Basque waistlines and sweet tables are top trends at the Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo

When choosing her outfit for the Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo, Jordan Mihalik wasn’t sure about wearing her sweatshirt emblazoned with the word “wifey.”

But then, her loved ones encouraged her to give into the excitement.

“They were like, ‘Yes!’” said Mihalik, 32, of South Elgin, who is getting married in August. “You're in the fiancée mecca.”

That was the perfect way to describe the event, which drew thousands to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on Saturday. The one-stop wedding shop featured dozens of exhibitors selling dresses, flowers, mortgages and financial planning services. The expo, free with online registration, continues Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

By mid-afternoon, Mihalik’s large white bag — labeled with the word “bride” — was stuffed with leaflets, trinkets and more.

“There's literally like cake in there,” she said, laughing. “I enjoy the fact that when I'm walking around to the booths, everybody is like, ‘Oh my gosh, congratulations!’” I know it's their job, but it really makes me feel like all these people are genuinely excited to meet me. And I always like that if I'm going to book somebody, I can talk to them and see how excited they are about their job and how much they love their company.”

The vendors’ passion was on display as they described their services and doled out samples. They also explained wedding trends for 2025, which include popular waistline designs and candle sizes.

A source of inspiration for designer Yasmen Odeh is model Hailey Bieber, who wore a wedding dress created by the late Chicago designer Virgil Abloh.

At Odeh’s booth, a model wore a similar, off-the-shoulder, form-fitting dress that flares out at the hips and thighs.

Sexy fits, as well as lace and beads are in style, said Odeh, of Palos Hills, who owns La Belle Bride Couture, one of the expo’s fashion show sponsors. Brides are also requesting overskirts, which are placed over wedding dresses, she said.

But Odeh can customize any dress to meet her clients’ wishes, regardless of trends.

“A bride has had a dream since she was a girl, and that's what she wants to see,” Odeh said. “You do have some brides that want the up-to-date styles. But then you have one that already has her dream dress in her mind.”

Another celebrity influencing wedding dress design is “Call Her Daddy” podcast host Alex Cooper. Sew Bridal owner Kelly Clark pointed out some of her dresses that also featured a basque waist, or v-shaped waistline — which she said is a major trend.

Other trends include “exposed corsetry,” or bodices with visible lining, and traditional ivory colors, said Clark, whose Edison Park shop includes Instagram-ready backdrops.

Clark said the expo provides valuable face time with potential clients.

“It’s just really important to get in front of people and let them know, ‘Hey, you can trust us,’” she said. “You're going to be working with us for an entire year. So I think it's just good to catch that vibe and know who you're going to be working with before you book them.”

And it’s also important to taste the wedding dessert before you buy it. To that end, Bloomingdale-based Delish Cakes provided mini-cupcake samples to guests at the expo.

Showing off a marble fondant cake, owner Alicia Eisenmann explained that small, simple, neutral-colored cakes are in style. And some are adding “sweet tables,” featuring treats like cream puffs, mini cheesecake bites, mini cupcakes, cake pops and dipped strawberries.

“Not all of your guests like cake,” Eisenmann said. “So, doing the sweet tables and the cake offers an option for each palate.”

Choosing flowers comes down to more personal taste, though some trends endure.

“We’re still seeing the baby’s breath,” said Linda Trevoy, owner of Shamrock Garden Florist, which has locations in Elmhurst, Lombard and Winfield.

Trevoy also said clients are asking for blue flowers, such as delphinium, hydrangea, blue thistle and tweedia. And skinny candles are a popular part of the decor as well, she said.

When asked about the pros of featuring flowers in wedding ceremonies, Trevoy said, “It just adds life and texture.”

Non-denominational wedding officiant Jim McArdle adds a special touch through customized remarks and vows.

Branding himself as “Minister Jim,” McAardle has conducted thousands of weddings and events over more than two decades. He creates personalized messages based on questions he asks of the couple, as well as their friends and family.

As far as wedding trends, McArdle said he is seeing a growing number of non-religious weddings and ceremonies at non-traditional venues like forest preserves and by the lake.

McArdle has attended the expo for about a decade and said the draw of the event is not only about gaining clients but engaging with other business owners who are like friends.

“We see people that we know,” he said. “We get along. We're happy to see one another.”