- What is Indie Wed and what will I find there?
- When and where is Indie Wed?
- How do I participate?
- Why is there an application fee?
- What does it mean that Indie Wed is juried?
- Why are there different vendor spaces?
- What is included in the vendor fee?
- Is there electricity or WiFi?
- Can I have two booth spaces?
- Can I share a booth?
- How will I know if I have been selected?
- Do I need a vendor permit or license?
- Do I need insurance?
- Will there be promotional opportunities?
- How else can I help out?
What is Indie Wed and what will I find there?
Indie Wed is a unique event that combines the idea of a traditional wedding show with a street bazaar, highlighting local and nearby independent designers and artisans. Most bridal shows tend to cater to a very specific vision of what a wedding should be. Indie Wed is geared towards couples who want to take an “independent” approach to their event. It is wedding planning… redefined.
Indie Wed is a unique event that combines the idea of a traditional wedding show with a street bazaar, highlighting local and nearby independent designers and artisans. Most bridal shows tend to cater to a very specific vision of what a wedding should be. Indie Wed is geared towards couples who want to take an “independent” approach to their event. It is wedding planning… redefined.
When and where is Indie Wed?
Check our upcoming events page as we hold multiple events each year in various locations.
Check our upcoming events page as we hold multiple events each year in various locations.
How do I participate?
If you are interested in becoming a vendor, you will need to fill out an online application that includes photos and a $10 non-refundable application fee. Click here to apply
If you are interested in becoming a vendor, you will need to fill out an online application that includes photos and a $10 non-refundable application fee. Click here to apply
Why is there an application fee?
The $10 non-refundable application fee covers the processing and review of all applications. We typically get several hundred applications to each event. This is a lengthy process since we carefully review each application, the photos, websites etc. This does not guarantee a space in the show.
What does it mean that Indie Wed is juried?
Exhibition space is limited therefore we must review all applications before selecting our participants. All completed applications will be juried by a committee based on criteria that includes; does your product/service reflect the idea of Indie Wed, the quality and unique nature of your product/service, and how they are highlighted in your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the volume of applications we can not guarantee a personal response to your application.
Exhibition space is limited therefore we must review all applications before selecting our participants. All completed applications will be juried by a committee based on criteria that includes; does your product/service reflect the idea of Indie Wed, the quality and unique nature of your product/service, and how they are highlighted in your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the volume of applications we can not guarantee a personal response to your application.
Why are there different vendor spaces?
We hope to showcase the most diverse group of designers for each show & market. By having different spaces available, we are able to have a larger option for more established designers with a larger product line as well as offering a more affordable, smaller space for up-and-coming designers who may not otherwise be able to afford space at such an event. The typical options are a 3′ table, 6′ table, 8′ table or an 8×8′ open space. We also create custom spaces for companies with specific needs such as a free standing photo booth.
We hope to showcase the most diverse group of designers for each show & market. By having different spaces available, we are able to have a larger option for more established designers with a larger product line as well as offering a more affordable, smaller space for up-and-coming designers who may not otherwise be able to afford space at such an event. The typical options are a 3′ table, 6′ table, 8′ table or an 8×8′ open space. We also create custom spaces for companies with specific needs such as a free standing photo booth.
What is included in the vendor fee?
- 3′ table + 1 chair = 3′ wide x 6′ deep space ($100)
- This smallest space is a 36″ x 30″ table and one chair. Your total floor space is roughly the width of the table with enough room behind to stand or sit, including the table. There is a small amount of space behind you for a flat-free standing display as long as you do not exceed your space. You can opt out of using the provided table/chairs and bring your own display as long as it fits within the allotted space.
- This space is perfect for someone who provides a service (an officiant, band, etc) but doesn’t necessarily have goods that require a large display area. The $100 fee includes a plain 3′ table, 1 chair, a temporary vendor permit, your name/logo on our web site, and complimentary tickets for you to give away. You will be responsible for covering/decorating your table appropriately.
- 6′ table + 2 chairs = 6′ wide x 6′ deep space ($200)
- This space is a 72″ x 30″ table and two chairs. Your total floor space is roughly the width of the table with enough room behind to stand or sit, including the table. There is a small amount of space behind you for a flat-free standing display as long as you do not exceed your space. You can opt out of using the provided table/chairs and bring your own display as long as it fits within the allotted space.
- This space is perfect for someone who has smaller items that show nicely on a flat surface or on smaller displays. The $200 fee includes a plain 6′ table, 2 chairs, a temporary vendor permit, your name/logo on our web site, and complimentary tickets for you to give away. You will be responsible for covering/decorating your table appropriately.
