Millions of dollars are spent every year on the big day, and hundreds of local businesses profit from selling the idea of wedded bliss.

And this Sunday the public will get to see the men and women who make weddings happen as a regular event at Bridal Fair 2000.

The fifth annual fair has been such a roaring success that for the first time organisers have managed to lure 40 vendors to show their wares.

From 12 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. at Dockyard the show, which brings together professionals involved in the wedding business, will be open to the general public.

Stalls at the fair cost between $225 and $250, a small price to pay when you consider getting married can cost on average between $1,500 for a modest bash for just a couple to about $75,000 for a sit-down for family and friends.

Organiser of the fair, Shelly Hamill, who is a professional bridal consultant and owns Bermuda Weddings and Special Events said that this is the best year yet for the fair. She said: "I am very proud of what the Bridal Fair has evolved into. This year has already broken records, we have 40 vendors for the first time.'' And with over 1,000 weddings a year, it is no wonder that cake makers, florists, card makers, wedding arrangers and a whole lot more are queuing up to show their wares.

In fact wedding consultants in Bermuda are being flooded with far more requests from abroad to organise the big day for visitors than they could ever handle.

According to Mrs. Hamill her company gets between 150 and 250 requests a year.

Out of the 1,000 couples married each year in Bermuda, over half of these are couples that jet in from abroad to tie the knot.

According to the latest figures available from the General Registrar, in 1998, 1033 couples got hitched - 613 of them were non-residents.

And the figures for 1999, which are due out in April, are expected to see the numbers rise.

But as a small business that prides itself in quality events, Mrs. Hamill said she will only take on about ten events a year.

The only other thing she organises is the fair.

"It is a chance for the public to come and see the faces behind their big day,'' she said. "You can book everything you need for your wedding in one go.'' Seeking perfection: Making perfect days into a profitable business. Shelly Hamill, professional wedding consultant, is the organiser of Bridal Fair 2000, which takes place on Sunday.