The Wedding Expo^® has announced the successful registered trade marking of their brand name underpinning the success and distinctiveness of the brand.

Amanda  Cunningham owner and director of The Wedding Expo^® explains that this has been a long time in the making and marks a new way forward for the leading bridal show in South Africa.

“The bridal industry has been growing over the last few years and the show which I started nine years ago is now a trusted brand associated with high quality exhibitors, a platform where a company can safely showcase their products and services and one where the bride-to-be knows that she can find everything she is looking for under one roof,” says Cunningham.

It has been a long but necessary process to ensure that small bridal shows around the country cannot be confused with the brand created nine years and 16 successfully hosted exhibitions ago.  The Wedding Expo^® which started with one show per year, expanded in 2005 to two shows in Gauteng and has grown into a sort after bridal show which is trusted by exhibitors and brides-to-be alike and now boasts three shows – two in Gauteng and one in Cape Town.

The registered trade marking of the brand name comes at a time when the group of companies within the main brand grows now including a publishing house for Wedding Inspirations magazine and a website which provides a platform for companies in the bridal industry to advertise their own brands.

“I love the bridal industry and the exhibition industry – The Wedding Expo^® is a fantastic partnership of the two. I look forward to unraveling any confusion created by a hitherto generic term now that we have successfully trade marked the brand. I see a new era for the industry and The Wedding Expo^®,” concludes Cunningham.

Date    : 4 and 5 September 2010

Venue  : Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg

Cost  : R80.00 per person including your copy of Wedding Inspirations magazine

Hours  : 09:00 to 17:00

Fashion shows  : 11:00 local designer couture

12:00 imported and retail gowns

14:00 local designer couture

15:00 imported and retail gowns

Bridal workshops : R375.00 per person on Sunday 5 September

Includes: entrance to show, workshop, goodie bag, catering, VIP seats to the fashion spectacular and spot prizes! Email Janet on janet@wedding-expo.co.za to book or for more information.

You’re dreaming of a white wedding but you just don’t know where to start? 

 The SA bride’s most trusted bridal expo; The Wedding Expo is the only place to start!

With a budget most would say………but those in the know confirm that the only place to get the best information and the best advice to plan your wedding is at South Africa’s most trusted bridal show, The Wedding Expo.

The dates to diarise are 4 and 5 September at the Coca-Cola dome in Northgate, Johannesburg were the best in the bridal industry will gather to showcase their products and services to the eager bride-to-be as she searches for her favourite wedding gown, the perfect cake and the best photographer.

So, if you are looking for anything from your wedding ring, to a beautifully personally designed wedding gown, to a romantic honeymoon and fantastic photographer and more, you simply cannot miss out on a day at The Wedding Expo which is certain to help you make all those difficult decisions.

Make sure to plan your time around the 4 fashion shows, look out for the incredible win a R200 000 wedding competition (you’ll find the details in the Star, Pretoria News and Independent Newspapers the week before the show), keep an eye on www.wedding-expo.co.za to see what competitions the individual exhibitors will be running and don’t forget about the bridal workshops but you’ll have to book as space for the workshops is limited.

So for best advice, beautiful stands, spectacular fashion shows, interactive bridal workshops, awesome competitions and soooo much more the only place to be is at The Wedding Expo!

Date                           :           4 and 5 September 2010

Venue                       :          Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg

Cost                            :           R80.00 per person

Hours                        :           09:00 to 17:00

Fashion shows         :           11:00 local designer couture

                                                        12:00 imported and retail gowns

                                                        14:00 local designer couture

                                                       15:00 imported and retail gowns

Bridal workshops     :           R375.00 per person on Sunday 5 September

Includes: entrance to show, workshop, goodie bag, catering, VIP seats to the fashion spectacular and spot prizes! Email Janet on janet@wedding-expo.co.za to book or for more information.

The Wedding Expo, South Africa’s largest bridal consumer expo believes that one of the reasons they are able to offer superior quality services to their clients is due to their loyalty to key service providers.

“A show such as The Wedding Expo cannot get by without those in the exhibition industry experienced at everything from cleaning to stand building. Our suppliers not only work with us on each show but they work regularly at the Coca-Cola dome which means that they understand the venue inside and out” says Jayne Muller, exhibition manager for The Wedding Expo.

“Loyalty to suppliers definitely pays off, we are able to grow the show, the service and service levels because our suppliers are our partners who have a good understanding of what is required for the show from all the relevant stakeholders – The Wedding Expo, the exhibitor and the visitor, the bride-to-be,” says Muller.

One of the key suppliers explains Muller, is Oasys Innovations with which they work on stand building and layout; after working on a number of shows, they understand what is expected of them by The Wedding Expo and are able to up their game each show.

