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BRIDAL AFRICA @ SA FASHION WEEK TO SET NEW INDUSTRY STANDARDS

MAKING SA BRIDAL HISTORY

For the first time ever in South African bridal history, a bridal exhibition will both acknowledge and award local specialist bridal designers and couturiers. The launch of the Bridal Africa Specialist Designer Award, to be hosted at Bridal Africa at Sandton Convention Centre on the 6th and 7th of November 2010, will see exhibiting SA designers design a “Red Carpet Showstopper” for a SA celebrity of their choice. The designer who delivers the best interpretation will win an international travel trip for two and can choose between London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong or Dubai.

 

Marnie Heim-Stafford, Marketing Manager of First Travel, Bridal Africa's ‘Official Travel Agent for 2010' and sponsor of the prize, said: “Once the winner has made their decision, we will work with them to plan an exceptional trip which will suit their preferences in terms of visiting a relevant industry show, thus facilitating them to make valuable contacts, business deals or purchasing necessary fabrics.”

 

In yet another first for the bridal industry, SA's top fashion designers who have contributed towards the local wedding industry will be honoured at Bridal Africa for their contribution. Dee Reuvers, CEO of Bridal Africa, said: “These designers, who have in recent years rarely exhibited their garments to the public, will treat our visitors to a fashion show of their signature designs. Bridal Africa will be in a league of its own as it brings glamour back to the SA wedding industry and creates a hugely exciting platform of choices for the bride and her groom.””

 

Not forgetting young and upcoming bridal designers, the prize ante for Bridal Africa Young Designer Award has been upped significantly. Reuvers announced the winner will now receive a R10 000 cash prize. “Bridal Africa is gathering momentum in its execution of a bridal exhibition that is an exclusive and distinctive package of entertainment and business. Reuvers said: “Exhibitors and consumers are bored to death of traditional bridal expos. Bridal Africa has a fresh approach to exhibiting and will include multiple competitions providing brides with a greater chance of winning, unique décor concepts like ice sculptures, exhibitors providing interactive displays and service providers launching completely unique concepts. Bridal Africa visitors can look forward to two days packed full of one-of-a-kind attractions.”

 

The allure of Bridal Africa has also increased for wedding service providers. The Wedding Photography competition's theme is “A Moment in Time” and will consist of a gallery wall of framed entries for visitors to peruse. The Wedding Cake competition will feature a range of modern and traditional cake creations. Deon Swarts, owner of The Cake Genie, could not contain his excitement: “It's about time that wedding cake makers were recognised for their specialisation, and by judges that we respect. Dilene Cranna was Unilever's SA 2009 Chef of the Year and Wade van der Merwe has undertaken two Olympics for Culinary Team South Africa. Visitors will also be able to compare us on skill, presentation, creativity and taste.””

 

Reuvers said taking all this and the added benefits into account, it made astute business sense to run Bridal Africa as a big event, and not a bi-event or pavilion as before. “With this new positioning we can accommodate the huge amount of attention that our core competition, the Specialist Bridal Designer Award, and the various other draw cards will attract. We can now ensure our market segmentation is highly focused. Bridal Africa will remain in its upmarket and traditionally high-visitor location at Sandton Convention Centre but will be run independently over the weekend of the 6th and 7th of November,” concluded Reuvers.

 

For info visit www.bridalafrica.co.za or contact Roxzanne on 082 563 5412 or deer@bridalafrica.co.za

The ABC's of wedding planning

 

As testimony to Bridal Africa's vision of a specialist bridal exhibition, wedding service providers exhibiting at Bridal Africa from 6-7 November at Sandton Convention Centre provided a sneak peak into what's in store for visitors. As the first in a series of monthly advice columns encompassing the A-Z of what future bridal couples need to know, exhibitors spoke about the essential ABC's of wedding planning.

 

Appearance: On your wedding day your smile plays a critical role because it affects your appearance, confidence level and your expression. At 12smile, Dr Jurgens Grové's cosmetic dental practise in Bryanston, discoloured and stained teeth caused by being a smoker, drinking lots of tea, coffee or even red wine can be whitened with results of 9+ shades lighter within two hours. A smile makeover can also be achieved within a day by use of CADCAM technology and porcelain crowns and/or veneers. Sometimes implants, composite restorations or dentures may also be necessary.

 

Bridal gown: One of the biggest decisions of a future bride is whether to import her wedding gown or buy or hire an imported garment. Akhona from Byak Bride says while it is nice to have a custom-designed gown, there is a status symbol that goes along with wearing an imported gown, especially among black brides. “Imported gowns can be far more affordable, are beautiful, still made to fit and there is a quicker turnaround time,” says Akhona. The benefits of a designer (couture) dress, according to Biji Couture, is that the gown is made to measure, ensuring it fits your body and its proportions perfectly. Biji and Laura from Biji Couture, who designed Byran Habana's wife Janine's wedding dress, say a designer will be able to advise what style will work best and what to change in order to complement your figure, enhance your assets and disguise any flaws. “It will also be one of a kind, reflect your personality perfectly and means you are contributing to the growth and continuation of the South African garment industry,” the duo said.

 

Choice: When it comes to being spoilt for choice, Cazabella Exotic Designer Jewellery has a stunning range of swarovski costume jewellery extensive in colour, style and variety. Abby, Managing Director of Johannesburg's Cazabella, says the range is perfect as gifts for the bridesmaids and is able to meet the needs of every bride, bridesmaid or mother of the bride. Abby believes bridal shows are a perfect platform to showcase their jewellery range as well as interact with retailers who are interested in marketing and selling their brand.

 

Bitty of Wine and More agrees and adds that Bridal Africa creates an excellent platform to also meet with brides' partners. “I found that a bride always brings her fiancé with and they appreciate it to find something there for their interest. Face to face contact also speaks louder than an advert in any media,” says Bitty. Wine and More offers a variety of top quality wines that can be branded, as well as advice to ensure your wine complements your menu and theme.

 

Bridal Africa's official service providers and sponsors include David John International Makeup, Terenco Hair, Studioski, First Travel and BBM Attorneys.

 

For more info visit www.bridalafrica.co.za , contact 011 262 6458 or email deer@bridalafrica.co.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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