Love is in the air this week in Philadelphia.
Old City’s Wedding Stroll kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 5 p.m., and during this inaugural event, couples who are looking to tie the knot can peruse through 45 different businesses offering ways to sip, sample, taste and tour their finest wedding options.
Throughout the historic district of the city, there are small businesses, restaurants, boutiques, salons and shops offering wedding attire, floral options, jewelry, food and beverages, venues options, wedding services and more all within a few blocks.
“Forty-eight 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,” explained Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director of Old City District in a statement. “This event highlights independently-owned businesses that can help you prepare for your big day.”
According to the release, participating businesses include Shane Confectionery, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, The Olde Bar, Philly Bride, SuitShop, Amina, Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, Fork, Panorama Wine Bar, Arch Enemy Arts, FringeArts, Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Kick Axe Throwing, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, Power Plant Productions, Art in the Age, Chick Invitations, Hitched, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, NE Flower Boutique, Lovely Bride Philly and many others.
For couples getting ready to walk down the aisle, this event offers a way to check out their options. And for wedding-centered businesses, this event is an opportunity to showcase their expertise.
“I opened Lovely Bride Philly in Old City nine years ago. The neighborhood was, and is, the perfect fit. The mix of old historical charm with modern independent boutiques makes it a great destination to spend the day. Bridal shopping is an experience so this allows our clients and their guests to come to us, have a relaxing meal nearby, stop in some cute clothing stores, and really make a day of it,” said Lovely Bride Owner Ivy Kaplin in another statement.
In most venues, you can stop in to learn about their collections and what they offer. But for others, there will be specific deals that Philadelphians can sift through. Spots such as Atelier Bianca, Philly Bride, SuitShop and others will offer complimentary refreshments while you peruse. Then there are restaurants such as La Peg and Cuba Libre who will offer a bit more than just a taste. At the latter, participants can enjoy a few light bites and sips, tour their space, and snap a picture at their photo wall, while at La Peg, refreshments and tours of their establishment will be available.
“Old City is the top destination for wedding planning in Philadelphia. SuitShop loves being in the center of the vibrant and historic neighborhood,” explained SuitShop Philadelphia Showroom Manager Sara Brady in a statement. “With so many top wedding vendors within close proximity of one another, it is an ideal place to plan a wedding.”
Then there are more extensive spots offering a wider variety of options for Old City’s Wedding Stroll. For example, Power Plant Productions will offer an immersive wedding experience showcasing the beautiful space, lighting, small bites from Feastivities Catering, signature cocktails from Breakthru Beverage, floral, photography, design, music and more, with discount parking vouchers available for the Parkominium.
For the grand finale, one couple will win a $1,000 valued Wedding Gift Basket with a free Tungsten wedding band for up to $300 in value from Hitched, two tickets to the Museum of Illusions, two tickets to a bread making class at Old City Kitchen, plus gifts from places such as The Olde Bar, Mari Mi Bridal, Chick Invitations and more being offered.
“We opened in Old City because we absolutely love the atmosphere and charm of this section of the city. 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,” said JM&Co. Owners Jacqueline Ryan and Mabree Burris.
Ultimately, Philadelphians will be able to make their own adventure while at Old City’s Wedding Stroll, with each place offering their own specials and offerings for the event, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. For information, visit oldcitydistrict.org
