Hormel Historic Home wedding showcase styles, vendors to plan the big day

Wedding planning involves a lot of time and hard work, but the Hormel Historic Home wants to save time for brides with its upcoming Austin Wedding Showcase.

Two weekends from now, the Hormel Historic Home will be bustling with wedding vendors vying for the attention of local brides. Laura Helle, the home’s executive director, said they try to keep the cost low, but the vendors are high-class.

“The ticket is $3, and I know some of the bigger wedding shows can be $10 to $15 just to get into the doors,” Helle said. “We try to provide it as a service to the community.”

The show will feature a fashion show by Belles and Beaus, with Austin Bruins hockey players modeling groomswear. Local company Videyo Arts produces the show, complete with a master of ceremonies and lighting.

Helle said many brides plan the majority of their weddings online, so the showcase is meant to give brides a chance to touch, smell and taste products.

“There are certain things you want to taste, you want to see in person, and you just can’t do that online,” Helle said. “It’s a place for brides to do the things they can’t do from their laptops.”

Vendors ranging from bakeries and caterers to florists will offer samples of their products. The show features mostly local vendors that go through a vetting process before participating in the showcase. The event is invitation only to vendors to ensure brides are being presented with trustworthy companies.

If a business requests to exhibit, Helle said they check references and make sure it’s a quality business before allowing them to exhibit at the showcase.

“If anyone can exhibit, it’s not saving the bride any time,” Helle said.