Press Release
October 2009

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.

Press Release
October 2009

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.

Press Release
October 2009

Wedding Inspirations Magazine a Sellout Success at The Wedding Expo

Johannesburg – 28 September 2009 - The Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Wedding Inspirations magazine was a sellout success at the Spring The Wedding Expo on 5 and 6 September 2009.

“We are very excited to see the success of Wedding Inspirations,” says publisher Amanda Cunningham. “The magazine was inspired out of a need to offer the bride-to-be additional value when visiting The Wedding Expo; it has grown from there into a well-established magazine, a brand that can easily stand on its own.”

Now in its fifth issue, the sort after Wedding Inspirations bridal magazine was the very first handbag sized bridal magazine increased its pages to a bumper 132 pages including the regular can’t do without items such as, a wedding and budget planner right up front for the bride-to-be to use.

The Spring/Summer issue carries feature articles on stationery, outdoor weddings and kitchen gadgets alongside regular favourites such as the bridal gown spread which now includes fabulous lingerie.

The fabulous honeymoon section features honeymoons by train and explores the delights and grandeur of Rovos Rail, the Blue Train and Classic Premier for the more budget conscious.

Wedding Inspirations was inspired by The Wedding Expo and most often, features comments and tips from exhibitors who can be met at the show.

The Wedding Expo is South Africa’s largest bridal show featuring 300 exhibitors showcasing their products and services allowing the bride-to-be to plan her wedding in one day in one place.

Brides-to-be should keep an eye out for the next issue at The Wedding Expo on 10 and 11 April 2010.

The Wedding Expo
Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg
Dates: 10 and 11 April 2010
Open hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Entrance fee: R80.00
Fabulous fashion shows DAILY: 11:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00
Workshops: 08:00 to 13:00 Saturday and Sunday only R300.00 per person (includes FREE entrance to the show and more!).