Make that special day perfect with a visit to the Bride of The Year show

After the pageantry and expense of Christmas, most people's outlook now turns to the long stretch of 2012 ahead, and the events on the horizon, with many choosing to hibernate for January and work off that seasonal debt. However, if 2011 was the year that a special someone popped the question, then you’ll be a busy beaver planning your big day, and there’s one January event that will make the process somewhat easier.

The self-styled “wedding event of the year”, the Bride of The Year show runs from January 28th - 29th in the RDS, Dublin 4. Run by wedding expert Terry Burns, this show is a one-stop-shop if you are looking to organise your wedding day, and it is also Ireland’s longest established wedding show. Opening from 11.30am daily, brides to be and their husbands will see the RDS main hall transformed with up to 200 leading wedding specialists showcasing inspirational ideas and trends for your wedding and honeymoon. With exhibits to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets, those present will include flower arrangers, hotels, limo companies, suit hire companies, cake decorators and lots more.

If you’ve never been to a wedding show, and feel a little overwhelmed by the whole process, we’re here to help. Firstly, the draw of the show is threefold. Obviously, attendance by a bride or groom speeds up the whole wedding planning process. In a few hours a couple can book their entire wedding & honeymoon without leaving the hall. Secondly, you get the personal aspect, instead of having to deal through protracted phone calls and emails. You can just meet face to face with suppliers, hoteliers and professional service providers who will cater for your special day. Finally, there’s also a cost cutting aspect to it all, as many show exhibitors offer special discounts and offers, which would not generally be available, and we all need to save a few bob in this climate! Whether you’re the type that loves shopping, or you just want to get the whole stress element out of the way in order to enjoy the day, this event is perfect for all.

Popular Today FM DJ Phil Cawley will be MC for the weekend, and special events will include free makeovers, treats for grooms, hair demonstrations, light music entertainment and spectacular catwalk shows, which will showcase over 100 bridal gowns and designs. All gowns featured on the catwalk can be viewed at the bridal stands, giving brides a unique opportunity to meet face to face with the bridal boutiques and designers.

Day tickets cost €12, and the Bride of The Year Show will run at the RDS from 28th-29th January, daily from 11.30-5.30. For all the info, see their website here.