Perfect Wedding Show attracts over 17,000 visitors

The fourth edition of the show featured a diverse range of products and services for to-be married couples and saw the majority of visitors coming from the region, subcontinent and CIS countries.

Nearly 100 exhibitors from Lebanon, Syria, Italy, Bahrain, Kuwait, India, Pakistan and the UAE showcased their wedding products and services at the show. From ethnic wedding clothes, to contemporary and designer wear, the exhibitors had everything that was needed for the special day.

Gifts and accessories, fashion and jewellery, designer ware, bridal attire, health and beauty products, cards and stationery, and every merchandise that goes into making a wedding day perfect were on display at the show and were well received by visitors, who included would-be couples, their families, friends and relatives.

Professionals, including wedding planners and other service providers, also turned up in good numbers to check out the latest trends in wedding clothes, services and ceremonies.

With expatriates from nearly 200 nations working in the UAE, visitors also came from several of these countries. Many of these expatriates were planning for their wedding either in the Emirates itself or back in their home country.

Said a soon-to-be bride from Lebanon Reem, "I got engaged here in the UAE itself. However, we are planning our wedding in Lebanon. But we will not get much time once we land in our country so I thought we could do some shopping and also some serious planning for the function from here itself. My family is also here to help me out. A show like this actually makes things easy."

According to a random survey conducted among visitors and exhibitors during the show, the wedding budgets of many respondents were unaffected by the fallout of the global slowdown. Most of them had planned for their weddings well in advance and put aside enough money to make the day a truly memorable one.

"The nature of the show is such that there will be only serious visitors. Wedding is a special occasion for everyone and they are looking for merchandise and expertise to make things happen according to their ideas and imagination. They won't spare any effort to make the function as perfect as possible," said an exhibitor.

Exhibitors also reported good demand for not only products like bridal attire, abayas, sheilas and evening clothes, but also services offered by designers, couturiers, men's outfitters, flower and décor specialists, wedding planners and caterers.

While many visitors were worried about planning a flawless wedding ceremony that has to be traditional in every aspect, some were on the lookout for an out-of-the-world experience.

"We are from India. We will have a traditional wedding back in our home country. But we will have another ceremony over here or at another place and we are searching for suitable ideas on this front," said a soon-to-be married couple, who refused to give their names.

There were also enquiries about wedding and reception venues, photography, entertainment options and honeymoon destinations. Leisure consultants were especially in good demand as couples sought their help in planning early for their honeymoon trips. There were many takers for destination weddings too.

The daily fashion shows, which were headlined by International fashion designer Hany El Behairy on the inaugural day, were the centre of attraction for all visitors. Day one of the fashion show featured Hany El Behairy, Amato and Abu Haleeqa. Exclusive designs from Reem Wedding Dresses, Hany El Behairy and Hanayen were showcased on the second day of the show.

Red Flower and First Moda stole the limelight on the third day, while the Hanayen and Amato returned to enthrall audience with their creations on the last day of the show.

Another highlight of the show was daily cultural wedding parades. Daily laser shows by Technopro enlivened the whole ambiance of the show. Other attractions were live demonstrations of hair-styling and make-up, and live dance performances. There were also plenty of prizes for visitors.

The Perfect Wedding Show was an initiative of the Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.