Expo open to gay spenders

A Carterton businesswoman and wedding expo organiser has said she is hoping that "lots of gays and lesbians" will attend their bridal expo next Saturday at Carterton Events Centre after the historic legislation passed last Wednesday, April 17 gave a new meaning to marriage in New Zealand.

Wednesday was a historic day for Kiwis as the Government passed legislation legalising gay marriage and Rebecca Waldron, owner of Pick A Lily florist in Carterton said she is now confident that there will be an added dimension to the event on Saturday, April 27.

"We want them all to come, I was thinking last week we might get a few [same-sex couples] to come," she said. "Gay and lesbian people have the right to a nice wedding. My motto is everybody deserves to be loved and if some people choose the same sex [as a partner] so be it."

Mrs Waldron owns Pick A Lily florist with her sister Megan Chasland, which is managed by Jayne Dickson and she said interest has been very high since they came up with the idea for the inaugural wedding expo which is sponsored by the Wairarapa Times-Age.

"We've got a full-house [of exhibitors]. We're doing good," she said. "Everyone's got their information packs and everyone is looking forward to setting up their stalls on Friday and Saturday."

Mrs Waldron said there had been an encouraging response from local businesses who had embraced the concept of the expo and she said businesses from outside the region had also been keen to promote their products.

She said most of the businesses would be local, but in order to cater for certain aspects of the traditional wedding day they would be facilitating a number of businesses from Palmerston North. "We've had to go outside the Wairarapa for shoes and cars. The only things we haven't lined up yet are cake decorations and marquee hire."

The event organiser said the day would have an interactive dimension and there would be competitions and lots of fun for attendees making it an ideal day out for locals irrespective of wedding plans.

There will be a fashion show featuring wedding dresses and suits from Brenda's Boutiques and Alex McLeod respectively. There will also be make-up and hair demonstrations by beautician Laura Potter from 11am and food and wine will be served. A man's corner will cater for men's fashion needs.

The event runs from 10am until 4.30pm and entry is free. For more details contact Megan Chasland on 06 378 0103.