PLANNING a wedding can be a busy and stressful time, but the beauty of visiting a large wedding exhibition is that visitors can access a vast array of specialist companies and services all under one roof.

I Will, a division of Newsquest, has been organising wedding shows for more than 25 years, providing inspiration for anyone involved in planning the big day.

The I Will wedding shows allow couples and their families and friends to spend a relaxed and enjoyable day collecting ideas and contacts – and with each show featuring a different line-up of exhibitors, it’s well worth visiting them all.

The spring 2012 calendar includes several new events including Menzies Stourport Manor Hotel in Stourport-on-Severn and also Brockencote Hall in Chaddesley Corbett, both of which are superb venues.

The season begins on Sunday, January 29, with a show at Stourport Manor.

Set in 23 acres of grounds overlooking Stourport-on-Severn, the stylish venue will play host to some 50 exhibitors and visitors will also have the chance to view two fashion shows featuring wedding wear from local boutiques.

The I Will team is also excited to be hosting a wedding show at prestigious Brockencote Hall on Sunday, February 26. With its idyllic setting and French-inspired architecture, this Victorian mansion is well established as one of the best hotels and restaurants in the county.

The show takes place in a spacious marquee provided by event sponsors Classic Marquees of Malvern, housing about 40 exhibitors. The calendar also includes return visits to Hilton Birmingham Bromsgrove and Wharton Park Golf Club.

Set in its own attractively landscaped grounds, the Hilton Birmingham Bromsgrove boasts luxurious surroundings and a convenient location, while Wharton Park is situated on the edge of the picturesque town of Bewdley, amid 150 acres of dramatic Wyre Forest scenery.

Both events will feature two catwalk shows as well as a host of exhibitors.

These are just some of the shows in I Will’s Spring 2012 season, with the largest event at Worcester Rugby Club on Sunday, March 25.

Admission to all the exhibitions is free and there is plenty of parking at each venue.

Don’t forget to enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize – £1,000 towards the cost of a gown from our sponsors, Bridal Boutique of Worcester.

Simply fill in an entry form at one of our shows and drop it in the box provided. All forms will be entered into the prize draw to take place after the final exhibition.

Last year’s winner was Ruth Alldritt, who entered the competition when she attended the I Will wedding show at Worcester Rugby Club in October.

Ruth, who is set to marry Adam Llewellyn on May 28, 2013, had not yet chosen her dress and was delighted to win.

“My fiancé plays for Worcester Wanderers, so I was able to drag him along to the wedding show at the stadium,” said Ruth.

“When I won the prize, he agreed that it had been worth going!”

Ruth was invited to spend an afternoon browsing and trying on the array of gorgeous gowns at the Bridal Boutique, assisted by owners Suzanne Lewis and Glenda Aston.

“I’m actually pregnant at the moment – the baby is due in April – so I wasn’t able to try on many dresses on this visit, but I spotted three or four styles that I’m definitely interested in,” said Ruth.

“Suzanne suggested that I come back for another look after the baby’s born. We’re getting married in Cyprus so she showed me a few lightweight styles which would be suitable for the hot weather.”

Glenda said: “We were delighted to meet Ruth and her family – a deserving winner of a fantastic prize. She looked at a variety of designers and will be making a decision after her other big event.”

To attend one of the shows as an exhibitor, call Linda Bynion on 01384 358106 or e-mail linda.bynion@midlands.newsquest.co.uk.

DATES AND VENUES

Sunday, January 29: Stourport Manor Hotel, Stourport-on-Severn.

Sunday, February 5: The Abbey Hotel, Malvern.

Sunday, February 5: The Lygon Arms, Broadway.

Sunday, February 19: Hilton Birmingham, Bromsgrove.

Sunday, February 26: Brockencote Hall Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett.

Sunday, February 26: The Copthorne Hotel, Dudley.

Sunday, March 4: Wharton Park Golf Club, Bewdley.

Sunday, March 11: The Fownes Hotel, Worcester.

Sunday, March 25: Worcester Rugby Club, Sixways.

Sunday, April 29: Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden.