Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with so many options to consider—from vendors and venues to the endless online options available. But the Old City District’s fourth annual Wedding Stroll is here to make the process a little easier and a lot more personal.
The Wedding Stroll will take place on Wednesday, April 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., offering couples a chance to explore around 40 wedding-related businesses in Old City, Philadelphia. The event is described as a “pub crawl” for wedding planning, where participating vendors—including florists, jewelers, dress shops, suit shops, venues, and restaurants—will open their doors to share deals, ideas, and information on how to make a wedding unique.
According to Leah Ben, Senior Marketing Manager for the Old City District, the stroll is an excellent way for couples to connect with wedding vendors in a personal way. “There’s a high concentration of wedding-related businesses in Old City,” she said. “This is so very different from the typical experience because you’re connecting directly with the people who are going to be taking care of you on your big day.”
While much of wedding planning today takes place online through sites like The Knot and Zola, the Wedding Stroll offers a hands-on, in-person experience. Participants can meet vendors, sample different options, and get a feel for what might work best for their vision.
“So much of the wedding-planning experience is so personal,” Ben explained. “Being able to get little tastes of different options during the Wedding Stroll can help you make some choices and really make the rest of your wedding planning go smoothly.”
A One-Stop Wedding Shop
Ben, who recently got married in Old City, believes that the Wedding Stroll is an invaluable event for couples. “We really have almost all services,” she said. “Everything from if you need a tuxedo for your dog, if he’s involved in the ceremony, all the way to your after-party space.”
New to this year’s event is ANIMA Natural Pet Products, which offers services for couples who want to include their pets in their wedding day. “The concept of pets in weddings is just an absolute thing, as they’re part of the family,” said Kimberly Davis, owner of ANIMA. From custom collars and leashes to tuxedos and mini wedding gowns for pets, ANIMA provides everything couples need to make their furry friends feel like part of the ceremony.
Ideal Location for Wedding Shopping
Old City is a popular destination for weddings, thanks to its historic cobblestone streets and picturesque brick buildings. For brides-to-be, the neighborhood is particularly ideal because of the concentration of bridal stores. Monet Imperato, owner of Mari Me Bridal, chose the Old City location for her store because of the convenience it provides for shoppers. “When girls are scheduling two other appointments, we’re still close enough for them to include us on their day of shopping,” she explained.
The Wedding Stroll offers an excellent opportunity for brides to see dresses in person and talk to experts like Imperato, helping them narrow down their options and calm any pre-appointment jitters.
Special Perks and a “Bloom Bar”
Couples who participate in the stroll will enjoy special perks, including discounts and the chance to win nearly $4,000 worth of wedding-related goods and services. The stroll will also feature a “Bloom Bar,” where attendees can create their own custom bouquet with flowers from NE Flower Boutique. Anastasia Beilyk, president of the boutique, said the event is a great way for potential customers to experience her floral designs firsthand.
“As a florist, obviously our things are very physical,” Beilyk explained. “When you come in, you’ll get a chance to see a centerpiece and a bridal bouquet, feel it, touch it, and get a look at a bunch of different flowers we offer.” NE Flower Boutique offers a wide range of services, from providing just the bouquet to designing an entire reception.
A Free Event with a Personal Touch
The Old City Wedding Stroll is a free event, but registration is required. By attending, couples can check off some major items on their wedding planning checklist while enjoying the beautiful setting of Old City.
“I feel like this is a very fun event for everybody,” Beilyk said. “Old City is a beautiful space to be in, and the vibes are great.” She added, “It actually is real. You get to talk to these vendors and see if it’s a good fit, which gives couples a definite advantage in their wedding planning.”
With its hands-on approach to wedding planning, the Old City Wedding Stroll is sure to help couples find the perfect vendors for their big day.