Says Kevin Kennedy, Managing Director Oasys Innovations: “As we strive to deliver on service and quality, we are very pleased that we have once again embraced our relationship with the organiser of this event. It underscores all the values that visitors want from attending an exhibition of this nature. Our long relationship is an indication that we share common objectives between organiser, supplier and ultimately to the benefit of the visitors.”

“Our gorgeous fashion spectaculars are all thanks to the professional, creativity of Theofista Ellis and Ian Ludik of IT Productions who show after show, pull the fashion shows together from beginning to end; dealing with designers and models to bring the bride-to-be the fabulous line up of wedding gowns that they see at each show,” says Muller.

Muller says that because the IT Productions team now knows the designers and The Wedding Expo so well, they are able to bring new and valuable ideas to the table making the fashion spectaculars ever more spectacular.

Then of course there are the service providers who offer the exhibitors services which are important for their bottom line and peace of mind.  For example Muller explains The Wedding Expo has been working with ExpoScreens as the official screen protection supplier September 2006.

“The exhibitors at Wedding Expo often have expensive merchandise and samples on their stands and whilst we have on-site security we believe that it is important to offer the exhibitor the opportunity for additional security,” says Muller.

“Key to our exhibitors is being able to sell off their stands; The Wedding Expo is a one-stop-shop where the bride-to-be is able to pay deposits and buy product at often discounted prices, it is imperative that exhibitors are able to take most forms of payment. 

WAP Point provides the opportunity for the exhibitors to sell off their stands removing the excuse of a customer not to buy; it provides an increase in turnover due to no loss of sale and means that there is less cash to carry to the bank.

“Working with professional partners each show has meant that we can concentrate on our clients, ensuring that by show opening time they have exactly what they need to showcase themselves to an audience dedicated to planning their special day,” says Muller.

The Wedding Expo is held at the Coca-Cola dome in April and September each year; the next show is on 4 and 5 September from 09:00 to 17:00 at a cost of R80.00 per person.

A new tradition at The Wedding Expo is the exclusive private bridal workshops just for the bride-to-be who is serious about planning the most fabulous wedding and making the most of her future life with her special partner.

The style of the workshops is interactive with the host interviewing the speakers this Sandy-Lee de Sousa, a bride-to-be at the workshop, says made it a lot more relaxed, it didn’t feel like a lecture but more a discussion between friends.

The morning started early so as to miss the rush of expo opening time and to get as much into the morning as possible.  After a cup of coffee, the workshop kicked off with Natasja Hart from Consolidated Financial Planning and Marelize Schoeman from MSchoeman Attorneys providing insight into how you should be looking at your financial position now that you are getting married and which contract you need to consider to get married in.

The rest of the morning was spent with wedding planner Khali Collins from the Wedding Specialist and SA School of Weddings, and Bryan Brett, from Ruimsig wedding venue Trés Jolie who talked about planning and styling your wedding.

“I absolutely loved Brett from Trés Jolie. He had some great ideas that I will definitely carry into my wedding. Khali from SA School of Weddings was unforgettable; she really changed my mind about getting a wedding planner.  And the amazing Chris opened my eyes to choosing the proper photographer. I just hope that he can fit me in on my wedding day,” says Valerie Jacobs a bride-to-be at the workshop.

Chris van Zyl from Focal Fusion was on hand to talk about your wedding photographs and choosing the best photographer for you.  Jenni Osrin from Lola Montez made sure that everyone had ideas and would be prepared for their wedding night and Tanya and Natasha from Beautiful Brides by TNJ did a hair and makeup make over.

Kerrin Tessendorf  was there from Bride&co with a selection of wedding gowns for the bride-to-be to try on and went through the different styles of dresses that are available and what body types should wear which dress.

All this and delicious cakes as well! The bridal workshop at The Wedding Expo is not to be missed – the cost of the workshop is R375.00 per person for half the day and includes entrance into the expo, the workshop, a bridal magazine, tea/coffee and cakes (savouries as well!), a free bridal magazine, prize draws and a goodie bag.

Don’t miss The Wedding Expo on 4 and 5 September 2010 at the Coca-Cola dome, Northgate in Johannesburg. You can book your spot at the bridal workshop on 5 September now by sending an email to janet@wedding-expo.co.za. For more information on The Wedding Expo and the bridal workshops, visit www.wedding-expo.co.za or call 086 111 3997.

Students to Gain Skills at The Wedding Expo

South Africa’s largest bridal exhibition, The Wedding Expo held biannually at the Coca-Cola dome will once again welcome conference, exhibition and event management students from Randburg Damelin College to the show in April.

