Forget 27 Dresses, how about 400? The bridal expo helping you find the dress of your dreams
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Future brides, wedding planners and bargain hunters are in for the shopping experience of a lifetime as the Australian Red Cross and Hotel Kurrajong Canberra host a massive two-day bridal expo.
Taking place at Barton’s iconic heritage hotel on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, the Australian Red Cross Bridal Expo will see endless rows of tulle and lace take over the venue with hundreds of bridal garments available to purchase at a fraction of the cost.
The offerings include new high-quality designer wedding dresses and bridal attire valued up to $10,000 – it’s a unique chance for future brides to find their dream dress with up to a 90 per cent discount on certain items.
Hopefully it will look more like a scene from 27 Dresses than Bride Wars with some beautiful items up for grabs!
Photography: Wilson Au Yeung.
There’s also another reason to complete your dress shopping at the Bridal Expo: all items purchased will also contribute to Australian Red Cross humanitarian programs.
Australian Red Cross Head of Retail Richard Wood says that the funds raised from the event will help to support vital Australian Red Cross programs that assist vulnerable people in communities across Australia and around the world
“Every time you give to Australian Red Cross, it helps to fund critical projects to improve the lives of people experiencing vulnerability in Australia, and overseas,” he says.
“Together we can make a real difference to help those impacted by hardship, disaster, conflict and other social issues.”
Photography: Wilson Au Yeung.
The Bridal Expo also reflects growing interest in affordable and sustainable wedding options. With the cost-of-living crisis impacting many people, the expo not only offers a more budget-friendly alternative for brides looking for their special dress but also gives quality bridal fashion a second life – contributing to the circular economy and keeping valuable textiles out of landfill.
Hotel General Manager Diana Quinones-Silva says Hotel Kurrajong Canberra is delighted to partner with Australian Red Cross to host the 2026 Bridal Expo.
“Weddings are about creating lasting memories, and this event shows how those celebrations can also support charitable fundraising and promote circular fashion.”
With plenty to choose from, we promise there will be nothing there that will make you look like a shiny mermaid.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Australian Red Cross Bridal Expo
When: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 9 am – 6 pm
Where: Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, 8 National Circuit, Barton
Web: redcross.org.au/bridalexpo
Feature image: Diana Quinones-Silva, Hotel Kurrajong General Manager (left) and Jessi Claudianos, Director of Australian Capital Territory at Australian Red Cross (right).
