WedWork Chicago 2026
Written by Michelle Cox-Vergara, Editor and Owner of CHI thee WED
Recently I had the opportunity to contact with the organizers of WedWork Chicago, Bridget and Becky. WedWork is an event that I was able to support this year as a media sponsor but was also lucky enough to attend in person as a table moderator for the group discussion portion of the day.
As many of you know, I personally am a HUGE supporter of continuous education in life and in business so coming together with other folks that believe in those same things is always a treat. Check out the interview below!
What inspired the concept of WedWork?
Let’s bring it back to 2021! We originally met when Bridget was planning her wedding and hired Becky as her day-of coordinator! We were both in the beginning stages of building our wedding planning businesses (Simplicitee and Bridget Mary Weddings & Events) and quickly developed a friendship. We started to meet for coffee, swapping insights about the wedding industry, and sharing business ideas. It quickly became clear to both of us that there was a real need for more open, transparent conversations among wedding vendors. We started organizing a series of small-group discussions throughout 2023, bringing together one vendor from each category. These two-hour sessions sparked meaningful dialogue and consistently left everyone wishing for more time. As we reflected on the impact of those meetups, we began exploring how to expand the concept–ultimately leading to the creation of WedWork.
What is WedWork?
WedWork is a full day workshop designed to bring wedding industry business leaders of all different levels of expertise together to learn from one another. We hone in on small group settings to allow open communication about ways to work best together as a team and discuss business goals. It is a combination of structured networking and providing educational tools to enhance individuals careers.
How is the day structured?
The day is typically scheduled from 9 AM - 5 PM, ending in a cocktail hour. We kick off the day with a general session to come together as a larger group and set the tone for the workshop. While each event evolves based on attendee
feedback from previous years, two core breakout sessions remain at the heart of the event: same-role and mixed-vendor role roundtable discussions. We limit the number of people at each roundtable to a max of 12 to allow a comfortable setting to communicate freely - this is a judgement free zone!
What kinds of vendors can come to WedWork?
Our target audience are vendors that are typically onsite the day of a wedding. The vendors we have had at past events are florists, photographers, videographers, planners, venues, DJs, caterers, and content creators. We also make a point to include vendors who may not fit into those specific categories, inviting them to take part as moderators, sponsors, or through on-site showcases.
What makes 2026 WedWork different (and better) from other years or from other workshop events?
Every year keeps getting better and better! We place a strong emphasis on feedback from past attendees, thoughtfully incorporating their insights into our annual workshop. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many vendors return year after year–and to know this has become something people genuinely look forward to.
In previous years, the day featured our main two breakout sessions, but in 2026 we expanded to three to create even more opportunities for connection. We also introduced a new, game-based breakout–Unsolved Wedding Dilemmas (inspired
by Unsolved Case Files)–designed to bring collaboration to life and put teamwork into practice in a fun, engaging way. We can’t wait to gather the feedback from this year’s workshop to enhance WedWork 2027!
Can you share a success story or memorable moment from a past WedWork that really captures the impact of the event?
There are so many positive outcomes that happen after attending WedWork! After our first WedWork event in 2023, we set up an Instagram group chat for planners and it has been ongoing ever since! We decided to do this for each vendor category and love seeing the conversations that vendors continue to have - whether that is asking for advice or sharing something that they learned. Community over competition always!
Do you have a date set yet for your 2027 event?
Not yet but it is always held in March! Follow us on @wedworkchi for updates on the 4th annual workshop and other community building events!
Watch a recap from the event HERE! The 2026 workshop would not have been possible with all of our amazing partners!
EVENT PARTNERS
Venue - Artifact Events Chicago
Event photos - Winterlyn Photography
Content - Para Siempre Co
Coffee cart- Viator Coffee
DJ - Luniks Entertainment
Florals & Design - Atmosphere Events Group
Stationery - Adorable Designs
Headshot photographer - Jess J Photography
Catering - J & L Catering
Bar and totebags - Zola for Vendors
Beer - Goose Island Chicago
Linens - BBJ La Tavola
Bar specialty glasses(tulip glasses) - Collectible Rentals
Magician- Present Tense Bar
Hosts/Planners - Bridget Mary Weddings and Simplicitee