“We are committed to supporting skills development in the industry and having the students work with us on the show is the most valuable way for us to impart our skills to those who will soon enter the workplace,” says Amanda Cunningham, owner and managing director of The Wedding Expo.

“Hands on experience is the best experience a student can get when it comes to managing events and The Wedding Expo not only gives the students an idea of what goes into the making of an exhibition but also exposes them to suppliers in the industry,” says Khali Collins, who lectures the students at Damelin.

“All students must gain a certain number of hours practical experience which go towards their end of year qualification. There weekend with The Wedding Expo not only gains them expertise but points as well,” says Collins.

Students who worked at the show in September 2008 loved their experience and realised just how much work is involved in an exhibition such as The Wedding Expo, explained Collins.

They were exposed to all areas of the expo from exhibitor registration, consumer information enquiries, trouble shooting with exhibitors and even PR. In April, The Wedding Expo will once again provide the participating students with an insight into the exhibition industry.

“The Wedding Expo is an integral part of the events industry not only as an exhibition organiser but also as the convener of a show which brings participants of the industry together under one roof,” says Cunningham.

“It is important to provide those who are entering the industry an all round idea of what they are letting themselves in for. This industry is hard work, exciting and satisfying and one needs to be aware of this before you make a life time commitment to it,” says Cunningham.

The next The Wedding Expo is 4 and 5 April 2009 at the Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg. For more information contact 086 111 3997.

The Wedding Expo a Win for Damelin Students

7 April 2009 – Students from Damelin have this April gained huge value from spending a very busy weekend with the team at The Wedding Expo consumer exhibition.

The students were involved from early Friday morning with exhibitor registration and worked closely with The Wedding Expo team in assisting the exhibitors to set up for South Africa’s largest bridal exhibition over the weekend of 4 and 5 April.

On Saturday the students moved between, the information and press office, the newly launched bridal workshops and the managers office where they gained practice in customer care and providing help and information where needed.

Tanya Bardak an Events Management student explained that experiential training is very important for her as a student as she is able to get to know the industry that she is very shortly going to be entering.

Corne Buys and Katja Vormbaum agreed saying that seeing the back end of an exhibition has been eye opening and educational; motivating them to hurry up the year!

“All students must gain a certain number of hour’s practical experience which go towards their end of year qualification. This weekend with The Wedding Expo not only gains them expertise but points as well,” says Khali Collins, lecturer at Damelin.

“The Wedding Expo is an integral part of the events industry not only as an exhibition organiser but also as the convener of a show which brings participants of the industry together under one roof,” says Amanda Cunningham, owner and managing director of The Wedding Expo.

The Wedding Expo is held twice a year at the Coca-Cola dome in Northgate and has become the South African bride’s bridal show of choice.

The Wedding Expo Appoints Exhibition Manager

The Wedding Expo has appointed Jayne Muller exhibition manager with effect from 01 October 2009.

Muller joined The Wedding Expo in March this year and worked as assistant exhibition manager during the April expo. After the success of the September 2009 expo, Jayne was formally promoted to exhibition manager.

Muller comes from a career in tourism as a tour guide for Drifters Adventures and is well used to managing different temperaments, suppliers and deadlines.

“Managing a show such as The Wedding Expo is a team effort and I am fortunate to have joined a fabulous hands-on and involved team,” says Muller.

Amanda Cunningham, owner and managing director of The Wedding Expo says that the inclusion of Jayne to the team will mean that it leaves more time for her to grow the business and ensure that the show continues to be creative and the success it has been up to now.

The bi-annual The Wedding Expo is South Africa’s largest bridal expo held at the Coca-Cola dome in Northgate Johannesburg. The next expo in Johannesburg is 10 and 11 April 2010 with the introduction of The Wedding Pavilion by The Wedding Expo at The Women’s Show in Cape Town from 19 to 21 February 2010.

Brides-to-Be Flocked to The Wedding Expo

Spring was definitely in the air at the Coca-Cola dome, Northgate during The Wedding Expo weekend (5 and 6 September 2009) where The Wedding Expo hosted the largest bridal show in South Africa. Brides-to-be flocked to the Coca-Cola dome in Northgate to start planning their wedding and to make sure that they got their entry into the box to win a wedding valued at R200, 000.00.

This September, The Wedding Expo, its exhibitors and media partners Sunday Independent, The Star and Pretoria News came together to turn one couple’s wedding dreams into reality! The lucky winners were recently engaged couple Jayne Lotter and Matthew Blackmore.

The bi-annual The Wedding Expo now in its 9th year is the largest and most comprehensive bridal show in South Africa which is confirmed by its drawing of the largest range of crème de la crème suppliers in the bridal industry under one roof; these exhibitors include exhibits from cars and cakes to flowers and photographers and beyond.

