For those of you who are recently engaged and are just getting started with your wedding planning, here are a few of the many bridal shows in the Bay Area that you might want to check out:

Tip: If you do not know where to start, the following two shows might be your answer.  The smaller numbers lend themselves to a more intimate setting, making it easier to talk to the vendors and see what they are all about.

San Francisco Wedding Faire

Location: The Four Seasons, San Francisco

Date: January 6, 2011

This bridal faire is small,  bringing brides and vendors together in a more intimate setting.  The vendors are carefully chosen to allow for a nice variety, and the Four Seasons in downtown San Francisco lends itself to wedding inspiration.

Classic Wedding Fairs

These are boutique style wedding fairs offered by Brocade Weddings.  They are located throughout the entire Bay Area, and current dates range from August 29^th in Palo Alto to November 14 in Pleasanton.  These bridal fairs offer fashion shows, seminars, samples, and a multitude of vendors for brides to mingle with.

Tip: The following bridal fair is perfect for those multi-cultural and tech-savvy couples looking for a great way to easily meld cultures and ideas.

International Wedding Festival

Location: Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

Date: October 3, 2010

(Also in San Jose February 20, 2011)

This bridal show has a focus on bringing couples and their families together, by offering a unique set of vendors to support everyone’s interests and cultures. This includes a huge variety of caterers, along with new wedding innovations that help bring family together (similar to Marry Me Live’s live wedding streaming services).  In addition to meeting with vendors, brides will be treated to a fashion show, and raffle.

Tip: If you just want to get out there and meet as many vendors as possible, the following expo is what you are looking for.  Its trade show atmosphere means that you will see a lot of vendors throughout the day, but keep in mind it could make it harder to remember who you spoke with.

Great Bridal Expo

Location: Marriott in Burlingame

Date: November 20, 2010

(Also at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose November 21, 2010)

The Great Bridal Expo is massive, and similar to a trade show, allowing for brides and grooms to meet the greatest number of vendors possible.  You can think of it as a one-stop-shop for all things bridal!