A bustling brigade of blushing brides-to-be is bound for the Texan Theater Friday and Saturday with the 2026 East Texas Wedding Extravaganza’s Spring Showcase.
It’s the 18th year for the expo, and it’s the first foray into Kilgore. The event’s crafted as a one-stop shop to help the newly-engaged check as many items off their list as possible, from the gown and garter to the bouquet and band.
There are 35 vendors on the list for this event, says owner, organizer and host Kristi McDonald.
“The best of East Texas list came out today and several of our vendors are on there,” McDonald said excitedly on Tuesday. “Our wedding planners are on there, our photographers are on there, our caterers… It’s a little bit of everything.”
Set March 20-21, there’s a VIP preview running 6 p.m. to 8 on Friday before the main event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at 201 S. Kilgore St. Admission is $55 for both days or $20 for Saturday-only.
“That does cover two people for two days. All our tickets include the bride and a guest,” McDonald said. “There’s a whole bunch of digital swag they get when they buy their tickets also.”
Learn more at etxweddingexpo.com
“We have venues, food, floral, planners, dresses, DJs, photographers… We’re giving away a honeymoon,” McDonald added. “All the ticketholders can sign up to win,” but need not be present for the drawing.
Saturday’s event will also include live music provided by The Studio Kilgore’s Rhapsody Ranch Quintet, and there will be mobile photo booths for guests to snap a commemorative shot.
Two examples, McDonald says, of services brides (and grooms, of course) can reserve for the wedding soonest.
Maybe they got engaged on Valentine’s Day and are just now beginning their planning. Maybe the couple just has a few more things to finalize for their big day. Maybe someone just wants to come, have a good time and get inspired for the future.
“And, of course, they get to come see the Texan. It’s all there,” McDonald said. Importantly, “If you’re one of those last minute people and you end up booking something at the show, you’ll get a discount.”
Some guests may not even be wedding planning, she added, but looking to hire services for other events. Everyone’s welcome.
“All of our wedding vendors aren’t just available for weddings; they can do any kind of corporate or family event,” McDonald said. “Kilgore’s such a family-oriented little town it’ll be a fun experience to have there, get everybody to come out and see the Texan and what Kilgore has.
That said, “The first 100 brides through the door get a swag bag, something from all the vendors.”
It’s all about their big day, after all.
