Brides still hunting for a gown and a venue had a date to note in 2015: the Fabulous Weddings show ran from 27 to 29 March. The organisers promised gorgeous wedding gowns, luxurious venues and fun fringe activities under one roof.
Details of that March edition, such as its venue, hours and full prize list, could not be confirmed. The shows before and after it followed a consistent formula, and that formula shows what visitors could expect.
How the show worked
The format combined bridal boutiques, hotels and restaurants with entertainment, and a prize draw that rewarded couples who signed up for a package. In January 2014, organisers said earlier editions had drawn about 400 to 500 couples over three days.
Three features recurred. Brides-to-be could vote for their favourite gown on display for a chance to win a gown package or rental. Tarot card readings were on offer. A Buyers’ Draw was open to couples who bought a package from any exhibitor.
The early editions
An expo on 19 and 20 January 2013 was held at Max Atria, Singapore Expo. It offered tarot readings, wine sampling and a photo booth for dressing up, plus a lucky draw with more than $6,000 in prizes. They included Goldheart jewellery worth $2,506, hair service vouchers worth $1,570, a two-day, one-night deluxe room stay at Orchard Hotel worth $833, a $600 photobooth package and Korres beauty hampers worth $572.
The 2014 show ran from 10 to 12 January at the Marina Square Central Atrium, from 11am to 9pm. It had live music from a band, a gown competition and a Buyers’ Draw with prizes of up to $15,000, including Goldheart jewellery and spa vouchers. Visitors who bought a copy of the bridal magazine received a goodie bag worth $30. Exhibitors included Bridal Concept, The Aisle Bridal, Yvonne Creative, The Joyden Hall, Orchard Hotel Singapore and Far East Hospitality.
The 2015 run of shows
The first show of the year ran from 2 to 4 January at Orchard Central Discovery Walk, Level 1, from 11am to 10pm. Admission was free. Engaged couples who liked the magazine’s Singapore Facebook page received a goodie bag worth $50. The Buyers’ Draw was worth over $15,900, with fine jewellery from Lee Hwa Jewellery, spa vouchers and a staycation with dining vouchers at One Farrer Hotel & Spa. Exhibitors included Bridal Concept, My Dream Wedding, The Feline Bridal, Thomson Wedding Collection and Yvonne Creative Bridal.
The March dates fall between that show and a later one. A media release dated 9 July 2015 described the later show as the third of the year. That edition had a Buyers’ Draw worth $19,800, with prizes such as jewellery from Goldheart, a three-day, two-night stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi and a free rental of a flower wall from Ektory.
The July show was also the occasion for the magazine’s first Venue Awards presentation. It named 19 winners, 13 Venue Awards and six Editor’s Choice, among them Grand Hyatt Singapore, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, The Westin Singapore and One Farrer Hotel & Spa.
Later editions
The show continued in later years. Hotel event listings show Fabulous Weddings editions held from 22 to 25 March 2018 and from 14 to 17 March 2019, with Village Hotel Changi among the venues taking part.