Flock to fair to plan a vintage wedding with flair

The event will also give couples a chance to gather some inspiration for planning a vintage-themed wedding, incorporating plenty of those special ingredients - something old and something blue.

The popularity of rustic-styled vintage motifs in the ACT has increased dramatically in the past 18 months and Canberra wedding expert Ally Knights, of Events by Ally, said it was not hard to see why. ''Canberra brides want to be a lot more hands-on these days and to be able to make their weddings really personal and individual,'' she said.

''There is a trend toward having more of a DIY-style wedding, where brides get to use a lot of their own creativity.

''The rustic vintage theme includes the country garden look with tarnished silver pieces.

''The popular colours at the moment tend to be coral with pinks and watermelon and tangerine - those sunset colours. Mint green is also big at the moment.

''Often people will pick their colours and then plan the whole wedding around that from the invitations and table settings to flowers and dresses.''

The wedding fair, sponsored by The Canberra Times, will be held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Bruce between 10am and 4pm and will feature parades at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Event organiser Andy Obst said there would be about 70 stalls with information about floral displays, beautiful hair and make-up, photography, jewellery, honeymoon ideas and bridal couture. A honeymoon at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, sponsored by 104.7 Canberra, will be given away at 3pm.

Admission is $15, or $10 for concession card-holders, and children under 10 are for free.

For further information go to canberraweddingfair.com.au.