Men: the 17th Bride & Groom expo has got you covered

  ________________

When Martin Walugembe was looking for a classy suit for his wedding in 2024, the Bride and Groom Expo was an answered prayer.

Right there at The Looks Bespoke stall is where he found his choice for a suit. He also found shoes, car service providers and decorators at the expo and paid a deposit.

This was such a big deal; it saved him the stressful quest of looking fir wedding services’ providers.

“The expo gave me exposure about industry trends from the different exhibitors at the expo and supported my quick decision making on service providers,” Walugembe says.

Just like Walugembe, many grooms have found the expo an easy access to various service providers in the wedding industry.

For Douglas Senfuka Mukisa, it was the big discounts on furniture and rings that captivated him.

“I needed new furniture and I found it unbelievable that the prices at the stalls were less than going to the shops in town,” he said.

Sammie Ntume, literally planned his sixth wedding anniversary in a day at the expo! He testifies that he got the service providers for cake, décor, cars suits and photography at the expo in 2017.

Seventeen years running, Vision Group’s Bride and Groom Expo is in the offing. Slated for June 26-28 at Uganda Manufacturers’ Association showgrounds, Lugogo, Kampala, the expo will be teaming with an array of wedding paraphernalia and much more.

This is because, under the theme: I do: A journey of Love, Home and Family, this year’s expo expands its focus beyond the aisle to explore the practical realities couples face before marriage, during the wedding and long after the celebrations end.

From financial planning and home ownership to relationship wellness, the expo aims to equip both brides and grooms with tools for building stable families.

Wholesome planning

On a lighter note, the entertainment menu has dishes that men can savour. The runway show, which the expo is known for, will be no different this year.

Small, medium and plus size models will strut down the runway showcasing not only the latest wedding gown trends, but lingerie as well. Lingerie generally makes minds go down honeymoon lane.

The expo will thus give men an inkling of what to look forward to during the honeymoon. Additionally, men can get contacts of the bridal houses with lingerie and buy for their love interests at the expo.

Vision Group’s events manager Fiona Tamale, explained how the expo offers more than wedding matters.

“Attendees can expect a more immersive and practical experience. We have curated exhibitors and sessions that speak to real-life needs, from financial planning and home ownership to parenting and relationship wellness, ensuring couples leave empowered for the journey ahead,” she said.

At just sh10,000, the expo offers more than inspiration for a wedding day. It presents men and women with an opportunity to plan for home ownership, financial security and stable families.

Whether attending as a groom to-be, a partner or a planner for the future, the expo promises insights that extend far beyond saying “I do”.

Nurturing your leadership

As Fr Deogratius Kiibi said in his session about men’s responsibility at the last expo, men are providers and protectors in a home.

It is, therefore, prudent for a man to know how to navigate his way around the mechanics of covering his family.

With housing and finance forming a key part of the programme, the expo particularly speaks to men who are preparing for the responsibilities that come with marriage and family life.

The expo will also have experts that will share advice on navigating marriage, deciphering finance management in relationships and explaining how to get a home and other assets together.

Kojja Kevin Muwomya’s session should be a must-attend for men to receive advice on intimacy from a resourceful man, who also understands what women want. Men can also shop for from the stalls selling furniture and unique home appliances.