Everything the bride desires - A colourful wedding expo

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

If you arrive 10:07 a.m. for an event advertised to begin at 10, you'd expect it to be up and running but that was not the case for the 16th renewal of the annual bridal extravaganza held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, March 12 and 13. Up until the Outlook's departure after midday, several exhibitors were still setting up, adding finishing touches or even just arriving!

Outlook couldn't help wondering whether they had been given the space in time. Very shoddy indeed! However, the hotel compensated for the tardiness with a very lavish showcase in the lobby area of the hotel.

The finished displays were of a generally high standard. As they should be, considering the huge sums paid to design some of them ($30,000-$200,00), we were told. At least one of them deserve a refund. Shades of pink dominated the colour theme followed closely by the red and black combination for several booths. Among the shining stars were the following:

Courts, the popular furniture store, could not be missed. An aggressive in-your-face salesman surprised me with the question, "Are you looking for me?" Their display of a fully furnished bedroom was as practical as it gets. Newly-weds spend a lot of time in bed. Throw in some free gifts and lots of future business is guaranteed. Courts has a bridal registry that you can reach by going to www.courts.com.jm.

Khali's Hattitude featured headwear for the special day in bold, fabulous, if a tad outlandish, designs. These are not for the shy bride ... or her party. The hats and exquisite pieces are crafted in the designer's spare time. He says he's a business administrator by training but the savvy dresser also has plans to branch into image consulting. For now, the hats show lots of promise. Check him out at 862-8081.

No stranger to the annual bridal showcase, Elegant Weddings jumped way outside the box and chose dramatic black and white. Stark white tuxedo and wedding gowns occupied one space and a sample of a setting for pre-reception, with white sofa and ottoman adorned with black and white floral throws, completed the effect. Soon to be operating at a new location along Oxford Road, they will take care of all your wedding needs and can be found at 908-3960.

Jacqui Stephens' Exquisite Occasions pulls you in for its sheer elegant sophistication. Two colours that are screaming 'fabulous' right now when themed with brown are blue and yellow, she chose the latter to create something that was inspired by the '60s, with hand-painted cushions in an intimate small space. "I wanted to create a homey feel; the bride and her family can hire the things from us and do the decor themselves. People are having a hard time; we will rent the couple the items and show the bride and her family how to put it together," Stephens told Outlook. For more, check them out at 969-6101/817-4837/997/2388

All prospective brides must have a shower and Sexy Shop unleashed its arsenal of toys, lingerie and aids for the shower and, of course, the honeymoon! They can be contacted at 906-6685/398-9917.

Affordable alternative

Joylyn Miller of Wedding on a Budget sees her store as the more affordable alternative. Their standard rates begin at $170,000 for 30-40 persons for location, decor for church and reception; bridal party flowers, catering, a two-tier cake plus one to serve guests, plus photographs and video. You can contact them at 534-2232/754-6783.

Tai Flora Luxe took it over the top with shades of pink flowers of all variety, from hydrangea to carnations and a fine selection of wines to toast the happy occasion. They make your event magical and can be found at 978-4500.

Answers Gift and Home's bold selection of beautiful accent pieces for the home bore the dominant red colour with splashes of clear glass, olive, white and black in-between. Telephone Answers at 929-4031.

Special jewellery

Every bride needs special jewellery to make her gown complete and Island Gems' wide range of custom-made earrings and necklaces say they will work with whatever the customer has in mind. They also do special engravings and etchings on picture frames, cake knife and fork and stemware for the special day. They have added extras such as guestbooks, ring pillows and more. You can locate them at: 382-8691 or 927-8472

For thinking above and beyond expectations, Outlook gives the nod to FutureeventsJa, the peacock feathers motif was the signature touch featured in the cake and the ceiling centrepiece of the tulle-covered tent. Very breathtaking. Cherine Forbes went a step further with her bouquets at the centre of the ties on each chair that bore just a seat cushion and not the usual all-over covering. Check on them at 421-6166.

And last but not least, Musical Credits, the perfect set for the finest taste in wedding and special occasion music. Leslie Sherman will give you the exact mix for your very memorable party, or other occasion, anywhere in the island. You can contact her at 925-9585 0r 422-7981.

Main sponsor Victoria Mutual Building Society showcased its bridal registry in a mock country church complete with old-fashioned benches. Capital and Credit Financial Services was present as was the SuperClubs chain of hotels.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com

Photos by Barbara Ellington