Soon-to-be-weds are heading to Florence this week to check out the latest Italian nuptial fashions at the 14th edition of the Tutto Sposi fair. The event, which opens at the city's Fortezza da Basso on Thursday and runs until November 1, will attract over 30,000 people looking for ideas and services for their big day.
The fair is a showcase for businesses handling every aspect of tying the knot, from the florists for the church decorations to travel agents specializing in honeymoons.
But the main focus is on the bridal gowns, which are made with unique Italian style and quality by top designers and expert dressmakers.
Wedding-dress fashion shows will take place every day as well as exhibitions of wedding suits for grooms. Hair-stylists will parade a variety of wedding coiffures on models, while make-up artists show the ladies how to make the most of their natural features for the ceremony. The betrothed will be able to learn about new trends like using orchid petals instead of rice as confetti and eccentric innovations, such as making the bride's bouquet out of artistically arranged coloured balloons rather than flowers.
In total over 200 companies will be showing their wares, including caterers, hoteliers, photographers, luxury car-hire firms and musicians for the after-dinner entertainment. There will even be an area devoted to interior-design, where couples can plan the look of their future marital homes.
Organizers say the event will be of interest to foreign couples, as well as Italian ones.
Drawn by the nation's romantic image, scenic backdrops and beautiful buildings, more and more foreigners are opting to get hitched Italian-style.
A trend which started in the late 1980s has swollen to some 6,000 couples a year, placing Italy squarely in third place - after Hawaii and Australia - on the global list of most popular getaway wedding destinations. According to research institute Eurispes, Italian couples spend at least 8,000 euros on their weddings. More elaborate celebrations generally go up to a maximum of 35,000 euros.
Eurispes says Italian brides fork out between 1,500 and 7,500 euros on their wedding dresses. Italian grooms are not so extravagant, generally
spending from 1,250 to 3,000 euros on their wedding suits.
