While all the talk may be of the royal wedding, thousands of soon-to-be brides and grooms are busily planning their own special day.

More than 3,000 people, many of whom were happy couples planning their event, attended the Wedding Show held at Norfolk Showground over the weekend.

A highlight of the two-day event, organised by the Evening News' sister paper, the Eastern Daily Press, was the fashion shows with models strutting their stuff on the catwalk, wearing gowns and suits from the collections at Pure Brides Boutique, La Belle Angele, Jarrold and Slaters and dripping with jewellery from Winsor Bishop.

And with more than 140 exhibitors all under one roof, the show proved the perfect place for brides-to-be to hone their ideas on how to make their big day unique and memorable.

Nicola Langley, 31, from Briston, near Melton Constable, who is planning to get married in July this year, said: 'The show is lovely. It's the best we've been to and we've already found three exhibitors we're going to make further inquiries with.'

As for Prince William and Kate Middleton's forthcoming nuptials, she said it makes her wedding year 'even more special'.

Faye Meredith, 26, of Wymondham, is planning to get married in October 2012. She said: 'The show has been useful to get ideas and everyone's been really friendly. I'm pleased I've come a year before our wedding.'

Among the exhibitors were Go Race Events with a full-scale replica of a Formula One car which could be used for stag nights; Attleborough-based The Flower Box displaying ideas for a very British wedding; Morton's Event Hire, with an unusual hexagon-shaped marquee; and Wymondham-based Caroline's Magical Ice Cream Machine, offering a unique twist on pudding.

Anna Hare, from Pure Brides Boutique, said: 'It has been a fantastic weekend. It's been so busy and we've seen lots of brides-to-be.

'The fashion shows were fabulous: it was great for us to be up on the catwalk.'

Diana Sims, who organised the show, said: 'It's been amazing. All the exhibitors are exceptionally happy. The fashion shows have gone down a storm. We've already had at least 20 exhibitors say they want to re-book for next year.'

The next Wedding Show will be held at Dunston Hall from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, April 10. If you are interested in having an exhibit at a Wedding Show, contact Diana Sims on 01603 772140.

To view a photo gallery of the show, log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk

Are you planning a quirky or unusual wedding? Contact reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk