BALLOON artists, photographers, and jewellers, were showing their wares as hundreds of people planning to get married flocked to the Suffolk Bridal Fayre.

BALLOON artists, photographers, and jewellers, were showing their wares as hundreds of people planning to get married flocked to the Suffolk Bridal Fayre.

The County Hotel, Copdock, Ipswich, was again the venue for yesterday's annual event – held in association with the Evening Star – and within the first two hours up to 500 people poured through the doors.

The first 300 brides-to-be to visit the show received a gift from the Bredfield-based award winning aromatherapy and gift specialists Potions and Possibilities.

There were up to 30 trade stands featuring every service that a couple could require and the exhibitors also included car fire firms, men's and ladies' outfitters, florists, hen party organisers and wedding list specialists.

The sponsors of the show included leading menswear outfitters W D Coe, and two of the region's premier bridal outlets, All Special Occasions and Bride & Joy.

The icing on the cake at the fayre was provided by two catwalk shows lasting more than 30 minutes each and the crowd of onlookers was treated to some dazzling costumes professionally paraded by children and adults.

Wedding dresses from the two Ipswich companies Bride & Joy and All Special Occasions graced the catwalk at the prestigious event while Girls Love Roses showed off a range of floaty summer dresses and chic tailored suits.

The shows were put together by Barbara Thomas and Blackjack, with stage décor created by Susan Ramsey Wherrett.

Hair styling was undertaken by the Feathers Salon Group with make-up done by Sue Carter of Image.

The event went with a swing, as the Arioso String Quartet of experienced young musicians serenaded couples visiting the stands in the marquee, and performed from their wide repertoire of music suitable for weddings and other social functions.