Sunday marks the beginning of the annual Fairmont Heliopolis Wedding Fair, a two-day event showcasing the wares and services of wedding-related businesses for the curious and almost-married. Along with 29 exhibitors, the fair will host eight different make-up artists with booths set up in which patrons can experience artists' respective talents. Although a number of the fair's categories were taken by vendors expecting what the marketing world has come to know as "exclusivity"--Dina Zaki was the only florist present, since she does flower arrangements for the hotel itself--the booths are plenty and objects of interest many. Les Fleurs de Tuline was one of the attractions that stood out. Tuline herself stood near a display of head bands and gemstone hair wraps--novel accessories for the Cairo wedding market. Rather than the usual tiaras and faux bijoux clips, Tuline's head bands are adorned with fabric flowers and mirrored bows, with a few rhinestone-studded hair ribbons for more traditional clientele. Deena Fadl's Joud for Home Accessories is another must-see. The artist's Egyptian/Arabic designs are printed on trays, mugs and coasters. Beyond the fair, her products can be found at a number of outlets in and around Cairo. Karma and Dina Sabet (KDS) also offers a collection of home accessories, as well as jewelery and bags. KDS offers patrons a chance to peruse collections such as Heba al-Awadi's funky fall jewelry line and Tarek al-Sallab's vintage eye-wear. More wedding-specific, Patchi (the sole chocolatier at the fair) set out a display in silver and gold, while the Fairmont Heliopolis set up a chocolate fountain next to its catering/hotel wedding packages booth. Hany al-Beheiry, boasting wedding dress exclusivity, will host a wedding dress fashion show on Sunday and Monday evenings beginning from 8 PM, where a Far-East honeymoon will be raffled off by the Thomas Cook travel agency. All in all, the fair is both varied and informative. It will run from 24 October (5 PM to 11 PM) through 25 October (11 AM to 11 PM). The event will close with a performance by vocalist Michelle Rounds at 9 PM on the second day. Every booth is stacked with information and special offers, so brides- and grooms-to-be--not to mention wedding planners--should try to stop by.
