Wedding World prepares to connect brides with local businesses

Nearly a year after many wedding parties had to rapidly adjust plans because of COVID-19, a La Crosse tradition will return to get brides and grooms back on track.

With respect to COVID-19 guidelines, Wedding World La Crosse was postponed to Sunday, March 7. Organizers are working closely with the La Crosse Center for COVID-19 guidelines and safety protocols that are dictated by the county.

Vendors and guests are limited, but anyone interested can sign up to get free tickets and register for a specific time to explore the biggest wedding event of the year. Tickets are limited to four per group.

“They come and enjoy the event, talk to vendors, and get inspiration,” Jean Taylor, operations manager with Mid-West family La Crosse said. “We’re excited to see everyone and have something to look forward to.”

A virtual fashion show will play on multiple screens within the facility with Charlotte’s Bridal on scene with dresses featured in the show on display for all to see.

“They can have access to that video to enjoy later if they want to refresh their memory,” Taylor said.

Among the vendors will be entertainment companies such as Mid-West Family Entertainment.

“The year 2020 was difficult,” Brittany Styles, manager at Mid-West Family Entertainment said. “We were managing our mobile DJ service and working closely with these wedding parties.”

Styles said the question of the year was, “Can I actually do this?” Engaged couples had to decide between having a small wedding with 20 to 30 people or waiting to have the dream wedding with friends and family.

“There was still the question of when things would be ok again,” Styles said. “We rescheduled a lot of our weddings to this year, and things are looking a lot more promising for 2021.”

She noted declining case numbers and vaccine distribution are easing some concerns.

“It is just getting to a point where they are just ready to be married, have fun, and celebrate their day,” Styles said. “That is what Wedding World is all about. It is bringing them in and letting them be excited about their special day and planning.”

Wedding World is not only for couples planning a 2021 or even 2022 celebration. Styles said people in all stages are welcome to come and plan ahead.

“Whether you are getting married now or a couple of years from now, we want you at Wedding World. You get to walk around and talk with some of the top wedding businesses in town and be able to get stuff booked. You get to see these people and have that communication with them in person, which I think is really important when you’re looking for these people to be such a big part of your day.”

The event offers chances to build trust and relationships, and ensure a shared vision among wedding parties and businesses. Styles even recommended the event for brides and grooms who think they’ve crossed every item off the wedding day checklist.

“You may see something and go, ‘oh my gosh! I didn’t even know that was a thing!’ Get some inspiration,” she said. “Not only that, but it is the idea that we are out and about doing things more than we have been over the past year. The exciting thing is getting to celebrate the fact that you are getting married. Take that time and that day. It is all about you.”

The event will look different in 2021 to protect the safety of all involved, but organizers are confident in the opportunities available to give wedding parties a clear path down the aisle.

“The cool thing about this being a little bit smaller event is you might get extra time to talk with businesses that you are interested in learning more about and booking services at Wedding World,” Styles said.

More information can be found at weddingworldlacrosse.com.