Three-day ‘Wedding Show’ at BMICH to help boost SL’s beleaguered hospitality industry

by Suresh Perera

With the government relaxing Covid-19 health safety regulations, a major three-day public event to promote the hosting of weddings in Sri Lanka’s troubled hospitality sector, opened at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on Friday.

Described as the “most prestigious wedding exhibition”, the ‘Wedding Show’ offers a total solution under one roof to those looking forward to tying the knot.

“We expect a big turnout as the event is essentially a ‘one-stop-shop’ for anything under the sun when it comes to making the most beautiful day in one’s life a memorable happening”, the organizers said.

With 200 stalls, there will be an abundance of options when it comes to planning one’s wedding as every conceivable need has been taken into account to make the occasion a grand celebration, they assured.

Wedding cards, hotels, bridal dressing, hair styles, make up, sarees, costumes, shoes, photography, bouquets and vehicles are amongst the wide range of products and services available at the exhibition, they said.

“We have also listed more than 60 hotels, including five-star properties, which can be reserved as venues for weddings, during the event”, the organizers noted.

Asked whether it is possible to book the BMICH for a wedding at the exhibition, the institution’s Director-General, Sunil Dissanayake, replied “that is not possible as we accept only direct reservations under a package, with food and beverages provided by Mount Lavinia Catering Service, our nominated supplier”.

“We are not in any way involved with the ‘Wedding Show’ as we have merely rented out the space for the event”, he said.

“Those eager to host the big day at the BMICH should make a direct booking”, the DG clarified.

On whether there is a demand for weddings with the relaxation of Covid-19 preventive guidelines, he said there are a few happening, but most people have opted to put off the celebrations for the May/June/July wedding season next year due to the pandemic.

“As they missed this year’s wedding season, they have targeted 2021 for the big do”, he outlined.

At present, the number of guests at a wedding should be restricted to a maximum 300 in adherence with health safety measures, Dissanayake explained.

The ‘Wedding Show’, which opened at 10.00 am on Friday ends at 8.00 pm today (23).