The Hindu Business Line : Wedding industry buzzing with bridal, lifestyle expos

With the Indian wedding industry continually re-inventing itself to meet the flamboyant tastes of its customers and business associations, event managers are having a field day arranging "bridal and lifestyle" shows for the Rs 40,000-crore wedding industry.

Commenting on this trend, the CEO of Bridal Asia, Ms Divya Gurwara, said her company pioneered in organising such exhibitions by getting the participants showcase the latest collection of designed exhibits/products under one-roof. "The event would reflect the economics of the wedding", she added.

To keep pace with the developments in the wedding industry, Bridal Asia too decided to shift its annual "Bridal and Lifestyle" expo (usually held in October) to January this year. It is scheduled to be held during January 13-15 at Delhi. About 75 participants, including 7 new players from Pakistan have, according to Ms Guruwara, evinced interest in participating in the show this year.

Stating that the bridal scenario in India hit a new high with the per capita income of the fashion community rising significantly in the last couple of years, she said: "Money is not a constraint any more, but people do not find the time to go places to do trousseau shopping. Bridal Asia would serve as the platform - both for top line designers, be it jewellers, stationery and dress designers, gift packers, choreographers, caterers, venue decorators, travel companies etc to display their products and the visiting public plan in style."

She recalled that the company's earlier events had catered to a huge audience profile in terms of their social and economic background.

Two days prior to the Bridal Asia 2007 exhibition, there would be the "Bridal Asia Fashion Show", when renowned models from India and Pakistan would share the ramp displaying the trousseau fashion extravaganza, she said.

Having established a strong foothold in organising such events in India, Bridal Asia is planning to organise a similar event in the West Asia in October next.