1993' which was put on by local wedding consultants The Bridal Suite at Dockyard last Sunday.

The size of the turn-out surprised husband-and-wife organisers Allister and Carmen Simmons, who have been so encouraged that they intend making it an annual event.

"We had over 40 exhibitors at the show and it was a tremendous success. It was a great day out for the whole family,'' said Mr. Simmons.

"This was an ideal opportunity for exhibitors to be showing the public what's new in the industry.'' All the items essential for a modern wedding were on display -- jewellry, food catering, champagne, rental equipment, wedding cakes, video productions, horse and carriage hire, photography, awning and tent hire and lots more. There was even a fashion show so models could show off a glittering range of wedding dresses.

In order to maximise participation, exhibitors were not charged for their displays and visitors got in for nothing.

The quasi-Government West End Development Corporation helped matters by allowing the Bridal Suite to use the upstairs of the Clocktower free of charge.

While the Expo was geared towards the local wedding trade, The Bridal Suite, which is owned by Mr. And Mrs. Simmons, has just been on an overseas marketing exercise in conjunction with the Bermuda Department of Tourism.

"We went through five major cities promoting what's available in Bermuda for foreigners,'' said Mr. Simmons. His company currently has a video display about Bermuda weddings which is available in Japan and the United States.

Another video is being prepared for the United Kingdom market.

"The number of Americans getting married in Bermuda is increasing at the moment and we're also hopeful about Japan,'' he added.

"We're getting an enormous number of inquiries from foreigners who want to get married in Bermuda.'' HELPING PEOPLE TO GET HITCHED -- Mrs. Carmen Simmons (left) and Ms Sheila Currey at The Bridal Suite's `Bridal Expo, 1993'.