Events & Amenities
Virtual Mon Cheri Academy - October 26th
I hope you’ll join me on October 26 for our next Virtual Mon Cheri Academy. We have a great lineup planned, with one goal in mind: helping you sell more and run a stronger business.
I’ll kick things off with a conversation about inventory management—how to look at your inventory more strategically, make smarter decisions, and make sure what you have on the floor is working for your business.
I’m also excited to welcome Kristen Adolph from Pure Couture, who will introduce Dressed, a program developed in her store to help teams sell more effectively. She’ll share what they’re doing, why it’s working, and ideas you can take back to your own store.
And Nayri Kalayjian will join us to talk about upselling—simple ways to build on every appointment, increase the sale, and create an even better experience for your customers.
These are practical strategies you can put to work in your store right away, and I think it’s going to be a great conversation.
VIRTUAL: Mon Cheri Academy, September 28
Join us Monday, September 28 at 1 PM EST for our next virtual Mon Cheri Academy session.
I’ll be talking about inventory management and sharing some practical ways to take a closer look at what’s on your floor, make smarter buying decisions, and get more out of your inventory.
We’ll also be joined by Nayri, who will share social media strategies to help you connect with more customers and make the most of your online presence.
And Nathan from Phone Clarity will introduce a game-changing new phone system designed to help you capture more opportunities, connect with more customers, and ultimately add more sales to your business.
We’ve got a lot to cover, and I think you’ll walk away with some great ideas you can actually use in your store. I hope you’ll make the time to join us.
See you September 28th!
Steve Lang, CEO Mon Cheri Bridals
Nayri Kalayjian, Wedding Fashion Expert
Sweet Treat
Tuesday | 11:00 a.m.
Indulge your sweet tooth with a bite-sized treat 🍰✨ Located in the NBMC Center Lounge, ready to make your taste buds dance.
50th Anniversary Masquerade Gala
SOLD OUT! The venue has reached max capacity.
You’re invited to the Bridal Industry event of the year!
This August, the National Bridal Market Chicago celebrates 50 years of design, retail, and history within the Bridal Industry. Join us in your finest black-tie attire and embrace the mystery of our masquerade - please wear an elegant mask for an unforgettable evening of skyline and lake views, dancing, live music, an open bar, & exquisite cuisine. Tickets are limited and likely to sell out, so buy yours early!
Monday, August 17, 2026
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Offshore Rooftop (at Navy Pier)
1000 East Grand Avenue
*Tickets are required and will be issued as wristbands at the Show Office; physical tickets will not be provided. Transportation will be available. Refunds are no longer available.
***Attendees must be 21 and up.
Oaks Lilly Cocktail
A little tart, a little sweet. Sip a perfectly crafted Oaks Lily Cocktail in the Center Lounge.
Hair Beauty Bar
Monday 1:00-6:00 PM
Get Gala-ready with a complimentary hair session!
All buyers are invited to sign up at the show. Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ragazza Fashion × Frida Kahlo The Official 50th Anniversary Commemorative Gown Reveal
Monday | 11:00 AM
Join us in the North Lobby for the grand dress reveal!
Heart of Frida is the official Frida Kahlo licensed gown created by Ragazza Fashion to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Bridal Market. Conceived as a limited-edition collector’s piece, this design celebrates the intersection of haute couture, art, and Mexican identity. Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s enduring legacy, it reinterprets her iconic symbols, vibrant colors, and cultural heritage into a creation that honors feminine strength, tradition, and the freedom of self-expression, standing as a lasting emblem of this historic celebration.
Wine Happy Hour
Sunday | 4:00 p.m.
Join us for some white wine and rose in the NBMC Center Lounge!
Walking Chicago Dogs
Keep your eye out for the roaming cart of Chicago Style Hotdogs on floors 4 & 7!
Spritz Bar | Sponsored by Allure Bridals (4th Floor)
Sunday | 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Monday | 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Visit the 4th Floor Bar, sponsored by Allure Bridals, for an afternoon spritz pick-me-up - featuring Hugo Spritz and Aperol Spritz.
Vows Magazine Ice Cream Break
Sunday & Monday | 3:00p.m.
Stop by the VOWS ice cream cart and learn about what’s new from the industry’s leading trade publication and grab a sweet treat as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Casablanca Espresso Martini Pop Up Bar
Sunday & Monday | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The perfect pick me up, stop by the Casablanca’s Pop Up Bar for an espresso martini near Booth 3094!
Strawberry Martini and French 75 Martini with Bliss Bridal
Sunday & Monday | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The perfect summer martinis are waiting for you at Bliss Bridal pop up bar. Located in Booth 2066!
