Bermuda Weddings and Special Events will be hosting the annual Bridal Fair at Dockyard on Sunday, January 14 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

This is Bermuda's largest and oldest running Bridal Fair, with Bermuda Weddings and Special Events hosting the event for six consecutive years, growing from a small fair to a professional trade show.

This year's fair will see two bridal gown fashion presentations when gowns from the United States will be brought into Bermuda for brides to see what is available.

Vendors who service the Bermuda wedding market along with brides and grooms meet to share ideas and date books. Vendors have found the fair to be an invaluable marketing tool and engaged couples have used the fair as a convenient way to interview perspective service providers.

This week, information and applications to participate were mailed out to local retailers and service providers to invite their attendance. Booth space at the fair will be limited to 60 this year and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Shelly Hamill, professional bridal consultant and owner of Bermuda Weddings and Special Events, said: "I am so proud of what the Bridal Fair has evolved into.

"I know the show is a success when I hear past brides tell their engaged friends that they must attend. And the vendors are happy, they come back year after year.

"I really appreciate their support and the efforts they go to in helping the brides and grooms and to work with them to make their wedding special.'' Kristi Grayston of Pulp and Circumstance is excited about her company's participation. "Sixty per cent of our wedding business comes from the Bridal Fair,'' she revealed. "We wouldn't miss it.'' Global Travel will sponsor the event, offering airline tickets and travel vouchers. This year, brides and grooms will both be eligible to win. "We look forward to working to make the Bridal Fair 2001 a huge success,'' says Deryn Higgins of Global Travel.

Presenting vendors include caterers, printers, florists, decorators and many more. For more information, contact Shelly Hamill of Bermuda Weddings and Special Events at 293-4033.

Admission for the event is $15 for adults and $5 for children.