Coral Sea Wedding Expo 2010

THE fourth annual Grand Wedding Expo attracted more than 350 people to Coral Sea Resort on Sunday afternoon.

Almost 30 exhibitors presented their products and services to many brides-to-be and their friends and families, showing them what it would be like to host their big day in the Whitsundays.

Coral Sea Resort general manager Greg Waites said that this year's expo proved to be even better than those of previous years.

“We were lucky the bad weather held off and we were very happy,” he said.

“The numbers were up and we had a lot of young couples from areas outside the Whitsundays, like Townsville, so we got a lot more response from our target market.”

This year there were many additions to the expo, including an entrance marquee, a cocktail party and a canopy on the lawn.

Dream Catcher Cruises were also on hand to take people out on the water to show them what the Whitsunday services have to offer.

Coral Sea Resort wedding co-ordinator Sam Ford said these additions helped to make the day a success.

“It was good to have something different this year,” she said.

“About half of them (the guests) have signed up for information on weddings here.

“A lot of people have now confirmed that they're having their wedding in the area.”

The highlight of the expo though was the fashion parade.

This saw 13 local models showcase a range of dresses and suits from Roger David, Bridal Palace in Townsville and Jill Burston in Mackay.

Their hair was styled by Whitsunday Wedding Hair Lounge and make-up was done by Airlie Day Spa.

The Grand Wedding Expo was also a fundraiser for Quota International. Almost $300 was raised to put FrontRow phonics systems in classrooms to help hearing-impaired students.

http://www.whitsundaytimes.com.au/story/2010/07/29/wedding-expo-a-good-show/