Fashion: Vintage is the keyword of wedding fair being staged at mecca for art lovers

WEDDING fans are spoilt for choice most weekends. Not that the confetti and cake fests always involves the business end of getting hitched. For those planning to tie the knot, there are plenty of Saturday and Sunday afternoons to be spent touring wedding fairs in draughty exhibition centres and uninspiring hotel conference rooms, faking excitement about plain sponge cake and icing and wondering if the placecards should be bought from X stationers or Y designers.

It can all rather take the romance out of it all. However, this weekend a wedding show with a difference could change all that – if you crave nostalgic nuptials.

For a start, it’s being held in the exquisite Mansfield Traquair church – home to the Phoebe Traquair murals. And the goods on show will exude the glamour and style of vintage design. If that’s not enough there’s live music from crooners Banana Row, and gin & tonic will be served in teacups – making it bearable for even for the most reluctant groom.

Most importantly, the gowns will make any bride believe they too can look like Ava Gardner as they walk down the aisle.

The Vintage Wedding Show, in conjunction with Edinburgh caterers Heritage Porfolio, is the brainchild of Mel Jarron, whose inspiration came from her own wedding.

“When I married I just wanted to fall in love again to the live sound of a swing band,” she says. “But I really struggled to source vintage pieces to bring that special and glamorous twist to my wedding. However, having found local suppliers who can put that swing back in, I just want couples to be inspired by the unusual and the beautiful, as I was, and to have truly unique weddings.”

The suppliers, she says, favour vintage design and glamour. “They are true experts in their field: from beautiful original bridal gowns from the 1930s through to stunning vintage-inspired designer-made dresses; from gorgeous costume jewels and accessories to original flower bouquets oozing with the romance of days gone by; they just love the timeless elegance of yesteryear.”

Mel launched the first vintage show in March, and it was so successful, she’s back with another just eight months later. But she’s a bit of an expert in the field as she’s been involved in organising large events for ten years. Fashion shows, film previews and speed dating events are all under her belt with her online membership business, Scene Scotland. Eight years ago she set up Funk Fair, a vintage fair and makers market which runs in Edinburgh and Dundee with an avid and loyal following of vintage fans.

Mel adds: “The days of absolute tradition and carbon copy weddings are gone. A modern bride styles and shapes her wedding day to reflect her own individuality. So the show is not just for vintage lovers, but also for the new bride to explore the beauty and romance of old style glamour.”

• The Vintage Wedding Show is being held on November 4 at the Mansfield Traquair Church, 11am-5pm. Tickets are £5 and available online at www.vintageweddingshow.co.uk