Brides-to-be learn how to make big day perfect

Brides-to-be Kylie Whitaker (left) and Charis Henton gathered plenty of ideas at yesterday's Wedding Show held in ASB Arena.

Tauranga's Wedding Show was the perfect opportunity to inspire two old friends for the day when each becomes a bridesmaid for the other.

Kylie Whitaker and Charis Henton are getting married within four months of each other, with Kylie taking the plunge first in December, followed by Charis in April 2016. And the grooms are both called Matt.

"We are taking turns at being bridesmaids," Charis said. She is marrying Englishman Matt Saunders in London and was holidaying at home, catching up with family and friends before she re-enters Britain on a fiancee's visa.

The hall buzzing with exhibitors.

Kylie said the Wedding Show was an ideal opportunity to bounce ideas off each other, with Charis expecting to pick up a lot of wedding day tips when her friend gets married in Pongakawa.

Charis met her Matt holidaying in Croatia in 2010 and they now live together in London. Kylie met Matt Bain seven years ago and they got engaged last year.

"Some boys are a bit slow off the mark," she joked.

Charis said her fiance had visited New Zealand a couple of times and he loved it here. His visits included her seaside hometown of Ohope.

Wedding Show owner and organiser Rochelle Free of Freestyle Events said about 1000 people attended yesterday's show, which attracted 108 exhibitors to the ASB Arena at Baypark.

She estimated that about 60 per cent of the brides were accompanied by their mothers and friends, while the rest had grooms in tow.

"We found that the grooms were quite keen to have an input, which is really good."

The grooms were also able to nibble on wedding cakes and savories, and sample the Mount Brewing Company's range of beers.

Deidre Rowe of Jopanni Bridal was also pleased with the turnout of grooms, in contrast to previous shows that had been more about the brides and their mums.

"This year there has been quite a balance - the couples are doing it together."

Wedding businesses showcased at the show

* Florists and photographers

* Car and music hire

* Bridal wear and fashion jewellery

* Caterers

* Honeymoon arrangements