With two full days of fashion shows, cake design, venue exhibits, sparkling jewellery, beautiful photography and so much more. The venue was brimming with brides-to-be excitedly looking forward to planning their special day. The fashion show arena was packed to capacity during the four fabulous fashion shows where South African couture was highlighted at 11:00 and 14:00 and international designer and ready to wear gowns could be seen at 12:00 and 15:00.

The sold out bridal workshops were once again extremely successful with brides to be learning how to merge their financial portfolios, which marital contract to opt for, what to look for when planning their wedding and how to plan their wedding night. While visually they were introduced to a number of table décor ideas, stationery examples, makeup and hair demonstrations and some even tried on wedding gowns.

The Bride&Co Dress Up Studio made its debut to the thousands of brides attending the weekend-long show, with resounding success. Women were invited onto the stand to try on the wedding dress of their choice, with personalised assistance from experienced Bride&Co consultants. Each bride was then encouraged to model the dress for fiancés, moms and friends, followed by a pose for a professional photograph, which was later emailed to each bride.

The Dress Up Studio concept gave brides-to-be the opportunity to transform into a bride and experience, and capture, the exhilaration of fitting an exquisite wedding dress.

Following on the phenomenal successes in Johannesburg, The Wedding Expo is proud to be going to Cape Town with The Women’s Show where they will be coordinating and hosting the Wedding Pavilion by The Wedding Expo. This is to be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 19 to 21 February 2010.

Then of course, no bride-to-be should miss out on the next The Wedding Expo at the Coca-Cola dome, Northgate on 10 and 11 April.

Sponsors of the Win a R200, 000.00 Wedding included Trés Jolie, Rovos Rail, Sterns, Sophie Malone, Events Extra-Ordinary, Canon, Constantia Uitsig, Morgan and Brown, Zifec Photography, Consolidated Financial Planning, Supreme Limos, Outdoor Adventure, Wincs Creations, Indulge, Sheraton Pretoria, 4 Hair, Kuilman, Mundell and Arlow Attorneys, Top Secret Parties, The Diet That Everyone Talks About, Glamorous Gifts and Blast Entertainment.

The Wedding Expo Fashion Spectacular – High on Style!

The Fashion Spectacular at the Coca-Cola dome in Northgate on 5 and 6 September 2009 started with bling and sparkle when Eve’s Bridal Wear kicked off the SA Couture Fashion Show.

Veils seem to have made a comeback in different styles simply and stylishly adorning the beautiful gowns by resting on perfectly coiffure heads.

Garnish introduced new styles to their range on the ramp yet kept the colours subtle and classic, perfect for spring. While Guy Granger’s range once again stunned audiences with its classic lines and hand stitched finishes.

The grooms were not left out and La Collezione dei Conti men’s range had even the bride’s realising that choosing a suit was not going to be easy with all the fabulous options!

Sophie Malone changed direction this season adding a new layered style to her more classic gowns.

The colour platinum for the wedding gown is a new addition to the ramps this season and the silhouette has changed from ball gown to a more slender contemporary line.

The finale wowed audiences with the best of ranges. Guy Granger’s finale gown was magnificent with a long flowing train and a exquisite beaded detail.

Bride and Co kicked off the ready to wear fashion show with one of their retinue ranges. But it was the flower girl and page boy who got the audience really going with ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ and sighs of ‘oh so cute!’

Then the bride glided down the ramp in a beautiful white gown with full skirt and veil and finished off with a beautiful bouquet.

The Viola Chan designer label which was launched into South Africa this year by Bride and Co was first seen on the ramp at The Wedding Expo. The range was presented by models that came down the ramp in a manner befitting the regal style of the gowns.

International design was what this show was all about as regular to the show Oleg Cassini by Bride and Co was next with white and champagne gowns finished with beading and detail.

Eurosuit showed that colourful waist coasts and ties can ensure that the groom fits in well with the theme of the entire wedding party. MC Graeme Richards also showed off a Eurosuit suit to great effect.

Morgan and Brown’s champagne ball gown style with shiny beaded detail brought oohs from the audience while La Collezione dei Conte’s ready to wear range illustrated Italian style at it’s best.

Lingerie was once more seen on the ramp at The Wedding Expo adding a certain ‘je nais se quoi’ to the atmosphere. You could almost hear the bride’s planning their honeymoon trousseaux!

Maggie Sottero was launched at the show bringing another well established label to the Olivelli range. Signature pieces from each house made up the spectacular finale of the final fashion show of the day – most notable of these was a fabulous cerise gown by La Collezione die Conti.