I might possibly be the furthest away from marriage, but it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a well ran wedding show.
Plus, I often joke that I am always on the hunt for a unique place to drink at. And with an event bar, matcha bar, and café with small snacks for purchase, this year’s West Coast Wedding Show serves just as well as any place to catch up with a friend at.
This was a reason enough for my girl friend, and I to attend. And as a first time at one of these things, I was fairly impressed. Hosted by West Coast Weddings Magazine at the Paradox Hotel, I came in not knowing what to expect. I attended the general showcase that was set up very much like a convention with vendors and their individual tables, serving up introduction to themselves and their brands.
This was marketed as the ultimate weekend of bridal inspiration and it included a red carpet event and industry mixer; created to celebrate the artistry, innovation, and community that drives BC’s $1.5 billion wedding industry (a stat from 2022).
Entering, guests were made to feel like VIPs by walking the red carpet and stepping into one Paradox Vancouver’s ballroom. The space transformed into a spectacular showcase of over 75 curated vendors. Of these included caterers, weddings cake makers, photographers, plastic surgeons, wedding coordinators, and men’s suiting specialists.
This was an interactive affair with beauty activations, service demos, and photo-worthy installations designed by BC’s leading event creators. There were over 2,000 attendees, making this one of the largest and most dynamic wedding showcases in the province.
The West Coast Wedding Show found a way to expand on traditional bridal shows, thus making their wedding show unique. Attendees had the ability sign up and join interactive bridal workshops that go beyond browsing. This allowed for more intimate engagement with potential vendors in groups and one on one sessions. These were hands-on sessions with practical planning tips, creative ideas, and insider secrets to help bring their vision of the perfect day to life.
The seminars included how to book all the necessary support staff at any wedding to what you should be looking for in a wedding planner, and even hair and make up tips and tutorials. This was definitely geared towards more serious and interested parties. Those ready to take the next step could even book 1-on-1 meetings with top vendors for personalized consultations, ensuring meaningful conversations that move their planning journey forward.
We had a couple of glasses of sparkling, did a couple of rounds in each of the three rooms the show was spread across, and signed up for a couple of contest.
A few of the more unique booths I noted were claw game rentals for your guests to play. A make your own fragrance experience that might be suitable for a bridal party. And the ability to make custom magnets, on location, as a keepsake of the wedding.
The event featured an impressive lineup of giveaways and prizes valued at over $10,000. This included luxury gift certificates from Eventful Edits, Yan’s Bakery, and Bespoke Made Suits; décor and rental credits from Proline Décor & Rentals and Jubilee Bee Event Rentals; floral creations from Petalino Flower Bar & Events; and a photography voucher from James X Wedding Photography.
I actually won one of these, earning me a free luxury facial that promises to diminish the signs of ageing on my face, through improving the visible quality of my skin.
For those who missed this exhibition be sure to visit their website to bookmark next season’s event to not miss out again.
westcoastweddings.com
