Wedding expo season is here (finally)!

‘Tis the season for wedding expos!

Yes, folks, Australia’s wedding expo season is upon us with expos galore being held across the country between the new year and March.

Whether you’re newly engaged or a seasoned bride-to-be, January is chock full of bridal expos of all sizes and on display are the latest wedding trends, accessories, themes and, of course, wedding dresses by the thousands.

Each expo features, generally, hundreds of wedding industry suppliers, everyone from wedding photographers, jewellers and cake decorators to couture wedding gown designers and wedding car hire suppliers, and the range of offerings is truly mind-boggling, allowing brides-to-be to plan their entire wedding in one spot if they so choose.

That means no running from one end of town to the other choosing dresses or trying on shoes for your big day. You can, quite realistically, pick your cake, photographer, dress, bridesmaids’ gowns and even the groom’s outfits from suppliers under the one roof.

Oh, and did we mention how much fun it is?

Below, we’ve listed some of the main wedding expos taking place across Australia over the next month. So, why not grab your bridesmaids, or even your groom, and head on down to one – or all of them!

The Ultimate Bridal Event (Melbourne and Sydney)

Aside from the (almost) hourly fashion parades, one of the highlights of this huge show is Vera Wang’s 2014 wedding gown collection which will be on display for the first time in Australia, as will the 2014 season Alfred Angelo Disney Princess Wedding gowns, which are inspired by seven of Disney’s best-known princesses.

Visitors will be able to peruse the offerings of more than 200 of Australia’s top wedding industry suppliers and view Lazaro’s 20th anniversary museum collection, which has been flown in from New York.

All brides who register at the Ultimate Bridal Event will go into the running to win a romantic two-night stay at Crown Towers.

When: Melbourne (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January, 2014) and Sydney (1 and 2 February, 2014)
Where: Melbourne (Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton) and (Sydney Entertainment Centre)
Hours: 9:30am to 5pm (but last entry is at 3:30pm)
Cost of entry: $20 (Standard entry) and $55 (Platinum experience)
More information: http://www.australianbridalservice.com.au

Update: 100+ pictures from Melbourne’s January 12 bridal expos

The Melbourne Bridal and Honeymoon Expo 2014 (Melbourne)

Featuring more than 200 wedding suppliers, visitors to this expo will experience a show-stopping bridal fashion parade featuring clothing for all members of the bridal party.

There are bridal talks, free hair and make-up trails as well as the chance to win $20,000 towards your home loan and a $6,600 around-the-world trip for two.

When: Sunday 12 January, 2014
Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre (Opposite Crown Casino)
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Cost of entry: $20
More information: http://www.bridalexpos.com.au

Update: 100+ pictures from Melbourne’s January 12 bridal expos

Bridal Expo Docklands (Melbourne)

Every visitor to this expo will score a $150 Cocktail Queen voucher, as well as the chance to win a complete wedding package that includes a reception in Monbulk, photography and the all-important wedding dress. More than 100 wedding suppliers will be displaying their wares.

When: Sunday 5 January, 2014
Where: Etihad Stadium, Docklands (Melbourne)
Cost of entry: Free
More information: http://www.bridalexpodocklands.com.au

Other bridal expos:
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Bridal Showcase (Queensland)
A free expo that showcases some of the Sunshine Coast’s best wedding suppliers.
When: 11 and 12 January, 2014
More information: http://www.malenymontvilleweddingprofessionals.com.au/bridal-expo

Summer Bridal Ideas Expo (Adelaide)
Held at the Adelaide Showgrounds, this expo offers South Australian brides the chance to start planning their big day by viewing products and speaking with experts (as well as finding great wedding deals) under one roof.
When: 18 and 19 January, 2013
More information: http://www.adelaideshowground.com.au/events/2014/01/18/summer-bridal-ideas-expo.jsp

Perth Bridal Fair (Western Australia)
With daily bridal parades, including a section devoted to plus-size brides, Perth’s biggest bridal fair includes hundreds of gowns on display and you can even try many of them on while you’re there.
When: 8-9 March, 2013
More information: http://www.perthbridalfair.com.au

Update: 100+ pictures from Melbourne’s January 12 bridal expos