“People enjoy the more relaxed feel of a country wedding,” said Beekeeper’s Inn’s Vicki Lockwood, whose venue is becoming a popular location for weddings.

“Sometimes men hate being stuck at a table when they’re at a wedding, but this way [there’s more space] they can get up and go for a walk around.”

Katie Fitzparick from My Fab Flowers said people still want lovely blooms for their bridal party and table decorations, but brides were looking for more affordable options.

“Artificial flowers are gaining in popularity. They’re more affordable than fresh flowers and you don’t have to spend $1000 on something you throw out at the end of the night,” she said.

For brides looking to spice up activities in the lead-up to their wedding, Diva hens and party nights proved a popular exhibitor at this year’s expo, with future brides lining up to enquire about pole dancing classes or burlesque chair dancing lessons.

Diva’s Harriet Hovey said the company offered something that was interesting and affordable.

“People love doing something a little bit different and are happy they don’t have to go to Sydney to do this sort of stuff,” she said.

Wedding celebrant Ebonee Egan said there were 21 wedding celebrants in Orange so the expo was an important way to raise her profile.

Haylie Mammoliti from Designer Events, who helped host the expo, said about 1000 people attended the event at the PCYC yesterday, with many taking the opportunity to look at the Harvey World Travel travel expo, which was held at the same location.

“This year we got a diverse mix of around 70 exhibitors from photographers, caters and make-up people to stationary suppliers. People said they enjoyed all the space here [at the PCYC] and the light was perfect,” she said.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com