Prospective Ballarat brides are encouraged to visit The Bridal Expo, which is to be held at the Mercure Hotel on June 26.

The expo will include a fashion parade and many displays for wedding-related businesses, including photographers, catering and, of course, dress designers. There will also be opportunities for free hair and make-up trials throughout the day.

For the first time, the expo will be restricted to displaying Ballarat-only designs and businesses to support the Ballarat industry.

Owner of bridal shop Bridal World, Rob Wehl, stressed the importance of the exclusivity of the event.

“Expos in the past have brought businesses from out of Ballarat but this one only promotes Ballarat business, so money that people spend will stay in the community,” he said.

Managing director of the Expo, Tadas Adamavicius, said the day will offer a chance for future brides to be inspired.

“You don’t have to stick to inside the square, we will offer a new perspective,” he said.

The event will be held from 10am until 3pm, and entry is $5. For enquiries and tickets, call 9563 8011.