. Here’s a schedule of upcoming wedding expos in 2023 and 2024:  

💑 Themes & Motifs Grand Year-End Bridal Sale 

• Date: November 11 to 12, 2023
• Location: Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque City 
• Entrance fee: Free registration for catering food-tasting fest 

Happening in November, Themes & Motifs’ Grand Year-End Bridal Sale will gather various wedding suppliers who will offer great deals, big discounts, and special packages. On top of that, prizes will be given away at the fair. 

Part of the fair is a grand food-tasting event featuring Josiah’s Catering, one of the most in-demand caterers in the country. If you want to be part of this event, just register with Themes & Motifs until November 9, 2023. 

But the thrill doesn’t stop there. The Grand Year-End Bridal Sale is supported by a month-long online bridal fair happening from November 11 to December 12, 2023 at the event website. Visit Themes & Motifs’ official website to learn more.^[1]

💑 Getting Married Bridal Fair

• Dates: November 18 to 19, 2023 / January 20 to 21, 2024 / May 25 to 26, 2024 / July 20-21, 2024
• Location: SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
• Entrance fee: Free

One of the most popular wedding expos in the Philippines, Getting Married Bridal Fair^[2] has a reputation for bringing the industry’s cream of the crop. Known vendors include Suit It Up Manila, Francis Libiran, RJ Ledesma, Hizon’s Catering, and Moment Catering, among others.

This bridal fair at SMX has a collective of trusted suppliers across the following event aspects:

• Cakes
• Cars
• Caterers
• Choreography
• Couturiers and shoes
• Events host
• Fireworks
• Florists
• Giveaways
• Hair and make-up
• Hotels
• Invitation
• Lights and sounds
• Jewelry
• Photo and video
• Livestream
• Wedding venues
• Musicians

💑 The Wedding Library Bridal Fair 

• Date: February 9, 10, and 11, 2024
• Location: World Trade Center, Pasay City 
• Entrance fee: Free when you register online 

Touted by The Wedding Library^[3] as the Philippines’ biggest expo in 2024, the Wedding and Debut Fair features more than 350 wedding suppliers whose booths will be standing on more than 5,500 square meters. 

Suppliers include caterers, designers, wedding venues, photographers, and more. The event’s major sponsors are Goldehills Jewelry, Smart Shot Studio, Juan Carlo, Beauty by Ria, and Kasile Hills Nature Resort and Events Venue. 

Book your suppliers at the bridal fair for a chance to win ₱100,000. By simply attending the event, you also get a chance to take home ₱10,000. 

💑 Weddings and Beyond Wedding and Debut Expo 

• Date: January 27 to 28, 2024
• Location: Crystal Pavilion, OKADA Manila 
• Entrance fee: Free when you register online 

Couples who want to score exclusive deals and discounts should visit the Weddings and Beyond Wedding and Debut Expo 2024. Other than suppliers for weddings, the event invites companies offering products and services related to honeymoons, debuts, and corporate events. 

If you book your suppliers onsite, you’ll get a chance to win ₱100,000. Learn more by visiting the organizer’s website.^[4]

💑 Toast Wedding Fair 

• Date: February 24 to 25, 2024
• Location: SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
• Entrance fee: Based on past events, free for those who pre-register online; ₱100 onsite

Organized by Bride and Breakfast^[1] and the Trendsetter Team, the Toast Bridal Fair will be happening from February 24 to 25, 2024 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Take note of these dates if you’re planning to have your wedding in the latter part of next year. 

Earlier this year, the Toast bridal fair invited the following to their event. Expect the same suppliers for 2024’s fair: 

• Gown and suit designers
• Souvenir makers
• Photographers and videographers
• Fashion stylists
• Florists
• Caterers
• Coordinators
• Event stylists
• Food and mobile carts
• Hotels and resorts

Other than meeting quality suppliers, you may score exclusive promos and deals that will save you a lot of money. 

Read more: Dream Intimate Wedding with a ₱100K Wedding Budget in the Philippines? Yes, It’s Possible!

What Should I Look for in a Bridal Fair? 

