The official, “unofficial” start of the Wedding Expo Season for 2014-2015 kicks off this Saturday in Monticello, as MyMinnesotaWedding.com hosts its annual Minnesota Wedding Expo.
The event is in its 14th year, and organizer Michele Hertwig said it’s become a showcase for travel agents, venues, florists, bakeries and more out in the West Metro.
“It is a bit different in the sense that we really tried to change the mentality of brides and grooms years ago with this expo that could show everyone all of the resources we have out here,” Hertwig said. “For a long time, everyone thought you had to go into the city to have all of these wonderful amenities. Now, people enjoy the fact you can do what you want and do it locally.”
The show, which is set for 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Monticello Community Center, coincides with the opening of deer hunting season here in Minnesota. That’s O.K., Hertwig said, as the target audience is brides and families. The organizers and vendors will be fine without some of the grooms on hand.
“That’s one of the things we have to contend with. A lot of brides hunt, too,” she said. “But they usually put this as a priority. So we’re expecting a good crowd.”
The November show was put in place for a couple of reasons beyond showcasing the more than 50 vendors that will be on hand. It also sets the weekend up for good weather and separates the My Minnesota Wedding show from the deluge of bridal expos that arrive in January.
“We started planning the first show 15 years ago, and it was impossible to find a free weekend then. And there’s even more activity now. If you wait until January or even early February, there’s so much more competition. So this gets us ahead of the game,” Hertwig said.
Oh, and by the way, brides can go for free. My Minnesota Wedding has a voucher on its Facebook page for free admission to the show.
“The brides do know best, so we want them here. And the vendors out here want to be able to show them everything they’ve got. So it’s a win-win.”
IF YOU GO
What: MyMinnesotaWedding.com Expo
When: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Monticello Community Center, Monticello MN
For: Brides, grooms, mothers and friends
Featuring: Dozens of wedding day vendors from around the northwest suburbs, including photographers, travel agents, venue representatives, bakeries and more.
Information: Check out My Minnesota Wedding on Facebook