It has been a while since I attended the Queensland Brides Wedding & Honeymoon Exhibition as a vendor, and even longer since attending as an excited bride-to-be.
However, recognising the bewildered looks brought back memories of how overwhelming an experience like this can be. 150+ booths manned by well-meaning bridal experts, all vying for your attention and the opportunity to let you know how they can assist on your big day. Daunting, yet somehow magical at the same time. A buzz was certainly in the atmosphere, and one could most definitely get lost amongst the aisles for hours on end. So I did just that!
Styled Events made a great first impression upon entry
I loved every minute of seeing what is now available to couples – the bridal industry offerings have come a long way over a short space of time! Attendees (just shy of 5000 of them) were given a complete interactive experience – gelato bar, makeup trials, photo booths, competitions, fashion parades, champagne and tapas tasting, just to name a few.
Ryder Evans Photography – just one of the fantastic photographic booth displays
Rhonda Bannister, Editor in Chief / CEO of Graphic Publishing, said “Everyone is time poor these days… by gathering many of our advertisers together under one roof over one weekend, couples have the opportunity to talk face to face with many of the businesses they have seen in the pages of the [Queensland Brides] magazine.”
Lollipop Brides – edible bouquet anyone?
Brushes and Cream – a friendly collaboration
New ideas were on show and plentiful – everything from bouquets designed from paper, buttons, and lollipops, to combined services such as Brushes and Cream who specialise in both wedding makeup and cakes.
The Best Little Vintage Van in Vegas – specialising in all things vintage
Holden Oldies Limo Service – celebrate in old fashioned style
Rhonda pointed out “This expo differed in that we had quite a few exhibitors who specialise in retro weddings – you would have seen the caravan and old Holden – so popular this year and sure to be into the future.” Many booth designs also reflected the popularity of vintage weddings, a style that continues to run its course.
Brisbane Lolly Buffets and Events – a crowd favourite
Amongst the traditional assortment of venues and photographers came an array of niche exhibitors – for several it was their first time present. Brisbane Lolly Buffets and Events worked an edible stand, the men from Sassy Fandago were handing out long-stemmed red roses, and representatives from the International Paintball Group showed how to have an adventurous Bens (yes, that’s right, a combined bucks and hens party with an all-out guys v girls paintball war). Fun!
Bella Bloom Floral Design – expressing your personal style
Alas, it was all over too quickly, and the masses headed home equipped with information, inspiration, and a whole lot of reading material. Thank you Queensland Brides for putting on such a great show, we look forward to the next one!
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