Countless bridal and wedding fairs happen every year. You don’t have to attend all of them. Here are some guidelines to help you choose: 

💐 Reputation 

The reputation of a bridal fair couldn’t be underscored enough as it will determine the number of suppliers that will flock to the event. The more reputable a wedding expo is, the more suppliers will set up shop. A highly regarded bridal fair attracts equally respectable suppliers. 

💐 Range of Suppliers

The ideal bridal fair should have a complete range of suppliers. That way, you can finish shopping in just one go. Here are some suppliers you should look for in a bridal fair: 

• Wedding planner – A wedding planner is a priority, as they organize all the details of your big day. They will coordinate with your suppliers and help you minimize any snags and problems at your wedding. 
• Wedding venue – Wedding venues run out fast, so you better make sure this is one of the first things you’ll book at the bridal fair. 
• Events stylist – Turn your wedding venue into a wonderland with the right stylist. 
• Caterer and cake maker – Don’t just book the first caterer or cake maker you come across. Attend tasting events to see if they’re the right fit. 
• Gown and suit designer – If you’re looking for a brand-new wedding wardrobe, you’ll need to look for gown and suit designers at the bridal fair. While you’re at it, look for suppliers of bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s clothing. 
• Beauty and style team – This includes make-up artists and hairstylists. Ask for pictures of their previous clients. 
• Wedding photographer – They will capture your event’s warmest and most tender moments. Take a look at their portfolio to gauge their style. 
• Videographers – Turn your wedding day into a cinematic masterpiece by working with the right videographer. Look at their portfolio to see their camerawork and filming techniques. 
• Host – A wedding is not a celebration without a lively host who can facilitate the flow of the event and even propose games and activities. 
• Entertainers – Invite a DJ, a singer, or a band to keep your guests entertained. 
• Transportation – Rent vehicles that will fetch and ferry your entourage members and guests. Of course, your fleet should include the bridal car. 

💐 Location 

The ideal bridal fair is not too far from where you live. If you’re living in or around the metro, you may visit expos at SMX and World Trade Center. Otherwise, check your local events calendar to see if there’s any fair happening soon.

How to Choose Your Wedding Suppliers

Once you’ve picked a bridal fair to attend, the next challenge would be to assemble your wedding team. This can be quite challenging since the choices are overwhelming. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

👉 Set Your Budget in Advance

A bridal fair usually features attractive suppliers that may tempt you to spend beyond your means. Set a wedding budget to avoid falling into the trap of choosing expensive vendors. Doing so may limit your options, but it’ll help you choose easily and quickly.  

You’ll also discover your financial compatibility as a couple in the process.

Read more: Financial Discussions with your S.O.

👉 Ask for Referrals

If you want to speed up choosing your suppliers, you can always ask your friends or relatives for recommendations. Aside from the suppliers they ultimately picked, they surely had other candidates in mind. List down their referrals and start your research from there.  

👉 Read Reviews Online

These days, it should be easy to do your due diligence on wedding suppliers, thanks to online reviews. Check your potential suppliers’ Facebook pages and read what past clients have to say. You can also watch vlogs on YouTube that review different suppliers. You may even get some insider tips along the way.

👉 Meet the Team in Person

The suppliers you have your eye on may have five-star reviews. But will they be comfortable to work with? To find out, meet them in person. Attending bridal fairs this 2023 is the best way to do that, so make some time. Prepare a list of questions and try to see their vision for your wedding.

👉 Fight the Urge to Overthink

Overthinking is just a normal part of the wedding planning process. But you need to curb it, as it may delay decision-making. When that happens, your potential supplier may choose to work with another client.

Read more: Cold Feet or Something Else? 10 Signs You’re Not Ready for Marriage

Final Thoughts

When it comes to wedding preparations, you need to work with the best teams possible. Scouting for the right suppliers may take some time, but if you know where to start, you can speed up the process—in which case, a bridal fair is a must-visit for every engaged couple.

Sources:

• ^[1] Themes & Motifs Grand Yearend Bridal Sale
• ^[2] Getting Married Bridal Fair
• ^[3] The Wedding Library’s Bridal Fair
• ^[4] Weddings and Beyond Wedding and Debut Expo
• ^[5]Toast Wedding Fair