WHETHER it is the dress, the stationery or the cake - elegant and simple is the key look for next year's weddings according to those in the know at the Worcester News Wedding Fair.

The event at the Fownes Hotel yesterday attracted hundreds of brides and grooms-to-be eager to get the best ideas to ensure the biggest day of their lives goes without a hitch.

And there were 38 exhibitors - from jewellers to car hire companies - on hand to make sure every need was catered for.

"It's been really useful," said bride-to-be Heidi Goode, from Worcester, who is set to marry fianc Mike Williams next May.

"All the exhibitors had really nice ideas - but it's made me realise I need to get a move on!"

Sarah and Jan Bowman, of A - Z Wedding Services in Stourport-on-Severn, said pink was tipped to be the colour of choice for wedding gowns next year.

"And brides are going for styles that they will be able to wear again," Sarah added.

"We have 180 styles to choose from - so if brides can't find what they want here they never will."

Arn Bryan, of Hereford-based Emily-Rose Cakes, said he had received lots of interest in his bespoke creations.

"A simple tiered cake with a jewel decoration is proving the most popular choice amongst visitors," he said. "But in terms of filling, everyone is heavily into chocolate at the moment."

Sara Matthews, Wedding Fair organiser for the Worcester News, said she had been really pleased.

"We had a steady stream of visitors who all had time to speak to the exhibitors individually and get the most from the day," she said.