ABOYNE – Inspired by Wellington County Museum and Archives (WCMA) new exhibit ‘Here Comes The Bride,’ WCMA is holding a Wedding Festival Sept. 11 from 11am to 3pm.
“The museum’s current exhibit … highlights wedding stories and clothing from our collection, but there are so many more stories to tell,” stated WCMA curator Hailey Johnston in a press release.
The event will be held outdoors on museum property, and is open to all. It will feature music, have food available for purchase, and crafts for kids. Guests are encouraged to dress up in wedding attire. Whether that be their own, a family member’s, or from a second hand store.
“Tacky bridesmaid dresses, ruffled tuxedos, and adorable ring bearer outfits are also welcome at this all ages event,” stated the press release.
The event centres on stories, encouraging people to submit their own wedding tales ahead of time.
At the festival there will be presentations, where people will come up and read their submissions, or staff will upon request.
“We want to celebrate all of the unique wedding stories from Wellington County and also from around the world.
“So people who might have different cultural traditions surrounding weddings are definitely encouraged to come to the events, and to share their stories with us, because there’s just so many unique stories,” added WCMA programme assistant Emily Peters.
The Sept. 11 event was originally intended to be a fashion show, modeling wedding attire, but it was decided to shift the focus from clothes to wedding stories.
The change was made to be more inclusive, officials say, considering not everyone attending the event would be able to find wedding attire to wear.
To share your story or learn more, visit www.wellington.ca/weddings.