Bridal show to showcase local vendors, Springfield's Downtown

The Bushnell Event Center will be bustling with brides-to-be and showcasing local vendors ready to make wedding-day details smooth and seamless.

The Valentine Bride Spectacular is dedicated to connecting brides near and far with dedicated local vendors and to showcasing Downtown Springfield as a great location for weddings, says Lisa Abshear, venue manager for the Bushnell Event Center.

The event will be presented by McClure Event Promotions from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the space which was all recently renovated to include a new, accessible parking lot and entrance, and trendy views of exposed brick and original stonework.

“It’s going to be fantastic because we don’t generally have wedding shows in Springfield,” Abshear says. “We have a lot to show off about Springfield – we’re accommodating, and there are so many things in our little area to do.”

All brides will have free entry. Entry for friends of the bride is $5 per person. Brides and their adult guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine.

Vendors will include caterers and pastry chefs, health and beauty experts, entertainment providers, photographers, and local support services, including Sunflower Yoga, which can provide classes to bridal parties and more.

Holly’s Bridal will be available with dresses for brides to try on.

Abshear shared how vendors struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic because of how much the wedding industry changed. She also says many people planning weddings struggled because there were a number of fake and untrustworthy businesses that scammed brides out of money without fulfilling their promise to provide services.

Events like the Valentine Bridal Spectacular, she says, can help vendors reconnect with people planning weddings so they can grow their businesses again. And, Abshear says the brides will find only recommended vendors at the event, so they can make wedding plans with confidence.

The bridal event, Abshear says, also will highlight some of the unique and fun parts of Springfield’s Downtown.

“There are so many things we have to offer right here in our Downtown,” Abshear says. “People are often surprised when they come visit and see how much there is to do.”

Springfield’s walkability from the Courtyard by Marriott hotel Downtown can be a major selling point for people who want their guests to enjoy the days before and after their wedding.

With restaurants, desserts, coffee shops, bars, a boutique, a paint and sip studio and more all nearby, the hotel is a great place for wedding parties and guests alike, Abshear says.

“When your guests are here, there’s plenty of things for them to do. They’re not stuck in a hotel room all day,” Abshear says. “I want people to experience Springfield and realize all we have to offer.”