After the excitement of the World Cup, life for South Africans has calmed down a bit and we can all start thinking about thing other than soccer and where to watch the next game. So it’s time to play catch up and start planning that wedding!
A great aid when it comes to wedding planning is to attend one of the many wedding expos that are held in South Africa. The next Bridal Expo to be held in South Africa will be in Soweto. This is very exciting for many reasons and after the World Cup it seems Soweto is going to be the venue for many events in the future!
BRIDAL Indaba Wedding Expo SOWETO JULY 31 AND AUGUST 01, 2010
In the aftermath of the World Cup, South Africans are becoming aware that it is possible to realize our dreams. Since June, places like Soweto and Rustenburg have become household names around the world. Now, South Africa has the opportunity to highlight our abilities – and not only on the football field. We are an extremely talented nation and our endeavours epitomise what our colourful, unique and vibrant country is all about.
But it’s not only overseas visitors who are realising our full potential. We’re realising it ourselves. Locally we have the opportunity to showcase our talents, and to shine. And events like the first ever Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo in Soweto is proof of this. For the first time ever, talented local designers, artists and caterers will be showcasing what they can do to make couples’ wedding dreams come true.
One of these people is K. Mosimane, or Sister Bucks as she is known, a talented designer whose ranges are colourful and traditionally inspired. She opened her first Sister Bucks store in Rosebank, Johannesburg over a decade ago, and was one of the first to open up shop in Maponya Mall when it launched in 2007. Today, she is also one of the Bridal Indaba’s new breed of exhibitors, and is bringing her special touch of Africa to the wedding expo. “I’m promoting my African culture and traditions at the Soweto Bridal Indaba,” she says proudly. “Although I don’t specialise in wedding dresses, I do design them on demand. My store in Soweto proved that there is a big market here, and I’m hoping the Bridal Indaba will bring even more customers.”
The original Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo was started by Corine Scheepbouwer 15 years ago in Johannesburg. Her sister Liz Vrijenhoek joined her in 2007, and they formed Dalani Marketing, an events company that also concentrates on Bridal Indaba Wedding Expos at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways. Now the two are adding another new project, the first-ever Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo in Soweto, to be held at historic Walter Sisulu Square on the weekend of July 31 and August 01. The management of the square is extremely excited about this venture. “I cannot wait to explore this new adventure with Liz and Corine, “ says its Marketing Manager, Charlotte Msibi van Staden. “The Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo will not only bring many local visitors here; it will also offer small businesses and local entrepreneurs incredible exposure.”
Since Corine’s very first Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo many have tried to replicate her success – in fact, there are now over 16 similar exhibitions held all over South Africa every year. Initially, Corine’s wedding expo’s were held at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton. However, when the venue became too small, they moved to the Indaba Hotel in Fourways.
Corine’s loyal following of exhibitors are all delighted at the prospect of bringing the concept to Soweto. Says Wikus Louw, of WM Studios wedding photographers, who has exhibited with Corine since her very first show in 1993, “I’m looking forward to moving with her into the Soweto market.” Wedding cake expert Kate de Waal of Sugar ‘n Ice is also very excited about the Soweto show. “I’ve been exhibiting my cakes at Corine’s shows for the past 10 years, and I am very excited at the prospect of exploring a whole new market with her,” she says.
The Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo Soweto will showcase a superior selection of wedding specialists, many of whom will be local to the area. They range from wedding dress designers to photographers, cake makers to event planners... all those who can assist in creating the perfect wedding. A highlight will be daily 45-minute fashion shows as well as superb catering for the hungry crowds, which is being handled by the well-known Sakumzi Restaurant on Vilakazi Street.
FNB is one of the sponsors to The Bridal Indaba Wedding Expo in Soweto. These financial partners for life offer cheque, savings accounts home loans and more. They will be exhibiting at the show in Walter Sisulu Square Hall. Entrance is R50 per person and tickets are available at the door.
