The 'Perfect Wedding Show' got off to a colourful start at the Sharjah Expo centre with over 100 exhibitors showcasing the region's best collection of wedding products at the event.

The five-day show is an initiative of the Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Wife of Supreme Council Member and ruler of Sharjah Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, inaugurated the expo.

'More than 100 exhibitors from Lebanon, Italy, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia,
 Kuwait, India, Pakistan and the UAE are displaying the region's biggest and finest collections of wedding dresses, related materials and a host of services that make a wedding function flawless,' said Saif Mohammed Al  Midfa, director-General of Sharjah Expo Centre.

The items on display inlcude gifts and accessories, fashion and jewellery items, designer ware, bridal attire, health and beauty products, cards and  stationery.

'We endeavour to make the day special for many a couple, their families and friends by bringing together all the products and services that go into making a wedding great under one single roof,' added Midfa.

According to Midfa, the wedding industry was one of the fastest growing sectors in the country.  

'The total cost of a wedding, as per estimates, could range from anything between Dh25,000 ($66,305) for a short and sweet ceremony and millions of dirhams for an extravagant one. With a tradition of having extravagant celebrations for weddings, the functions are getting more elaborate than ever before,' he observed.

'It would be interesting to note that NRI steel tycoon LN Mittal made it to yet another billionaire club of the Forbes magazine for hosting the most extravagant wedding affair of the century. Mittal spent $60 million for his daughter's wedding,' Fasahat Ali Khan, advisor to the chairman and board of directors of Sharjah Expo Centre, said.

'The Middle East wedding market is estimated at over $3 billion and it is growing at a rate of 20 per cent per year. In the  UAE alone, it is estimated that thousands of marriages take place  annually. The budget of an Emirati marriage is considered to be the highest in the region,' khan pointed out.

Daily fashion shows that offer a sneak peek into latest trends as well as traditions of bridal ware by leading designers from the region will be one of the main attractions this time too.

The show-stealer on the opening day was celebrity designer Walid Atallah. On February 27, there will be two fashion shows at 7pm and 8.30pm. Thereafter, there will be three shows daily at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.

'There will be plenty of prizes and raffles draws for visitors,  including a dream honeymoon trip to either Malaysia or Thailand to a lucky  couple, apart from live demonstrations of hair-styling and make-up, and live dance performances,' said Taghreed Khallaf, group project manager, Expo Centre.

The wedding expo is open for public from 3pm to 10pm.-TradeArabia News Service