The Tribune

More than 300 brides and grooms are busy preparing for the 29th annual Bahamas Bridal Show and its “A New Day” production at Meliá Nassau Beach Resort this Sunday. They are getting ready to meet 50 leading wedding and home suppliers in the ballroom, starting at 12noon.

In addition to viewing the many exhibits – from furniture and photography to decorations, banking and formal wear – the capacity audience of nearly 1,000 persons will enjoy wedding demonstrations, game shows and win their share of over $30,000 in prizes. The main prize is $15,000 towards a new home by Arawak Homes.

Some of the other major prizes registered couples will receive on Sunday include a three-night stay with breakfast for two at Double Tree by The Hilton, Tarrytown, New York; five honeymoon getaways from Hope Town Harbour Lodge in Abaco, Atlantis, Meliá Nassau Beach Resort, and the new Courtyard by Marriott in Nassau

There will also be gifts from Beyond The Décor, including round-trip airfare for two to Long Island, a two-night stay at the Harbour Breeze Villas and a rental car; a wedding band from Jewels By The Sea; round-trip airfare by Bahamasair wherever the national airline flies, and a five-piece dining set from Lyn’s Furniture.

Buttons Bridal & Formal Wear will be providing wedding gowns and tuxedos; Xa La Mode Wedding & Events will be giving away a full wedding planning service, and Template will be handing out $3,000 in assorted gifts from

While every registered couple can’t be guaranteed gifts of their desire, every effort is being made to satisfy as many couples as possible.

“Couples are encouraged to go online at www.buttonsformalwear.com or Bahamas Bridal Show Facebook page and ‘Make A Wish’,” said Makeva Wallace, show coordinator. “We want to help as many couples get what they need for their wedding celebration and new home. This idea eliminates persons getting gift items they don’t need.”

Couples can also register for the bridal show on the Deal Trakr app.

“Sunday’s show will be one of the largest display of exhibitors we’ve had in over a decade,” said Mrs Wallace. “And, like the couples planning to attend, we are very excited about this. Photography and beauty care will dominate this year’s exhibition.”

Photography exhibitors include Seleon Productions, Digital-Kafe Photography, iParty Photo Booth, Oh! Paparazzi Photo Booth, Braxton Gardiner Photography, Warren Grant Photography and Madistic Photography, the show’s official photographer.

Providing all the beauty care one may need are Black Opal by Commonwealth Drugs & Medical Supplies, Estée Lauder from John Bull, Perfec-Tone, All Yours Virgin Remy, CDS Smiles, Beyond The Ordinary and Petra’s Universal Studio of Beauty, and the Eye Candy Makeup Store & Studio, which is once again doing the makeup for all the fashion show models.

Bahama Fantasies will lead the group of decorators that include Beyond The Décor, Wildflowers Events & Occasions and Fairwinds Love & Elegant Settings.

Exhibiting event planners are Xa La Mode Weddings & Events, De Ja Wedding Specialist, LUX Events and Les Occassions.

Other exhibitors include Aliv, Kitchen & Table, TGS Print Studio, You-Nique Creations, Video Solutions and Master Mixx, providing all sound reinforcement at the show.

“What we have planned on Sunday is certainly ‘A New Day’ for everyone attending the show,” said Mrs Wallace. “We have at least 18 first-time exhibitors, which is exciting. This year’s production will be an ultimate wedding experience, even for Buttons.”