What awaits you at Bride & Groom Expo

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Weddings are beautiful, but what happens after the “I do” is where the real journey begins. That is the heartbeat behind this year’s Bride & Groom Expo 2025, returning for its 16th edition from today to Sunday at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, Kampala.

Running under the theme, Beyond I Do, Building a Lifetime Together, this year’s expo promises more than wedding inspiration. It is a full weekend of love, learning and practical guidance for couples ready to build lasting partnerships.

For just sh10,000, attendees will gain access to expert-led sessions, fashion showcases, live performances, giveaways, and real conversations that go beyond the wedding day. Here are the expected highlights of this year’s expo:

FASHION

Fashion has always been at the heart of the Bride & Groom Expo, capturing not only the dreams of soon-to-be weds, but also the changing spirit of bridal style over the years. From dramatic ball gowns to modern fits, the runway at Uganda’s biggest wedding showcase has evolved into a barometer of bridal fashion.

And if this year’s edition has proven anything, it is that everything timeless eventually makes a comeback.

“There has always been the classic ball gown, a favourite of most brides. There are mermaid gowns, and the coloured ones,” Rebecca Nalunga, the fashion show producer at the expo, says. Nalunga is also a stylist. “Fit-and-flare silhouettes remain a top choice because they balance elegance and comfort,” she adds.

While trends have rotated in and out, some signature styles have proven irresistible, trending gowns in off-white, textured and structured. That is something that has been in rotation over the last couple of years. These gowns, with their sophisticated stitching and layered textures, dominated past editions and have made a noticeable comeback, albeit with modern tailoring.

Meanwhile, alternate gowns continue to grow in popularity. These are non-traditional wedding dresses that break away from the typical white or ivory palette and instead feature bold hues, intricate beading, sleeves with colour and unconventional fabrics.

“Brides want to feel unique, and sometimes that means wearing a gown that tells their story not just following the rulebook,” Nalunga explains.

Also making waves over the years are ballroom gowns and Eline dresses, known for their romance-meets-elegance aesthetic. While ballroom gowns evoke impressiveness, Eline gowns favour grace and delicate detail, appealing to the bride who wants a timeless yet soft look.

There are also comebacks, when vintage becomes new. Gowns with sleeves or detailed embroidery are no longer seen as ‘old-fashioned.’ They have been reinterpreted with flair. And while Fit-and-Flare styles have undergone only subtle refinements, their longevity proves just how deeply rooted this silhouette is in bridal culture.

Men’s fashion at the expo has also experienced a quiet revolution. From the traditional two-piece and three-piece suits, grooms are now favouring slim-fit, double-breasted and textured fabric options, giving classic silhouettes a fresh update.

“The changes in men’s suits are usually in the cuts like opting for a slim fit or a touch of flare, but it is still about looking timeless,” Nalunga says. The rise of coloured suits, has also added flair to the groom’s side of the aisle, proving that wedding fashion is no longer a one-sided affair.

BORN AT BRIDE AND GROOM EXPO

Over the years, the expo runway has also served as a springboard for emerging talent. “We do not go looking for ‘hit’ models,” the organisers reveal. “We make an open casting call or a closed selection and choose from those who show the right energy and presence,” Nalunga says.

Still, the expo has become a launch pad for several now notable names. Models such as Housen Mushema, Alicia Nassolo, Daphine Ngoma and Fernando Mugisha, once walked on the bridal runway before stepping into the world of commercial modelling, fashion and even acting. Their rise is a quiet testament to how the expo has nurtured talent as much as it showcases glamour.

MUSIC TO MAKE LOVE TO

This year’s music stage performances are not just an afterthought; they are an integral part of the curated experience. “Artistes like Vinka, Spice Diana, Jose Chameleone and Sophie Nantongo, are scheduled to perform, but under a special briefing,” Fiona Tamale, the events manager at Vision Group, says.

That special briefing is specific – play music to make love to. “We have asked the musicians to strictly perform love and wedding themed sets,” Tamale says. “It is not just about the music. It is about reinforcing the spirit of the event — love, celebration and beyond,” she adds.

The three-day event will be kicking off today with a lively raffle draw offering prizes such as luxury lodge stays, tailored wedding suits, lunch coupons, customised wine bottles and more. The evening continues with a stunning fashion show featuring gowns and honeymoon wear, followed by performances from Sophie Nantongo and Spice Diana.

On Saturday, doors open at 8:00am, with the highlight sessions beginning at 2:00pm. Attendees will enjoy insightful discussions including:

“The Real Man” by Father Deogratius Kiibi, the outspoken Catholic church leader who once said a relationship or marriage without money is very risky. He will be exploring the roles of priest, provider and protector in marriage.

Managing Fertility with Dr Joseph Muhumuza from Roswell Women and Children Hospital.

Buying Your First Home Together led by legal expert Counsel Deo Kalikumutima.

The evening will feature another round of raffle draws, a bold talk titled Let’s Talk About Sex by Kevin Muwomya, and a dazzling kids and bridal fashion show, wrapping up with a live performance from Vinka. Sunday’s programme will bring even more excitement headlined by celebrity couple Bebe Cool and Zuena, who will lead the session of Sticking Together Through Thick and Thin at 2:00pm.

Love Languages & Communication with counselling psychologist Dr Mariam Nagujja is another expected highlight. She is the author of the book titled The Lady’s Guide, in which she explains to fellow women the workings of men in a relationship and how men can use it to manipulate women.

Locking HIV Out of the Bedroom by Dr Ruth Senyonyi, Uganda AIDS Commission. Intimacy and Connection by seasoned Ssenga Hamida Namatovu, who will guide couples on how to maintain emotional and physical closeness in marriage.

Raffles continue with even more luxurious prizes including a wedding cake, tailored wedding suits, and a refrigerator. The final night will close with a performance from legendary artiste Dr Jose Chameleone at 9:00pm.

“Visitors should expect an exciting mix of top-tier wedding service providers, exclusive offers, inspiring wed-talks and real conversations about life after the big day. Whether you are planning your dream wedding or just starting the journey, this is the place to be,” Tamale says.

Additionally, with wine tasting, music shows and the expo experience in the hall, it is a great opportunity for dating. Taking him or her to the expo may just be the best pick-up line this weekend.