Brides to wear gowns for good cause

Brides who want to give their wedding finery another outing have the perfect excuse, and all for a worthy cause.

Preparations have started for the Bride of the Year Show on July 14, with all proceeds to the Nelson Region Hospice Trust.

From next week customers visiting BNZ on Trafalgar St will be able to vote for the people’s choice award in Bride of the Year 2012 by dropping a coin into a piggy bank representing favourite contestant.

Each dollar donated will equal one vote.

Tickets are now on sale for the show and entry is still open to brides who want to relive their big day.

Organiser Heather Harley said the competition was perfect for brides who would love to wear their wedding dresses again.

‘‘They spend so much money and then they only get to wear them for a couple of hours.’’

She helped set up a display in

their BNZ yesterday to promote the event.

The display features a mannequin modelling an unworn wedding dress imported from the United States, which was donated for the event’s silent auction.

Other dressed-up mannequins will be popping up in store fronts around the city before the event.

On the night each bride will get the stage to themselves to show off their gowns.

Mrs Harley said she wants the brides to have wonderful support teams this year.

‘‘There’s as many men in the audience as women. It’s not just a girls’ night out, it’s for the boys as well.’’

The event also includes dinner, audience giveaways and a showcase of local performers.

The Fuzion dance crew, singers and a professional ballroom dancing demonstration will all feature.

‘‘It’s a nice reason in the middle of winter to get your high heels out and your swishy skirts on,’’ said Mrs Harley.

She has been running Bride of the Year for about 10 years.

‘‘I go back to my sponsors each year and they say ‘Heather, I will always give to hospice’. It’s just lovely that people feel that way.’’

Money will be raised through ticket sales, raffles and the silent auction.

‘‘Every year we raise thousands and we hope to do the same this year. There’s a tremendous buzz about it already.’’

The Bride of the Year 2012 will be held in the Hope Community Church Hall on Ranzau Rd West on Saturday, July 14, from 7.45pm.