BEAUTIFUL dresses, wedding cakes, jewellery and venue ideas were on offer for brides-to-be at Sunday's Worcester News Wedding Fair.

Couples looking for inspiration for their special day were able to find all the latest ideas at the Fownes Hotel in City Walls Road, Worcester.

Christina Thomassen, of St John's, Worcester, will be getting married in August. She said: "I have never been to a bridal fair before and thought it would be nice to come and have a look round."

St Peter's-based Floral Experts was on hand to offer inspiration.

Designer Lucy Jeliazkova said they had several enquires for weddings and enjoyed taking part in the wedding fair.

"We try to show what is new on the market and although some brides still like the traditional designs, they also like the wow factor which we can give them," she said.

At the Pure Bridal and Formal Image A-Z company stand, owner Jan Bowman said the day was a way for brides to see the new season's dresses.

"We have been coming to this fair for some time and always find it very successful," she said.

"The fashion at the moment does seem to be strapless dresses, some with colour in. Gold is also becoming quite popular."

Noel Lewis, at All About Marquees, showed off the new contemporary-designed marquee, which had a white, black and crystal theme.

"More people are realising that they can do an event in a marquee," he said.

"We can help give it a theme that they want and we also work with wedding planners, floral experts and a catering hire company to give the couple a good wedding package."

Newly-opened Berketex Brides, in College Street, Worcester, said the day was a huge success.

Manager Theresa Clarke said: "Our store has only just opened but it is running really smoothly.

"The fair for us is for letting people know we are here and show them the beautiful dresses we have on offer."

Sara Matthews, wedding fair organiser for your Worcester News, said the event was a great success, attracting about 700 people.

"The good weather on the day definitely helped and we once again enjoyed seeing all the brides-to-be find everything they were looking for," she said.