Jewish Wedding Expo at Grand Prospect Hall

Are you planning a Jewish wedding? Stop by “My Big Fat Jewish Wedding” expo tonight for an evening filled with kosher food, drink, music, wigs, flowers, gowns and tuxedos.

The event, which will take place in  from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is meant for couples that want a traditional Jewish wedding to couples who are looking for one with a modern twist.

“Being that this is Jewish, there is such a large scale of different sects with different standards and traditions. We are trying to capture as much of a wide range of that as possible,” said Avi Werde, 24, who lives in Prospect Heights and is the president and founder of the company throwing the expo, Event Connection Source. “As you get to the more religious aspect of Judaism weddings become more intricate and this expo has everything.”

There will be 25 vendors showcasing gowns, tuxedos, food caterers, musicians, florists, wig makers (for women who cover their hair after marriage), hairstylists and make-up artists.

“The goal is to make this expo as realistic as possible. Most expos are aloof and no one connects with vendors,” Werde said. “The attendees will be able to interact with the products. Make-up artists and hairstylists will give quick applications. That way you can get familiar with the person’s style, personality and make sure they have the kind of product you are looking for. And if you like them you can book them right now.”

A unique feature of the “red carpet” night will be the fashion show. Models will be dressed in modest gowns, wearing wigs, holding bouquets provided by the florists and make-up and hair will also be done by the vendors present. Men’s clothing will also be modeled.  

“When they walk out on the catwalk you’re not just seeing a gown, but you see how the gown, wig, make-up and flowers flow together,” Werde explained. “Instead of just interacting with the products, the patrons will be able to see an actual visual image of how the entire thing looks and make the most informed decision.” 

Grand Prospect Hall, which is on Prospect Avenue between Fifth and Sixth avenues, will also be available for the attendees to book for their weddings.

Werde said that growing up an Orthodox Jew he noticed how many couples in religious families can be narrow-minded when it comes to what vendors they use for a wedding. He said many just use the band, the wig maker or the caterer their parents or other family members used.

When he realized how the Jewish wedding industry started to expand and change, while also keeping with tradition, he wanted to show Jewish couples the new and exciting developments available for their sacred ceremony.

Werde also wanted to make wedding planning easier. 

“Why take a whole day to walk all over the city when you can go to one place, eat, drink, have a great time and see everything from the gown to the chuppa,” he said.

“My Big Fat Jewish Wedding” expo will take place on Tuesday, November 29th at the Grand Prospect Hall at 263 Prospect Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. To get free tickets to the expo RSVP at ecsevents.com.