What a good show. This weekend saw the first West of England Wedding Show. Held at Bristol’s University of the West of England (UWE), it was not too big, not too small and very well attended. There was a friendly regional feel, slightly different to the larger scale shows and the razzle dazzle was all there. Here’s what happened at the wonderful West of England Wedding Show – from the catwalks to the cake and where to catch the next wedding show near you.
Catwalk Shows
The highlight of the day was the catwalk show, an entertaining half hour fashion extravaganza featuring the latest collections from several bridal designers, mother of the bride fashions and menswear hire . It was a real spectacle, choreographed beautifully, it showed off a range of very different gowns and stunning hair accessories.
Wedding dresses
There were beaded fishtail dresses, slinky satin 1930s gowns, elegant high-necklines and lovely lace sleeves plus two or three fabulous retro style 1950s wedding dresses with net underskirts and pretty boleros.
The stands of gorgeous designer bridal gowns stole the show and there was an opportunity to try on dresses and make some amazing savings with exclusive show prices.
Hair accessories
Veils and tiaras are still popular especially with 50s and 60s tea length dresses and the glittering vintage Alice bands and hair accessories were stunning.
Bridal beauty
Beauty experts were on hand with client chairs to show off their amazing eye make up secrets. The brilliant girls on the alternative hair removal stand made a real impact with both their product and their personalities. I bought one; I think we all did, and so many grooms went home with bald patches on their hairy legs!
Experts
There was a chance to sit down on pretty decorated chairs and be inspired by selected wedding experts. I enjoyed the bridal coach, a former model and her tips on how to pose for wedding photos, indeed one of my favourite tips of hers was to use peppermint oil to plump your lips before applying lipstick for photos. Apparently that’s what they use in expensive lip plumpers – so now we know
There were also various experienced wedding planners and stylists exhibiting and wandering around the show on hand to give advice and offer inspiration. The Confetti magazine catalogues went like hot cakes with the new Win a Wedding competition emblazened on the front cover and the 40% off discount card inside.
Free goody bags
There was even a free goody bag for everyone with all sorts of freebies inside. It was a full day out with a café serving light lunches and tiny cake pieces being offered as tasters alongside chocolate truffles and glasses of bubbly.
I am sure everyone who visited the show in Bristol had a good time. I know I did and it was great to meet all the wonderful brides and suppliers I talked to. See you in London next! Please see our homepage for all regional and national wedding shows and fayres.
If you attended one of the National Wedding Shows, could we please borrow a minute of your time to fill in this quick survey?
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wedding-shows-1013
