Despite the scheduling conflict of two bridal fair events, Bermudians did not appear to be fazed and took the opportunity to view what both events had to offer.

Held in Dockyard and Hamilton respectively, Bermuda Weddings and Special Events Bridal Fair 2002 and Anthony Smith's Bridal Fair and Fashion Show 2002 drew soon-to-be brides and grooms from across the Island to peep at the latest spring and summer fashions in formal bridal wear.

There was pomp and circumstance at both events, but as the day went along it became apparent that wedding coordinator Mr. Smith was carving out his niche in the business.

Lorraine Franklin, who is planning a July 2003 wedding, made her way to the Bridal Fair 2002 in Dockyard, which was held in the Clock Tower.

“So far so good,” she said. “You figure if you pay $15 you are going to get a professional show.”

But later in the afternoon Ms Franklin turned up at Mr. Smith's event only admitting that competition was “healthy”.

Mr. Smith's Number One Shed event saw a crowd of several hundred - many of whom said they were impressed with the upbeat style and liveliness of his affair.

In the days leading up to the two events, there were sparks of controversy between organisers, because of the same day and time scheduling.

However, Bridal Fair 2002 organisers predicted that theirs would be a successful turnout, relying on more than eight years of experience to speak for them rather than several months of controversy.

But when The Royal Gazette visited the Dockyard event, there was a moderate crowd of potential brides and idea seekers.

In an elegant, tranquil surrounding, with close to a dozen booths set up in the Old Naval facility, courteous staff were on hand to provide information and guidance.

Bridal Fair 2002 organisers Shelly Hamill said she was optimistic the event would achieve the goal it set out to do - provide brides with a blueprint to planning their wedding.

“So far I am thrilled,” she said, one hour into the event.

“We've seen close to 100 people - I'm very impressed with the booths this year, they have put in a lot of energy.

“In the eight years we've held this event, we have always had ours on a Sunday.

“I contacted Anthony and told him that we had spent considerable time planning our event, but he declined to change his date but so far I am very pleased, we have received lots of calls giving support and well wishes.”

And operators such as Helen Fletcher, owner of Food 4 Thought catering service said she was satisfied with the flow of clients, noting that it was a good opportunity to do one on one consultations.

But some booth operators acknowledged that the scheduling played a “noticeable” part in loss of numbers.

“This is our sixth year and I've never known it to be on the same day,” said Pulp and Circumstance owner, Kristi Grayston.

“It's a real shame because it hurts everybody involved. This is the one day in the winter where Dockyard businesses can benefit from the extra people in the area.”

Meanwhile at Mr. Smith's affair, there were wedding booths numbering over a dozen that showcased photographers, bridal gowns, china and crystal wear, tuxedos, flowers, balloons and food catering services - with a fashion show finale that had the crowd applauding models wearing the latest spring and summer wedding fashions.

And as people in a steady stream of traffic packed the upper and lower areas of the parking venue, one attendee said she hoped to get the most of what was being presented, but said she “doubted” that she was going to make the trek to Dockyard.

“This is a really good turnout,” she said. “They really have everything on hand for what you might need to plan a wedding.

{“We hadn't planned on going to Dockyard - I think you have to pay something like $15 to get in up there. He (Mr. Smith) seems like he has it all covered.

“Anything that you might need to have a wedding, it looks like they have it.”