Festival of Brides, Santa Monica

Each year since 1991, the event-planning experts behind Festival of Brides have orchestrated upscale bridal shows throughout southern California. At each venue—recent shows have taken place at the Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills, Montage Laguna Beach, and Montage Beverly Hills—the organization's Rolodex of wedding vendors set up shop to show off their goods and services. All festivals feature the latest in bridal fashions and men's formal wear while DJs and musicians supply a sampling of their musical know-how. Speaking of samples, brides-to-be can nibble on wedding cakes and sip flutes of champagne as they peruse the rest of the bridal offerings.