Address
Room 614, Building B, No.58 East Xin Jian Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
Room 614, Building B, No.58 East Xin Jian Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 10AM-5PM
Monday to Friday: 10AM-5PM
National Bridal Market Chicago (NBM Chicago): Planning to source wholesale wedding dresses here? This guide has you covered.
The Chicago Bridal Trade Show is a top trade show for bridal buyers, held in Chicago twice yearly. Unlike fashion-focused events, this event focuses on wholesale deals.
American and European brides like some similar bridal styles but differ in key wedding trends.
Chicago Bridal Market is an important place for wedding dress shops. However, store owners should be careful. Traditional Bridal Wholesalers are now selling retail and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales.
Organizer
The Merchandise Mart, a historic landmark in Chicago, hosts the Chicago Bridal Market to bring together bridal industry professionals.
They built it in 1930, and it once held the title of the largest building in the world. Originally designed as a wholesale marketplace, it has hosted major trade shows for decades.
It continues to be a central hub for business, design, and fashion events, including the NBM Chicago.
Date
March 9-11, 2025
Venue
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
1. Pre-Registration for Buyers
To attend National Bridal Market Chicago, buyers must Pre-Register Online through the official website.
Why Pre-Registration Is Important
- Chicago Bridal Market is trade-only, open only to verified bridal store owners and buyers.
- Attendees must provide business credentials (business license, resale certificate, or other proof).
- The show does not allow sourcing agents, manufacturers, marketing agencies, or the public. Only approved buyers can attend.
Buyer Badges
- Badges are required for entry to all exhibits, seminars, and networking events.
- Badges also grant access to free meals and refreshments at the show.
- Buyers receive their badge via email after approval and can print it home.
- On-site badge pickup is available at the Registration Desk.
Guest Policy
- Each store can bring a limited number of guests.
- Guests must actively participate in the business as employees or partners.
Show Policies
- Children under 14 are not allowed (except infants in carriers).
- The show floor does not permit rolling bags.
- Exhibitors must grant permission for photography.
Event Schedule & Appointments
- Buyers are encouraged to book appointments with exhibitors in advance.
- The NBM Chicago app helps buyers navigate the show and plan meetings.
If you need wholesale designer wedding dresses, consider a few things. This is especially true at the National Bridal Market in Chicago. Please refer to the details
2. Personalized Schedule
The Chicago Bridal Market is a significant industry event. It has lots of exhibitors, fashion shows, and chances to meet people. A simple plan helps you use your time well.
Plan Your Visit
The market runs from Sunday, March 9, to Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with the following hours:
- Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Book hotels early through onPeak, the market’s official travel partner, for discounted rates.
Review the Floor Plan & Exhibitor List
- Check the official NBM Chicago website for a List of Designers.
- Mark the must-visit booths based on your store’s needs.
Schedule Meetings with Designers & Brands
- Many brands allow pre-scheduled appointments—reach out in advance.
- Plan enough time to view collections and discuss orders.
3. National Bridal Market Chicago Event Schedule
Once you’re there, here’s what awaits: designer showcases, networking opportunities, and more. Check the Special Events Page for details:
| Event Type | Event Name | Time | Location | Details |
|---|
| 🎉 Special Event | Opening Night Party | March 9, 18:00 – 20:00 | Marshall’s Landing at THE MART | Join us for a fun industry social event. Enjoy beer, wine, appetizers, and a DJ. Take in the beautiful riverside views! |
| 📚 Seminars | Transform Your Bridal Business: How To Boost Conversion Rates + Build Lasting Relationships | March 10, 08:00 – 09:00 | – | Join us for a discussion on how to improve conversion rates. We will discuss improving the customer journey and creating brand loyalty. |
