DOHA: A wide range of wedding gowns is the centre of attraction at the sixth International Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show (IWED) inaugurated yesterday at the Doha Exhibition Centre.
Known as one of the region’s most prominent wedding exhibitions, IWED was opened by Walid Atallah, a Lebanese designer, together with Mohamad Ahmad Al Obaidaly, a member of the board of Qatar Chamber.
Designers are showcasing their best wedding gowns and more than 100 wedding arrangement experts are promoting their products and services at the four-day event.
Gowns from well-known brands like Marchssa, Lazaro and Enzoani, and designers from the region are being showcased at the exhibition. A bridal gown at IWED would cost between QR15,000 and QR40,000, depending on the fabric, design and the designer, according to exhibitors.
However, the exhibition goes beyond wedding gowns. Visitors to IWED can see a wide range of products and services that can be used to organise a memorable wedding. On show are traditional abayas, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, hotel facilities, floral arrangements, jewellery, cakes and much else one could need for the big day.
“We have over 100 exhibitors from 15 countries showcasing their products and services this year, and we are expecting over 15,000 visitors,” said Hadi A Ali, chief executive officer of Qatar Expo, the organisers of IWED.
Speaking of future plans, Ali said, “Next year, the expo will include a section for grooms, which is lacking in IWED.”
There are fashion shows on all four days of the exhibition, with locally and internationally renowned designers showing off their contemporary creations.
Husam Taha from Star Academy will grace the expo as a special guest, bringing a new flavour to IWED by serenading the crowd with songs and music composed exclusively for the show.
IWED will be open to the public until Sunday from 3 pm to 10 pm. Tomorrow will be a ladies only day. Children under 14 years are not allowed into the expo.
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