Before walking down the aisle, couples looking to tie the knot can join in on an extensive marriage-themed festivity with the return of the Old City Wedding Stroll in 2023.
Taking place on Wednesday, April 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., over 45 locations will open their doors and offer consultations, demos, tastings, and tours. Overall, Philadelphians will be able to check out bridal and suit shops, venues, restaurants, and plenty of other wedding services. And everyone who participates also has the opportunity to win a Wedding Gift Basket valued at $2,000.
“More than 60 new businesses have opened in Old City so far since 2021, and many of them are wedding-specific businesses or businesses that offer wedding services,” said Old City District Executive Director Job Itzkowitz in a statement. “This event highlights independently-owned businesses that can help you prepare for your big day.”
The 2023 Old City Wedding Stroll is free to attend, but registration is required at oldcitydistrict.org/wedding.
Participating spots range in what they offer during the event: Bella Bridesmaids for one is going to offer an open house (with champagne) in their showroom so you can see their selection of designer dresses, plus a meet and greet with their stylists to answer any of your wedding party questions. Mari Mi Bridal on the other hand will also offer complimentary champagne, along with specials on all veils and accessories.
Happy couples can also check out churches and venues, including Christ Church, St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Arch Street Meeting House, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church Neighborhood House, FringeArts/Fringe Bar, and Power Plant Productions.
The Old City Wedding Stroll will also feature opportunities to check out floral arrangements (NE Flower Boutique, Petit Jardin en Ville) jewelry (Hitched), invitations (Chick Invitations), and beauty.
Beauty-wise, JM&Co. will be offering six slots for hair and six slots for makeup for 30-minute demos with some of their stylists. The appointments are free, but those who are interested still need to sign up for their time. Victoria Roggio Beauty will also be highlighting free wedding skincare consultations and goodie bags that include samples of some of their favorite products, bridal facial packages and more.
“We opened in Old City because we absolutely love the atmosphere and charm of this section of the city,” said JM&Co. owners Jacqueline Ryan and Mabree Burris in a statement. “You should visit Old City if you are looking for the best in the business when it comes to weddings and events. This neighborhood is full of experts and it’s wonderful to be surrounded by fellow ‘friendors’ and the most talented group of people when it comes to making someone’s day unforgettable.”
The Stroll will also be spirited: As the release states, Art in the Age will be open to the public for the evening and participants can come in and enjoy a cocktail from their seasonal menu while you tour the store. AITA’s staff will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through their selection of spirits, cocktail additions, glassware and bar tools as well. Visitors can then grab a seat at the bar and watch their bartenders put together one of their “complex riffs on classic cocktails,” and feel free to ask questions along the way.
Some venues will also be offering options for gifts: Grossman Furniture for one will offer an open house so you can meet the design team that will explain their bridal registry, and everyone that visits Grossman Furniture will receive a coupon for $100 off every $1,000 you spend.
Restaurants and food venues will show off options for catering, including at the American Vegan Center, Amina, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Bar, Fork Restaurant, FringeArts/Fringe Bar, Las Bugambilias, Old City Kitchen, Panorama, The Plough & The Stars, Positano Coast and Royal Boucherie. Spots like Scoop DeVille and Shane Confectionary will also be showcasing options for sweet treats.
The Old City Wedding Stroll will additionally highlight stops for photography, candles, dance lessons and more. And finally, that basket going to one participant mentioned before? It holds a Tungsten wedding band for up to $299 in value from Hitched, a Ligne Roset candle from Millesime ($85), a $75 gift card from Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, a $75 gift card from Positano Coast, a $50 gift card from SuitShop, a tote from Lovely Bride ($20) and the “Dating Vegans” book from the American Vegan Center ($12.95).
For more information and to register for the event, visit: oldcitydistrict.org/wedding
