Bridal Boom Celebrated in Region’s Long-running Wedding Exhibition
The finest in North-east creativity and professionalism is brought together with Your Wedding Exhibition returning in January for its 27th year.
With Scotland witnessing the highest number of weddings this summer since 1993, it seems the pull of tying the knot in style remains strong.
From bespoke button bouquets to 3D planter props, singing waiters to pet chaperones, P&J Live will be bursting at the seams with wedding inspiration during the weekend of 21 and 22 January.
More than 140 exhibitors are at the region’s top wedding event to guide and advise, with the romance and glamour of the occasion captured in the twice-daily fashions shows.
Tones of blues and greens and square necklines are predicted to be some of the 2023 trends in wedding , the half-hour shows feature outfits for the whole wedding party.
Exciting exhibitors
Representatives from the region’s leading wedding venues are on hand to show how they bring the big day to life, while quirky cars and creative camerawork are there to be discovered.
One of those exhibiting for the first time is Build Your Own Gown in Fraserburgh, with Lynn Grant offering custom designed wedding dresses, which come to life from sketch to a trial dress then finally made into the final gown.
Alternative Bouquets & Florals by Teresa offers bespoke beaded, button and felt flower bouquets, while Lava Jewellery is a husband and wife team creating unique pieces of wonder in Peterculter.
The baking boom continues with a selection of storytelling cakes in showstopping sugarcraft. Dimbim Speciality Cakes, run by Abimbola Sikiru in Westhill, promises to faithfully reflect the couple’s taste and style and tell their story. Meanwhile, Hey Sugar Cake in Fyvie offers elegant sophistication crafted with locally sourced quality ingredients.
Another new exhibitor is Curly Futrets, who design and 3D print characters in a variety of poses, careers, and hobbies to add a touch of personality to a wedding venue. The quirky individual planters are all created to order from a repurposed garage in Tarland.
A touch of tradition remains popular however, with tartan handfasting ribbons and bagpipers adding a Scottish flavour to the event.
Statistical increase
Figures released in the autumn by National Records of Scotland revealed there were 9,331 marriages in Scotland between April 1 and June 30 this year.
This was 25 per cent higher than the five-year average and the highest number of second quarter marriages since 1993. There were 340 same-sex marriages, compared with a five-year average of 236.
Director of Your Wedding Exhibition Simon Morgan said: “There was a boom in demand this summer for everything that goes hand-in-hand with the big day, and this is continuing well into 2023 and 2024.
“We are proud to host a range of established experts and up-and-coming suppliers, and every year we discover new and exciting trends in the ever-changing wedding industry.
“Our research shows us that a third of visitors find something they initially didn’t have in mind to source.
“As weddings returned, we have seen a shift in trends, with many more weddings taking place outdoors and in unconventional venues.
“More intimate guestlists, elopements and hybrid ceremonies have continued to feature, while sustainable wedding favours and wild, natural floral displays continue to prove popular.
“We’re showcasing the best the region has to offer, allowing couples to discover specialist suppliers they might never come across otherwise - and the best thing is that they’re all in one place.”
The two daily fashion shows run each day running for around half an hour, and free parking on the day at P&J Live can save the visitor up to £10.
Claire-Lena Miller-Davis, exhibition sales manager at P&J Live, said: “With such a varied selection of suppliers showcasing the latest trends, plus daily fashion shows, the Your Wedding Exhibition is the must-visit show for any brides and grooms to be.
“The ever-changing wedding industry always has something unique to discover and, whether couples are choosing an intimate indoor, an extravagant outdoor ceremony or an elopement, the region’s exhibitors will have a wide selection of products and services on offer to help put the wedding of dreams in place.
“We can’t wait to open the doors to the show in early 2023.”
Your Wedding Exhibition is being held at the P&J Live on 21 & 22 January 2023. More details can be found at yourweddingexhibition.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I buy a VIP View Bar Upgrade?
You can purchase a VIP View Bar Upgrade to selected events here. It includes early access, fast-track entry, complimentary drink on arrival and access to the View Bar before, during and post-show.
- How can I purchase tickets for a concert at P&J Live?
Tickets are available from our ticketing agents Ticketmaster on www.ticketmaster.co.uk and Seat Unique on https://pandjlive.seatunique.c...
P&J Live do not sell tickets directly.
- How do I register for access to venue presale?
For certain events, venue presale tickets might be on offer. This means you'll be access tickets before they go on general sale.
To gain access to our exclusive venue presale, sign up to our newsletterhere and we will send you an email with the presale link for tickets go on general sale! Please note you'll need to be signed up at least an hour before the sale starts!
Tip: Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay updated.
- How can I book a table at 195 Bar & Grill?
Our 195 Bar & Grill offers a unique dining experience before selected shows at P&J Live. You can check availability and book a table here.
- Will I be able to purchase food at P&J Live?
There is a wide range of food and beverage options available to purchase for concerts and events, including catering outlets offering a variety of hot food options.
Please note - it is against venue policy to allow patrons to bring in their own food and drink to the venue. At P&J live it is our aim to be completely cashless, all of our bars, kiosks and restaurants accept card payments, this is more efficient, safe and ensures a speedy transaction. There are therefore no cash machines on the TECA site.
- Is there parking available at P&J Live?
Yes, there is parking available on-site at P&J Live.
There are various ways to pay for your parking at P&J Live
On site payment machines: We accept both cash and card payments on site, pay on exit is required by entering your vehicle registration at any one of our machines located in the car parks. Please note payment machines only take coins and not notes.
APCOA Connect App: Up to 24 hour after you have left the venue, you can pay for your parking on the APCOA Connect App. Once you have downloaded the app, use location code 6680 for the Sub-T Car Park (underground) and location code 2356 for the Surface Car Park.
You can also pay for parking via the APCOA website here, click which car park you parked in and then you will be able to pay for parking.
- Can I pay by cash within P&J Live?
At P&J Live it is our aim to be completely cashless, all of our bars, kiosks and restaurants accept card and contactless payments. This is more efficient, safe and ensures a speedy transaction.
There are no cash machines on the TECA sites.
- What bus can take me to P&J Live?
Regular buses will be coming in and out of the complex daily for public use. Details on bus routes and operators are still in discussion and any updates will be posted on the getting here page of the website.
Currently, the Stagecoach Bluebird Jet Service 727 runs regularly from Aberdeen City Centre to Aberdeen Airport, stopping in the TECA site.
- How do I purchase accessible seating for a show at P&J Live?
All the tickets for our Special Access Platform are sold via our ticket agent Ticketmaster.
Further information on accessibility at the Venue can be found on our Accessibility page.
