Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The WedPlan Madison Wedding Show is set to be Wisconsin's largest and most inspirational wedding planning experience. Taking place at the Alliant Energy Center, this event connects engaged couples with the area's top wedding vendors, providing a comprehensive resource for planning weddings in Madison and South Central Wisconsin.
Attendees can explore various vendor booths, gather ideas, and enjoy a weekend filled with inspiration and expert advice. WedPlan Madison Wedding Show takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The WedPlan Madison Wedding Show takes place on January 9-10, 2027, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is Wisconsin's largest wedding planning show, connecting couples with top local vendors.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by WedPlan, a leading resource for wedding planning in the Madison area.
- 4Buyer Authority: Engaged couples and wedding planners looking for inspiration and vendor connections.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available online for $7 or $10 at the door.
Why visit
Attending the WedPlan Madison Wedding Show offers couples the chance to meet numerous wedding professionals in one location, saving time and stress in the planning process. With a variety of vendors showcasing their services, couples can gather valuable information and inspiration for their wedding day.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the WedPlan Madison Wedding Show provides vendors with direct access to engaged couples actively seeking wedding services. Hosted by WedPlan, a leading resource for wedding planning in the Madison area. Engaged couples and wedding planners looking for inspiration and vendor connections.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Engaged couples in early-to-mid planning stages comparing venues, photographers, florists, caterers, and DJs
Wedding planners and day-of coordinators sourcing new vendor partners and show specials
Parents and family members helping to fund or plan a wedding
Friends and wedding party members gathering ideas for showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners
Local wedding professionals (photographers, florists, caterers, officiants) researching competitors and seasonal trends
Couples seeking themed, destination, or budget-friendly wedding inspiration
Recently engaged couples looking for show-only booking incentives and deposit deals
Vendors' existing clients attending for tastings, portfolio reviews, and final vendor selections
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Wedding venues showcasing their spaces
Caterers offering food and beverage options
Florists presenting floral arrangements
Photographers displaying portfolios
Wedding planners providing coordination services
Bakers featuring wedding cakes and desserts
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Wedding venues and locations
Catering and bar services
Photography and videography
Floral design and arrangements
Wedding attire and accessories
Event rentals and décor
Location & Facilities
Venue
Alliant Energy Center
Madison, United States
Facilities
Parking
Alliant Energy Center in Madison typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Alliant Energy Center in Madison typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Alliant Energy Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Online purchase
7General admission
At the door
10
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Madison, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-01-09 to 2027-01-10, WedPlan Madison Wedding Show in Madison covering Wedding venues and locations, Catering and bar services, Photography and videography, Floral design and arrangements, We gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
3-star
Downtown Madison4.6(457 reviews)
USD 115–145 / night
Google Hotels result listing eco-certified status; amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar and restaurant. Listed at 16 percent below its usual rate during the searched dates.
Holiday Inn & Suites Madison West - Middleton by IHG
3-star
Madison West - Middleton4.1
USD 115–145 / night
Amenities listed: breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, bar.
Madison Marriott South
4-star
South MadisonUSD 175–220 / night
Amenities listed: breakfast (paid), Wi-Fi (paid), free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, restaurant. Described in capture excerpt as a newly constructed facility.
Madison Marriott West
3-star
West Madison4.3
USD 115–145 / night
Free Wi-Fi; capture lists this property at 18 percent below its usual rate for the searched dates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Public bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forMadison Metro Transit to Alliant Energy Center
Use the Metro trip planner from downtown or west-side hotels; routes and schedules vary by day.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown Madison to Alliant Energy Center
Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Madison; confirm availability and drop-off location.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MSN to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forDane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Alliant Energy Center
Airport-to-venue fares vary by traffic and time of day; confirm with the driver or app before booking.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. $8-$12 per day - confirm current rate with venue
Best forOn-site parking at Alliant Energy Center
On-site parking is available; rates and hall access should be confirmed with the venue.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ORD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Alliant Energy Center
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MKE to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forMilwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Alliant Energy Center
Weather
January 2027 Madison in early-to-mid January is deep winter; the searched stay window (9-10 January 2027) falls in the coldest part of the year. No live forecast was captured for this event window.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Wedding expo etiquette
Bring a notebook and a short list of questions for each vendor. Many couples attend with a partner, parent, or friend; it is normal to compare quotes and take brochures before booking.