| The Power of Silent Selling – Contractors, Designers, and Budgets Oh My! | March 10, 08:00 – 09:00 | 7th Floor WWDisplays 5012 Booth | This session will focus on visual marketing and store design. We will cover space planning, display equipment, and budget management. |
| How to Quickly Assess Your Shop’s Financial Position | March 11, 08:00 – 09:00 | – | Join a hands-on workshop. Learn how to assess finances for bridal shops. Discover ways to boost profits and growth. |
| OTR Sales and Content Creation | March 11, 08:00 – 09:00 | – | Learn how content marketing boosts inventory sales and creates urgency. |
| 🍽️ Dining Events | Free Breakfast | March 9-11, 08:00 – 10:00 | 2nd Floor Café | Free breakfast is provided, and a badge scan is required. |
| Free Lunch | March 9-11, 12:00 – 14:00 | 2nd Floor Café | Free lunch provided, badge scan required. |
| **Specialty Coffee Bar | Presented by SYVO** | March 9-11, 10:00 – 15:00 (Tuesday until 13:00) | North Main Corridor |
| Mimosas and Magic With BridalVision Financial | March 9-10, 10:00 – 12:00 | Front Corridor 1 | Enjoy mimosas while you learn financial tips for bridal shops. |
| Gelato Sponsored By Vero | March 9-10, 13:00 – 15:00 | – | Refreshing gelato served. |
| Espresso Martinis Sponsored by Poppy Bridal Software | March 9-10, 13:00 – 15:00 | North Front Corridor | Enjoy espresso martinis. |
| Margaritas and Prosecco with Bliss Bridal | March 9-10, 13:30 – 15:00 | – | Enjoy margaritas and prosecco. |
| Casablanca Matcha Martini Pop Up Bar | March 9-10, 14:00 – 16:00 | Outside Booth 3094 | Taste delicious matcha martinis. |
| Limoncello Martini With Elissar | March 9, 14:00 – 16:00 | Booth 1066 | Enjoy limoncello martinis. |
| Vows Magazine Ice Cream Break | March 9-11, 15:00 | – | Stop by for ice cream and industry updates. |
| Afternoon Snack | March 9-10, 15:00 – 16:00 | – | Enjoy cheese, meats, and dips for an afternoon treat. |
| Gin and Cucumber Spritz | March 9-10, 16:00 – 17:00 | Central Lounge | Refreshing gin and cucumber drink. |
| Prosecco Toast & Dress Reveal With Ragazza | March 10, 11:00 – 12:00 | Lobby | Enjoy prosecco and watch a dress reveal. |
| Lychee Martini | March 10, 16:00 – 17:00 | Central Lounge | Taste exotic lychee martinis. |
| Cake Pops | March 11, 11:00 – 12:00 | Central Lounge | Enjoy cake pops for a sweet treat. |
4. Watch Wholesale Designer Wedding Dresses DTC Shift
Large traditional wedding dress wholesale brands focus on wholesale. Wedding dresses need fittings and changes, so selling directly to customers is hard. They rely on bridal shops.
Yet, new DTC brands like Anomalie and Floravere bring pressure. If wholesalers don’t adapt, they risk losing market share.
Bridal store owners must stay alert. Are these brands turning to retail or DTC? This could harm your traditional store. Monitor their websites and ask for exclusive designs to protect your store.
Take the sportswear brand Under Armour as an example. For 20 years, it sold through wholesalers, partnering with large-scale retailers. In 2017, it turned to DTC to boost profits and cut reliance on others. Though it keeps some wholesale, it still squeezes traditional retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Many bridal stores are preparing for this shift. They’re launching Build My Bridal Brands. You can find them at the Chicago Bridal Trade Show or New York Bridal Fashion Week. Some examples are One Fine Day, Union Square Couture, and Melange de Blanc.
From a cost perspective, one wedding dress has a 60-day lead time. Shipping from China to the US takes about 1.5 weeks via express, costing around $50-60, with no extra tariff fees in most cases. Ready to act? Contact us.
This guide helps bridal store owners. The event is for buyers finding suppliers at NBM Chicago. Designers wholesaling dresses focus differently.
Want to sell your dresses instead? Check out this simple guide: How to Wholesale Designer Wedding Dresses at National Bridal Market Chicago.
5. NBM Chicago vs. NYBFW Differences
The Chicago Bridal Trade Show gives you a great wholesale buying experience that’s easy and business-friendly.
New York Bridal Fashion Week is a fashion event that highlights design and brand showcases. Smaller markets like One Fine Day, Union Square Couture, and Melange de Blanc run alongside.
Both serve different parts of the bridal industry, store owners can choose based on their needs.
Read more: All Wedding Fairs & Markets at New York Bridal Fashion Week Guide