- 8′ table + 2 chairs = 8′ wide x 6′ deep space ($300)
- This space is a 96″ x 30″ table and two chairs. Your total floor space is roughly the width of the table with enough room behind to stand or sit, including the table. There is a small amount of space behind you for a flat-free standing display as long as you do not exceed your space. You can opt out of using the provided table/chairs and bring your own display as long as it fits within the allotted space.
- This space gives you a little more room if you have more items to display. The $300 fee includes a plain 8′ table, 2 chairs, a temporary vendor permit, your name/logo on our web site, and complimentary tickets for you to give away. You will be responsible for covering/decorating your table appropriately.
- 8′ booth space + 1 chair , no table = 8′ x 8′ pipe & drape booth ($500)
- You will be given an empty 8×8′ booth space with standard 8′ tall pipe & WHITE drape walls. This is an example of a similar set up. You may decorate your space as you see fit, with tables, mannequins/models, or other appropriate displays. This space is perfect for someone who has larger items, requires a more open space, or wants to create a more unique display. The $500 fee includes pipe & drape walls on three sides, 1 chair, a temporary vendor permit, your name/logo on our web site, and complimentary tickets for you to give away. Tables will be available for rent at an additional $10.
Is there electricity or WiFi?
Electrical outlets are available but limited. Artists can request access to electricity but we can not guarantee it. WiFi is usually available at most of our locations. Specific information is given to vendors in their vendor packets after their acceptance into the show.
Electrical outlets are available but limited. Artists can request access to electricity but we can not guarantee it. WiFi is usually available at most of our locations. Specific information is given to vendors in their vendor packets after their acceptance into the show.
Can I share a booth?
Two companies can share a table or booth. You must both apply on the same application and each submit photos (but only one application fee). Please note that both companies may not be accepted. If only one of you is accepted, you will have the opportunity to choose to keep the space alone, be paired with someone else wanting to share, or to back out.
Two companies can share a table or booth. You must both apply on the same application and each submit photos (but only one application fee). Please note that both companies may not be accepted. If only one of you is accepted, you will have the opportunity to choose to keep the space alone, be paired with someone else wanting to share, or to back out.
How will I know if I have been selected?
Applicants will be notified by mid October if you have been selected. You may also be placed on a waiting list if not initially selected to participate.
Applicants will be notified by mid October if you have been selected. You may also be placed on a waiting list if not initially selected to participate.
Do I need a vendor permit or license?
The City of Chicago requires that all exhibitors have a temporary vendor permit. We will take care of that for you and the cost will be covered by your vendor fee. This permit will allow you to not only exhibit but to also make sales the day of the show.
The City of Chicago requires that all exhibitors have a temporary vendor permit. We will take care of that for you and the cost will be covered by your vendor fee. This permit will allow you to not only exhibit but to also make sales the day of the show.
**Food vendors may be required to provide additional certification. You will be contacted individually.
It will be your responsibility to make sure you are properly registered with the IRS and collect sales tax for any items you sell. You will have to pay income tax and sales tax on any sales made come tax time. Feel free to contact the following parties for more information:
- Illinois Dept. of Revenue: 1-800-732-8866 or www.revenue.state.il.us/index.htm
To register your business click here.
For information on collecting sales tax click here.
- IRS: 1-800-829-4933 or www.irs.gov
Do I need insurance?
You will have two options regarding insurance for the event. You can either get a certificate of insurance from your insurance agent naming both Paper Stories and Ravenswood Event Center as additional insured. (your insurance company should provide this free of charge) or you can sign a waiver. Full details on both of these options will be sent out in your vendor packet, if accepted.
You will have two options regarding insurance for the event. You can either get a certificate of insurance from your insurance agent naming both Paper Stories and Ravenswood Event Center as additional insured. (your insurance company should provide this free of charge) or you can sign a waiver. Full details on both of these options will be sent out in your vendor packet, if accepted.
Will there be promotional opportunities?
You will be able to participate in a variety of promotional opportunities in addition to our standard print and online advertising. Participants will be notified of all opportunities as the show approaches.
You will be able to participate in a variety of promotional opportunities in addition to our standard print and online advertising. Participants will be notified of all opportunities as the show approaches.
How else can I help out?
We are always looking for volunteers. Please email us at info@indiewed.com to find out more ways to get involved.
We are always looking for volunteers. Please email us at info@indiewed.com to find out more ways to get involved.