Midwestern hospitality
Madison vendors tend to be approachable and relationship-driven. Expect friendly conversation and follow-up emails; a prompt thank-you note or reply is appreciated.
Winter weather
January in Madison is cold and can be snowy. The expo is indoors, but dress in warm layers and allow extra time for winter road conditions or delayed buses.
Vendor booking culture
Many wedding professionals require a deposit and signed contract to hold a date. Show specials may be tied to booking at the expo, so ask about payment schedules and cancellation policies.
Tipping and gratuities
Gratuities for wedding vendors vary by service and contract. Check whether a service charge is already included before adding a tip, and confirm local norms with each vendor.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights returned 7 results for New York JFK to Madison MSN on 9 January 2027, sorted by top flights. Example itineraries shown: American (Republic Airways/PSA as American Eagle) 6:30 AM-11:01 AM, 5 hr 31 min with a 1 hr 7 min stop at DCA; a 8:29 PM-12:14 AM+1 routing, 4 hr 45 min with a 37 min stop at ORD; and a 7:38 AM-12:19 PM option, 5 hr 41 min with a 1 hr 15 min stop at CLT. Fares were still loading at capture time, so compare live prices and baggage rules before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Madison; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Alliant Energy Center: Downtown Madison: Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown; Madison West - Middleton: Holiday Inn & Suites Madison West - Middleton by IHG; South Madison: Madison Marriott South.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Madison; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Madison Metro Transit buses serve the Alliant Energy Center; use the Metro trip planner from downtown or west-side hotels. Approx. single ride $2.00; day pass approx. $5.00 - confirm current fares and schedules with Madison Metro.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Alliant Energy Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Madison in early-to-mid January is deep winter; the searched stay window (9-10 January 2027) falls in the coldest part of the year. No live forecast was captured for this event window.
Seasonality: Early-to-mid January in Madison is deep winter: expect cold temperatures, possible snow and ice, and short daylight. The expo is indoors at Alliant Energy Center, so plan warm layers and allow extra travel time for winter road conditions. No live forecast was captured for the event window; check a local forecast closer to travel.
Packing: Pack for hard winter: insulated coat, gloves, hat, scarf and waterproof boots, plus layers for heated indoor halls. Check a live Madison forecast roughly a week before departure.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at WedPlan Madison Wedding Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm final show dates and hours on the official WedPlan schedule page.
T-2
Buy tickets online at the listed $7 rate rather than $10 at the door.
T-3
Book a hotel near Alliant Energy Center or downtown Madison; compare cancellation policies.
T-4
Plan your route to Alliant Energy Center by bus, rideshare, or car and check parking options.
T-5
Make a shortlist of vendor categories you need: venue, photographer, florist, caterer, DJ, attire, beauty.
T-6
Prepare a one-page wedding brief with date, guest count, budget, and style preferences.
T-7
Check the exhibitor list and mark must-visit booths.
T-8
Set up a dedicated wedding email address for vendor follow-ups.
T-9
Pack a notebook, pen, reusable bag, and phone charger for photos and notes.
T-10
Check the Madison weather forecast and dress in warm layers for January.
T-11
Arrange childcare or pet care if needed for the day.
T-12
Confirm whether tickets are single-day or weekend passes if you plan to attend both days.
T-13
Ask vendors about show specials, deposit terms, and cancellation policies.
T-14
Leave time after the show to review brochures and send follow-up emails within 48 hours.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Alliant Energy Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2WedPlan Madison Wedding Show registration concourse
Alliant Energy Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Alliant Energy Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 7 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 7 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether WedPlan Madison Wedding Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For WedPlan Madison Wedding Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Wedding venues and locations and Catering and bar services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at WedPlan Madison Wedding Show in Madison.
Min. budget
$600.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Wedding venues and locations and Catering and bar services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,700.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Madison show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the wedding planning expo?
The listing shows a 9-10 January 2027 event at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Confirm final dates and hours on the official WedPlan schedule page.
How much are tickets?
Online tickets are listed at $7 per person; at-the-door admission is $10. Confirm current pricing on the official ticket page before you buy.
Do I need to pre-register or can I buy at the door?
