The Sunday Mail
Leisure Reporter
THE Sunday Mail Bridal Expo, which has become the premier wedding exhibition platform in the country, is an event not to be missed, especially for those who are planning to wed.
This year’s edition of the expo will be taking place on March 31 and April 1 at the Rainbow Towers grounds and the HICC.
The expo provides the perfect platform for companies and individuals in the bridal business to exhibit their product and services to a wider audience considering the numbers that the event attracts.
A stand, which comprises of a 3×3 gazebo, two chairs, a table and a complimentary Bridal Magazine, is going for $220. For those interested in viewing the exhibitions, entry into the expo is absolutely free. One of the organisers, Charity Gwata-Chirume, said preparations for the event are on course.
“The bridal expo is just around the corner and I am happy to say that our preparations are going well,” said Gwata-Chirume.
“After the success of last year’s edition, most of the exhibitors who were there have come back on board and we are encouraging more players in the bridal business to also come and showcase what they have to offer. Those who want to come and exhibit should come and register as early as possible because stands are being taken up faster than usual.”
She said this was one of the few opportunities for bridal service providers to market their businesses effectively.
“For a wedding to be a success there are a number of things that are considered and these include photographers, cake makers, flower arrangers, entertainers, car hiring and venues, to mention a few.
“This expo gives a platform for businesses that provide these goods and services to market their work to potential clients.”
The Sunday Mail has for many years been a key player in the bridal sector, as seen by their bridal promotions, competitions and events.
During previous editions, the expo has been accompanied by The Sunday Mail Bridal Show, where The Sunday Mail Bride of the Year is crowned.
This time around organisers have decided to do it differently by introducing a more intimate Bride of the Year Awards Dinner, which is where the ultimate bride for 2016 will be crowned.
The Bride of the Year Awards Dinner will be held on April 1 at the Rainbow Towers, starting at 6.30pm, just after the conclusion of the expo.
“This year we have decided to do things differently for the crowning of the Bride of the Year by hosting a unique ceremony. We will be selling tables starting from US$500 for an ordinary table, which accommodates 10 people, with the prime tables going for US$600.
“Those who are coming as individuals will be paying US$60 for a chair on the prime table and US$50 for a chair on the ordinary table.”
While tickets will be available two weeks before the event, people can still pay in advance. The tickets will also contain voting stubs, which people can use to vote for the bride they would want to see getting the crown. The advantage of voting using a ticket stub is that it has five voting points as opposed to the newspaper cutting, which only has one.
Besides entertainment from several top artistes, prominent marriage counsellors will also be sharing their expertise on the night.
