After a tough year for the wedding industry, Kiama business owners are hoping to entice more loved-up couples to marry in the area.
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This year will mark the return of Kiama I Do, a wedding expo that aims to highlight the ways in which the area's suppliers can make a couple's special day extraordinary.
"We're really getting a reputation out there as a destination for weddings," Rebecca Armstrong, The Pavilion Kiama's wedding and catering coordinator and Wollongong catering company Culinarius general manager, said.
Kiama I Do will be held on Sunday, May 23 and will see attendees move between four venues - The Sebel Harbourside, The Pavilion, Crooked River Wines and Mercure Gerringong Resort - where other suppliers such as hairdressers, make-up artists, florists, transport providers and the like will advertise their goods and services.
Ms Armstrong said every wedding booked in Kiama brought flow-on economic benefits to the town as guests purchased accommodation, went to local eateries, and shopped in local stores.
The pandemic not only forced the cancellation of last year's event, but it heralded a tough period for those working in the wedding industry as couples were forced to postpone or restrict their events.
Ms Armstrong said she faced cancellation after cancellation, which was "devastating".
It was difficult for brides and grooms too, Ms Armstrong said, who saw their plans for their dream days upended, sometimes after years of planning and with little notice.
She said Kiama I Do was particularly special this year because it was about everyone in the wedding industry picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and showing they were open for business.
"It's about all of us looking to the future," Ms Armstrong said, adding that she was now feeling "very positive".
With destination weddings off the cards for the foreseeable future, Ms Armstrong said Kiama - with its beautiful seaside setting - could provide that same feeling.
About 50 suppliers are set to show off their wares at Kiama I Do this year.
"Kiama is just full of awesome creatives," Ms Armstrong said.
More information about Kiama I Do can be found online.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