Advance online purchase is recommended for the lower $7 rate, and door admission is listed at $10. Check the official site for registration deadlines and any capacity limits.
What should I bring to the expo?
Bring your wedding date, estimated guest count, budget range, a notebook, and a bag for brochures. A dedicated wedding email address helps when vendors follow up.
Can I book vendors at the show?
Many exhibitors offer show specials and accept deposits on-site. Compare quotes, ask about contract terms and cancellation policies, and confirm availability for your date before paying.
Is parking available at Alliant Energy Center?
On-site parking is available at Alliant Energy Center; rates and hall access should be confirmed with the venue. Rideshare drop-off is also an option.
Is the expo family-friendly or can I bring friends?
Engaged couples often attend with family members or wedding party members. Check the official FAQ for age policies, stroller access, and whether children need a ticket.
What vendor categories will I find?
Typical wedding expo categories include venues, photographers, florists, caterers, bakers, DJs, officiants, attire, beauty services, and transportation. Review the exhibitor list on the official site for this edition.
How do I get to Alliant Energy Center by public transit?
Madison Metro Transit buses serve the Alliant Energy Center area; use the Metro trip planner from your hotel. Approx. single ride $2.00; day pass approx. $5.00 - confirm current fares and schedules.
What is the weather like in January in Madison?
Early-to-mid January is deep winter in Madison, with cold temperatures and possible snow or ice. The expo is indoors, but plan warm layers and extra travel time.
Are there hotel discounts for the expo?
No official show hotel block was captured. The hotel samples in this listing show downtown and west-side options with approximate nightly ranges; book early and confirm cancellation policies.
Can I attend both days?
The listing covers a two-day window (9-10 January 2027). Check the official schedule page for which day offers the vendors or speakers you want to see, and whether tickets are single-day or weekend passes.
Is there a coat check or place to leave purchases?
Venue services vary; check the Alliant Energy Center guest services page or ask at the information desk on arrival.
How can exhibitors apply for a booth?
Booth applications and exhibit contracts are handled by the organiser. Use the official WedPlan site or contact the organiser directly; booth prices are not published in this listing.
Glossary
- Save-the-date
- A preliminary notice sent to guests before the formal invitation, usually 6-12 months before the wedding, to help them hold the date.
- Day-of coordinator
- A wedding professional hired to manage logistics on the wedding day, including vendor arrivals, timeline, and ceremony cues.
- Vendor deposit
- An upfront payment that reserves a wedding professional's services; typically a percentage of the total contract and may be non-refundable.
- BEO (Banquet Event Order)
- A document from the caterer or venue detailing setup, menu, service times, and staffing for the reception.
- Guest count guarantee
- The final number of guests a couple must confirm to the caterer or venue, often required several days before the event.
- First look
- A private photo session where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, often used to free up time for cocktail hour.
- Escort cards
- Cards that tell guests which table they are seated at; they are usually displayed at the reception entrance.
- Tasting
- A pre-wedding appointment where couples sample caterer or baker menu items before finalizing the reception menu or cake.
- Load-in / load-out
- The scheduled times when exhibitors move materials into and out of the expo hall; check venue rules for carts, elevators, and parking.
- Show special
- A discount or bonus offered by an exhibitor only during the expo, often tied to a deposit or booking at the show.
- Vendor contract
- A written agreement covering scope, dates, payment schedule, cancellation policy, and deliverables; review it before paying a deposit.
- Bridal party
- The couple's chosen attendants, such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer.
- Rehearsal dinner
- A gathering held before the wedding, often for the wedding party and close family, to rehearse the ceremony and thank participants.
- Seating chart
- A display or printed guide that shows guests where they sit during the reception; also called a table plan.
- Favors
- Small gifts given to guests as a thank-you, such as edibles, plants, or charitable donations.
- Officiant
- The person who performs the wedding ceremony, such as a clergy member, judge, or licensed friend.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- wedding expo Madison
- wedding planning show Wisconsin
- wedding vendors Madison
- wedding show January 2027
- WedPlan Madison Wedding Show 2027
- Madison United States
- Wedding Show Madison 2027
- Wedding venues and locations
- Catering and bar services
- Photography and videography
1 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
WedPlan Madison
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- event_website
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.