By: Lucia Mzinyathi

“YES!” Often followed by a kiss and spinning around in each other’s arms. Then the real answer to what to wear, the reception, venue, decor, catering company, honeymoon etc. often leaves the future husband and wife with non-stop headaches.

The NWJ Bridal and Events Show was just what the couple with a future together needed.  This year’s event did not disappoint. Taking 120 stands exhibiting from Friday the 7th to Sunday the 9th of March, couples and their families were at it again, fixing their eyes on the most important details of the day that will mark their first day as husband and wife.

Organizers stressed the idea of having this event on the first weekend of March. “It is an ideal time, a lot of people get engaged in February so they need this,” Camilla Railton of Conker Exhibitions said.

Exhibitions were not the only thing on offer, there was also a bridal fashion show awakening that fantasy wedding day for a handful in the venue. Designers outdid themselves and left that we-want-more look on the crowd. Rowena Naidoo of Asiana South Africa, one of the first exhibitors in the NWJ Bridal and Events Show said, “I am so happy for the opportunity. We finally got a chance to bring India to South Africa in terms of wedding gowns.”

John Class, who got down on one knee proposing to his girlfriend now fiancee on Valentine’s Days, said the show was amazing, him and his fiancee are taking notes and this will definitely decrease their stress levels.

Couples were given a chance to enter a competition on The Mercury stand.

Callan de Lange from The Mercury said, “The couple to win the competition will decide from three options, they will either choose to spend their honeymoon on the beach, berg or bush.”

Cake displayed close to the sitting arragement to give a feel of how it will look like at a wedding. Pictures by: Lucia Mzinyathi.

NWJ Jewellery also had something to offer a special of 50% off, the couples really had a great chance of marking and changing each other’s marital statuses or ‘stealing the other’s last name’ as one of the books on one from the stands put it.

“The turn up was amazing and couples want rings, so we are bringing them exactly what they want. A nice ring for a half price, great offer,” Kavilan Naidoo fron NWJ said.

Khayakazi Booi, who recently got engaged said, “After this, I know I will sleep better and enjoy every moment of the build up until the day I walk down that isle and marry the man of my dreams.”

The NWJ Bridal and Events Show are expecting an even bigger turn up next year and exhibitors are welcome to showcase.