Show helps with planning the big day

Organising a wedding hopefully happens once in a bride's life, so they often need advice about the practicalities of organising a wedding.

Hitched is Rotorua's largest wedding show and it's on again this weekend offering brides-to-be access to a host of wedding professionals who can help them organise the day. Exhibitors will be there to offer a sounding board on everything from bridal gowns, men's attire, music and florists to wedding venues, honeymoon destinations and hen and stag ideas.

The best professionals from throughout the region's industry will be there to chat, give no-obligation advice and offer lots of inspiration, said Hitched show director, Peter Duncan.

He said the show was timed for brides who were looking to getting married in the 2016/17 season and exhibitors would have ideas about what's on-trend in Europe and the US and how those trends could be incorporated into the coming season's weddings.

"Over the past couple of years, weddings have had a rustic theme, but it's now moving to more glamorous, sophisticated theming. Brides are able to come to the show and talk about their ideas with stylists and, if they make a connection, they can book some really great people."

Mr Duncan said a wedding was not just about the dress, and wedding experts often had practical ideas that brides may not have even thought of; such as the need for water stations for guests on hot summer days, and transport for guests to venues.

"Brides today have a much more holistic perspective. They are taking into account their guests' comfort and they want guests to come away saying 'wow, that was the best wedding I have ever been to' and the show helps them achieve that," he said.

Details:

* What: Hitched Rotorua Wedding Show

* Where: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre

* When: Sunday 10am to 3pm