Back by popular demand, the Third Annual BTL Same-Sex Wedding Expo will paint the Detroit Marriott Livonia rainbow-colored once again this April 7 from 1-4 pm. What makes this event so special – besides the chance to meet with dozens of LGBT-affirming wedding vendors and other service providers in one convenient place? We thought you'd ask. That's why we've put together this list of the Top
Ten Reasons to put this year's Expo in your calendar:
1. Get away for the day – and earn a chance to win a getaway later! BTL 20th Anniversary sponsors Caesar's Windsor and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island are offering six weekend getaways featuring all sorts of tasty extras and the Detroit Marriott Livonia is chipping in with weekend trips too! If you're getting married this spring or summer – or even if you're not – wouldn't you like to spend a weekend in a Deluxe Room with dinner for two at the Market Buffet, for example? Of course you would.
2. Other Prizes! Start your life of wedded bliss off right with gift certificates for florists, jewelers, bakers, and more, including a free tux rental (spiffy!) and a Tapper's gift card. We have more than fifty giveaways available, and all you have to do to qualify for a chance at winning is register and have fun at our party.
3. Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch – and we have it for you at the Expo, including two adult drinks. Put your diet on hold, or get in an extra few workouts, because our caterers and bakers will be tempting you with samples and we'll have a full menu of hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of the Marriott. Oh – and did we mention the return of AG Chocolates' amazing chocolate fountain for your treat-dipping pleasure?
4. This party isn't just for queers. Or couples. If you're an ally, LGBTQIAO(ETC), single and hoping, single and not caring, engaged or disengaged, you're still welcome to join the fun. Many of our vendors offer essential services all year round – where else can you interview a prospective attorney or caterer over a glass of champaign?
5. The Windsor Experience Lounge. Get a taste of Canadian hospitality and Canadian equality while learning everything you need to know to tie the knot, officially even, in Windsor. Lots of fine Canadian vendors will also be on hand to politely offer their services. Like Canadians do (and we love them for it).
6. A free workshop on protecting your joint finances. Michigan still isn't out of the Stone Ages as far as equality is concerned, but you can still protect your relationship. This workshop will show you how to deal with taxes, your joint finances, and plan to make sure growing older together really is the best that's yet to be.
7. A look at the State of LGBT equality in Michigan. We may have a great Supreme Court decision just in time for the Expo (and what a wedding gift that would be)! We may have a bad decision, or a muddled decision that is both. Regardless what the SCOTUS does, this workshop is a chance to find out what's next for equality in Michigan – and how to make things better. Because right now, our state's laws need all the help we can give them…
8. Support the businesses that support you! When we spend money on LGBT and allied companies, those companies return the favor. Did you know that more than 100 corporations signed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to strike down California's anti-marriage Prop 8? That's the power of our dollars talking.
9. Can't wait for Pride in June? The Same-Sex Wedding Expo is like Pride in April! Because, really: who wants to wait until June for a great party?
10. Speaking of parties, this year's Expo just happens to be the start of BTL's 20th Anniversary celebrations! Raise a toast with us to acknowledge all that has come before and look ahead to a more equal future. Because we will get there, over that rainbow, and we'll get there together.
