The largest annual wedding showcase in the region is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Wedding Wishes Formal Fair at the Valhalla Inn on Sunday
The event is the largest in its history, had more than 100 exhibitors and is the largest wedding exposition from Winnipeg to Toronto.
“It’s basically one-stop shopping for brides and grooms,” said Nancy Milani, the show’s organizer.
“It’s bigger than ever and I don’t think we can grow anymore. It’s packed with people.”
The show, which is in its 25th year, has more than doubled in size over the past decade. Milani estimated there would be more than 300 brides and grooms, as well as more than 1,000 people exploring the products and services available.
Bride-to-be Lindsey Wilson was among those checking things out.
While she is still nearly a year away from her big date, she has most of the details of her wedding already planned.
However, she still came to see if any of the vendors had anything that could help her preparations and to try to win some of the prizes available.
She said shows similar to this one have been helpful in the past.
“I actually have gotten a lot of information from other brides when I’ve gone to wedding shows,” Wilson shared.
“Just even knowing the type of deals people give, and the things that are offered. I wouldn’t have even known about them so it’s really helpful to come to these.”
The grandeur of the event is crucial for new and fledging businesses to meet with potential customers to develop their brand identity.
“You can talk to various exhibitors that are here for the first time and they can’t imagine the exposure they get, it’s absolutely tremendous,” Milani said.
There were four different fashion shows taking place throughout the afternoon, showcasing different local bridal, ladies and men’s wear shops. There were also draws and food demonstrations.
The big prize of the afternoon was an $11,000 complete wedding package.
