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
Planning to source wholesale wedding dresses at the National Bridal Market Chicago (NBMC)? 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, it’s built for wholesale deals.
American and European brides like some similar bridal styles but differ in key wedding trends.
NBMC is a key source for wedding dress boutiques, but store owners should be cautious of Traditional Bridal Wholesalers shifting toward retail or direct-to-consumer (DTC).
Organizer
The Merchandise Mart, a historic landmark in Chicago, hosts NBMC to bring together bridal industry professionals.
It was built in 1930 and was once 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 NBMC.
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
- NBMC 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 general 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 at home.
- On-site badge pickup is available at the Registration Desk.
Guest Policy
- Each store can bring a limited number of guests.
- Guests must be involved in the business (employees or partners).
Show Policies
- Children under 14 are not allowed (except infants in carriers).
- Rolling bags are not permitted on the show floor.
- Photography is only allowed with exhibitor permission.
Event Schedule & Appointments
- Buyers are encouraged to book appointments with exhibitors in advance.
- The NBMC app helps buyers navigate the show and plan meetings.
If you need wholesale designer wedding dresses at the National Bridal Market Chicago, there are many things to watch out for. Please refer to the details
2. Personalized Itinerary
NBMC is a large event with many exhibitors, fashion shows, and networking opportunities. A well-planned itinerary will help you make the most of your time.
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 NBMC 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 for viewing collections and discussing 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 | An industry social event with beer, wine, appetizers, DJ performance, and riverside views. |
| 📚 Seminars | Transform Your Bridal Business: How To Boost Conversion Rates + Build Lasting Relationships | March 10, 08:00 – 09:00 | – | Discussion on improving conversion rates, optimizing customer journey, and building brand loyalty. |
| The Power of Silent Selling – Contractors, Designers, and Budgets Oh My! | March 10, 08:00 – 09:00 | 7th Floor WWDisplays 5012 Booth | Focus on visual marketing and store design, covering space planning, display equipment, and budget management. |
| How to Quickly Assess Your Shop’s Financial Position | March 11, 08:00 – 09:00 | – | Practical workshop on financial assessment methods for bridal shops to understand profitability and growth strategies. |
| OTR Sales and Content Creation | March 11, 08:00 – 09:00 | – | Explore how content marketing drives inventory sales and creates a sense of urgency. |
| 🍽️ Dining Events | Free Breakfast | March 9-11, 08:00 – 10:00 | 2nd Floor Café | Free breakfast provided, badge scan required. |
| Free Lunch for Buyers & Exhibitors | 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 learning financial management 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 Wholesalers’ DTC Shift
Large traditional wedding dress wholesale brands focus on wholesale. They depend on retail bridal stores. Wedding dresses need fittings and customizations, so DTC isn’t easy.
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 big 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’ll find them at the Chicago Bridal Market or alongside New York Bridal Fashion Week, such as One Fine Day, Union Square Couture, or 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.
5. NBMC vs. NYBFW Differences
The Chicago Bridal Trade Show offers a top wholesale buying experience in practicality and trade.
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