Complimentary Buyer & Exhibitor Lunch
Daily | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All buyers and exhibitors are invited to join us in the Café on the 2nd floor for a complimentary lunch each day of market.
*You must scan your badge to receive the complimentary breakfast or lunch.
Mimosas with Ariel Taub
Sunday | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Start your morning with a mimosa in Ariel Taub’s booth 1101.
Immunity Shots (4th Floor)
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday | 10:00 a.m.
A little shot of wellness at the 4th Floor Justin Alexander Group/ Allure Bridals Bar.
Specialty Coffee Bar | Presented by SYVO
Sunday & Monday | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00-1:00 p.m.
Complimentary coffee and pastries on the north side main aisle brought to you by our friends at SYVO.
SYVO gives bridal shops the tools they need to increase qualified appointments and drive sales. Attract the new generation of brides with proven strategies and grow your business today.
Bel Aire Bridal Lemonade & Ice Tea
Sunday & Monday | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday | 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Stop by the main aisle for some fresh lemonade and ice tea, sponsored by Bel Aire Bridal!
Custom Illustrations Sponsored by Bridal Live
Sunday | 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Monday | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
We know you’ve got style. Capture it in a one of a kind illustration. Top fashion illustrator Kristine Steiner joins us on the Show Floor to sketch buyers in all their market glory - compliments of BridalLive. (Fun Fact: Kristine has sketched for Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton!) Located on the front aisle north side!
Specialty Coffee Bar | Sponsored by Justin Alexander Group (4th Floor)
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stop by the Justin Alexander Group Specialty Coffee Bar on the 4th floor for handcrafted lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, matcha, and more.
Bridal Guide Lounge (4th Floor)
Visit the Bridal Guide editorial team in the brand-new Bridal Guide Lounge on the 4th floor. Share your latest collections, story ideas, and product launches for potential editorial coverage and social media amplification across Bridal Guide's channels. Plus, enjoy surprise-and-delight moments throughout National Bridal Market!
Coat & Luggage Check | Sponsored by Lazaro
Sunday & Monday | 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday | 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Coat and Luggage check is available on the 1st floor complimentary thanks to Maison Perez.
Safely store your bags, luggage, coats or strollers at Coat Check on the 1st floor, Located in the North Lobby, near registration.
Complimentary Buyer & Exhibitors Breakfast
Daily | 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
All buyers and exhibitors are invited to join us in the Café on the 2nd floor for a complimentary breakfast each day of market.
*You must scan your badge to receive the complimentary breakfast or lunch.
SEMINAR- How AI Is Helping Bridal Shops Get More Appointments
Bridal shopping is changing, and AI is now part of how brides find and choose where to book appointments. For most bridal shop owners, the goal isn’t learning new technology. It’s increasing appointments without adding more complexity.
This session breaks down how AI is influencing bridal appointments today, what successful shops are paying attention to, and how to cut through the noise to focus on what actually drives bookings. If you want to keep your bridal shop current, competitive, and positioned for continued appointment growth, this session is for you.
SEMINAR- Creative Content & Numbers
In this seminar Jacqui Wadsworth will teach you
🌟Top 5 Content Trends! Setting Goals & Outlines for Content Creation w Accountability.
🌟 How To Define your True Cost of Sales so you make better buys and have consistent profitable sales.
SEMINAR- Recruiting, Hiring, & Onboarding top tier talent for your bridal shop
Mindi Linscombe is the Founder and Owner of Something New: Bridal & Formalwear, the most reviewed bridal shop in the world, and the visionary behind Bridal Owner Success Solutions (BOSS). With 19 years of industry expertise, Mindi has served over 15,000 brides with store lifetime sales exceeding $40 million.
Leaving this presentation your audience will learn:
✔️ How to define roles that actually support your goals
✔️ What makes a comp plan work (instead of wear you down)
✔️ The systems I’ve used to grow a team I trust—with results to prove it
SEMINAR- Timeless Spaces, Generations of Expertise – Redefine Your Retail Space to Reflect Your Brand with Industry Expert Andrea Alvarez
Located on thhe 2nd Floor in WorkLife
This seminar will focus how a carefully curated retail environment can elevate your brand, attract the RIGHT clientele and pave the way for additional services and increased revenue.
40+ years in the luxury display industry, WW Bridal Displays has become the premier source for bridal retailers nationwide. The mission, to be more than a supplier—serving as a trusted resource for design insight, industry expertise, and retailer support.
Opening Night Party
Join us for THE Industry event, bringing together Buyers and Exhibitors in a spectacular venue - Marshall’s Landing at THE MART. The event will include open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, DJ, riverside views, and great company. We can’t wait to see you there!
Complimentary event for registered Buyers & Exhibitors. No tickets required.