📷 Vision Group launches 17th Bride & Groom Expo

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Vision Group has launched the 17th edition of the Bride & Groom Expo, with organisers, exhibitors and sponsors expressing optimism that the annual showcase will continue creating business opportunities, driving innovation and contributing to the growth of Uganda's multi-billion-shilling wedding industry.

The media launch was held on Thursday (June 4) at CHiNT Centre in Kampala, bringing together key stakeholders from the wedding, hospitality, lifestyle and home improvement sectors ahead of the three-day exhibition, which has become one of the country's most recognisable consumer events.

Head of Sales at Vision Group Vision Group Hope Nuwagaba making her remarks

Since its inception in 2009, the Bride & Groom Expo has evolved from a wedding exhibition into a comprehensive lifestyle platform, connecting businesses with prospective clients while helping couples and families access products and services for weddings, homes and family life.

This year's three-day event will take place from June 26 to 28 at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala. The expo will run under the theme, "Beyond ‘I do’ – a journey of love, home and family".

Speaking at the launch, Vision Group editor-in-chief Barbara Kaija applauded sponsors, exhibitors and partners for supporting the event over the past 17 years, saying their commitment has enabled the expo to become a trusted marketplace for businesses and consumers alike.

She noted that the expo has consistently provided exhibitors with an opportunity to expand their reach and engage directly with potential customers.

"This Expo provides exhibitors with a platform to reach a wider market. It gives them visibility and enables them to interact directly with prospective clients," she said.

Kaija observed that the wedding industry remains one of the most vibrant sectors of Uganda's economy, largely because of the significance attached to marriage ceremonies across different cultures.

She added that the industry extends beyond bridal wear and wedding ceremonies to include hospitality, transport, photography, catering, beauty, décor, home furnishings and financial services.

Vision Group head of marketing Lorraine Tukahirwa addressing the guests.

Vision Group editor-in-chief Barbara Kaija applauded sponsors, exhibitors and partners for supporting the event over the past 17 years.

"When people think about weddings, they often think only about the ceremony. But the industry is much bigger than that. It supports caterers, photographers, fashion designers, florists, furniture dealers, transport providers, event planners, beauticians and many others. It is an ecosystem that creates jobs and supports livelihoods."

Kaija challenged the business community to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growing industry.

"I want to call upon the business community to harness these opportunities. The wedding industry is not merely about celebrations. It is a significant contributor to economic activity. It creates employment, supports entrepreneurship and stimulates growth in several sectors," she said.

Drawing on insights gathered through previous editions of the expo, Kaija said this year's exhibition would showcase modern trends that continue to redefine weddings and family life.

"This year's expo presents a number of modern trends. We are seeing changes in wedding fashion, decorations, home design, event planning, digital solutions and lifestyle services. Today's couples are more informed and are looking for unique experiences. They want convenience, creativity and value for money."

She noted that recent editions of the expo have increasingly incorporated home and lifestyle solutions as couples look beyond the wedding day itself.

"We have seen growing interest in home ownership, interior design, smart living solutions, financial planning and family wellness. Couples are not only planning weddings; they are planning their future lives together. That is why this expo continues to evolve to meet those needs."

According to Kaija, Vision Group's experience over nearly two decades of organising the event has enabled the company to continuously improve its offering.

"Through this experience, Vision Group has learnt a great deal. We have listened to exhibitors, partners and visitors. We have studied market trends and adapted accordingly. Because of that experience, we are confident that we shall present the best expo this year."

She said the exhibition would offer exhibitors greater visibility while providing visitors with access to some of the most innovative products and services available on the market.

The launch was hosted at CHiNT Centre, home to Oppein Home Uganda, one of the event's key partners.

Market manager crown beverages Uganda Johnson Ssebuggwawo

Joan Uwera from NIRA making her remarks.

Speaking during the event, Hetal Bhavsar, the general manager of Oppein Home Uganda, commended Vision Group for sustaining a platform that has delivered value to businesses over the years.

"We commend Vision Group for providing this space where businesses can connect with customers and showcase their products and services. The Bride & Groom Expo has become an important platform that enables companies to engage directly with their target market and demonstrate what they have to offer," Bhavsar said.

He said Oppein Home Uganda was pleased to be associated with an event that promotes innovation and quality service delivery.

"At Oppein Home Uganda, we provide modern furniture, innovative designs and smart solutions for homes and commercial spaces. As couples begin their journey together, creating comfortable, functional and beautiful living spaces becomes an important part of that journey. That is where we come in."

Vision Group head of sales Hope Nuwagaba described this year's edition as one of the most exciting and vibrant exhibitions yet.

"The three-day event shall be colourful, vibrant and full of opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors. We are bringing together some of the best brands, service providers and innovators in the wedding and lifestyle industry under one roof," Nuwagaba said.

She urged businesses that had not yet secured exhibition space to do so before the available slots are exhausted.

"I encourage exhibitors to book space and take advantage of the visibility that comes with participating in the Bride & Groom Expo. This is a platform that delivers results. It gives businesses an opportunity to showcase their products, generate leads and interact directly with customers."

She said visitors should expect exhibitions, demonstrations, networking opportunities and exclusive offers from participating brands throughout the three-day event.

This year's Bride & Groom Expo is supported by Vision Group, Oppein Home Uganda, Bella Wine, Roke, Pepsi and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), among other partners.

Hetal Bhavsar, the general manager of Oppein Home Uganda

Bhagwani Nitin and Doreen Bhagwani from the Looks Bespoke