The North East’s largest wedding event, Your Wedding Exhibition (YWE), is celebrating its 30th anniversary when it returns to P&J Live this weekend (17 & 18 January).
Since its debut in 1996, the show has grown from a local gathering of 50 exhibitors into a annually anticipated institution that has helped thousands of couples plan their nuptials.
This year’s milestone event marks three decades – and a pearl anniversary – of evolving bridal trends and industry growth. It also marks a significant transition for the directors and organisers as brothers Alan and Brian Rae prepare to step down after 30 years of involvement.
Pearl’s a zinger
The first YWE was held at the Beach Ballroom, with around 50 exhibitors over the two days.
Brothers Alan and Brian Rae were there from the very start, exhibiting as video company Raetech Productions before later joining the organising committee. This year, they are both stepping down as directors after 30 years of involvement with the exhibition.
Alan said: “One thing I remember from the very first shows is the sprung dancefloor downstairs at the Beach Ballroom.
“It was marvellous for dancing but a challenge for keeping displays stable. We had to hope visitors didn’t have too much of a spring in their step.”
Brother Brian agreed: “There was such a buzz at the first show at the Beach Ballroom.
“I remember that the fashion shows – which were always really popular – were held in the upstairs Star Ballroom, which could only hold a couple of hundred people. Fortunately as videographers, we were able to beam it onto a big screen in the main ballroom meaning everyone could enjoy the show.”
The mix of exhibitors has shifted too. In the 90s, the floor was dominated by big hotel chains and department stores like Debenhams.
“Before licensing laws changed in the mid-2000s, wedding cars were phenomenally popular,” recalled Brian.
“We once had 26 separate cars from 10 companies. These days, there just isn’t that same demand as ceremonies are increasingly held in the same place as the meal and entertainment.”
Today, the event at P&J Live showcase includes a diverse range of artisan crafts and boutique venues.
“There have been some unusual exhibitors who have reflected the changing trends over the years from magicians to ice sculptors,” said Alan.
From stag parties to segways
One of those forward-thinking exhibitors was Lochter Activity Centre manager Howard Hughes, who has been there from the start.
“When we signed up to the first Your Wedding Exhibition in 1996 we were the new kids on the block, offering exciting and competitive stag parties combining a variety of sporting challenges followed by a chance to enjoy a well-earned drink,” he said.
“Space at the Beach Ballroom was limited which restricted footfall but it generated good business and when it moved to the Exhibition Centre at the Bridge of Don in 2007, we moved as well.
“We had space for our racing grass karts and our segways, which were a new and intriguing bit of technology. The management was always willing to accommodate our requirements including setting out a small race track for the carts.
Now enjoying a well-deserved retirement, Howard nonetheless still comes along to be on the Lochter stand on one of the days.
“Your Wedding Exhibition is far and away the biggest and best wedding exhibition in the North-east,” he said.
“Although we began by promoting stag parties, we now welcome loads of hen parties, some of whom return for their wedding. We have even had a bride come up the aisle on a segway. How’s that for an entrance!”
Changing trends on the catwalk
Model Julia Willett has seen the industry evolve from the front row. An economics student when she appeared at the very first fashion show in 1996, she is back in the line-up for the 30th anniversary.
“Back then, wedding dresses were much more traditional and massive to put on. Hairstyles were also much more elaborate with our hair scraped up into an ornate ‘do’. As there were so many models, the prep could take quite a few hours.
“These days, dresses on the whole are much simpler and hair tends to be worn down with loose waves. It means we can all do our own hair and make-up which is a lot less time-consuming.”
Now a busy mum of two, she rejoined the model line-up a few years ago.
“It’s really exciting to be appearing at the show again this year,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow models, some of whom are now friends, and getting together to put on such a fantastic show.”
A vision for the future
Fiona Morgan has been part of the organising committee for the last 20 years. Her memories include a helicopter appearing at the exhibition as well as a stunning wedding dress created from YWE branded carrier bags.
However she says the mainstay has been the numerous wedding suppliers throughout the years.
“I never fail to be amazed at the transformation of blank grey stands to shop-worthy spaces showcasing wonderful products and services,” said Fiona.
“The wealth of knowledge and creativity on offer from our exhibitors for the brides and grooms coming through the doors every year is truly amazing.”
Another constant has been Simon Morgan, who along with Brian, Alan and Fiona is the fourth member of the current organising team. He was there exhibiting with Grampian Wedding Directory in 1996 before taking on co-ordination duties in 2000.
“My memories from the 1990s are the queues of excited visitors stretching down the beach promenade on a freezing January morning,” said Simon.
“The exhibition started to provide a main focal point for the wedding industry in the region and that’s just as important in 2026.
“The digital world has given us a platform to be a media business we could only have dreamed of back then.
“We’ve gone from landlines and traditional photography to social media and personalised digital experiences. And moving to P&J Live allowed us to grow and work within the newest event space in Scotland.
“But every year, I still feel the same absolute joy from seeing all the exhibitors work together to create such a phenomenal show over the two days.
In Case You Missed It:
“Through it all, the core of a wedding remains the same: two people celebrating their commitment.
“We are so proud to have helped thousands of couples bring their dream day to life.”
- Your Wedding Exhibition 2026 is on the 17&18 January at P&J Live. More information and ticket info can be found at https://yourweddingexhibition.com/
