From the glamour of the catwalk to the comic antics of Basil Fawlty and Manuel, the EDP Wedding Show offered couples soon to walk up the aisle a huge array of inspiring ideas for planning their special day.

About 3,500 people went to the two-day event, which was the 15th EDP Wedding Show and the third at the Norfolk Showground.

Steve Maddams, from the wedding show team, said: 'It was a great success and our biggest ever show. On both days we had more than 800 people come through the door just in the first hour.

'Brides came to the show from all over the region and we had great positive comments from both the visitors and the exhibitors saying it was a fantastic event.'

One of the highlights was The Team At Catwalkers' fashion show which showcased all the latest looks in bridal fashion along with the more classic designs, and also gave ideas for the groom, bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.

On both days the show was performed to rapturous applause, as the packed audiences were treated to dazzling and dramatic dance sequences along with a sprinkling of ingenious comedy before being wowed by a spectacular finale.

In the main hall the show featured all things bridal, with more than 140 exhibitors. Couples enjoyed choosing their wedding bands and sampling the delicious cakes, while mums of the brides and grooms perused the colourful hats, and brides-to-be had fun experimenting with make-up and jewellery.

Charlotte Wilkes, owner of Norwich-based Charisma Beauty, Hair and Nails, was offering brides the chance to try out different hair options. She said they were 'busy, busy, busy'.

Rachel Bell, 24 and from Hingham, was among the many brides-to-be to have their hair done by Charisma.

'It was just really lovely to have somewhere local with everything to do with weddings in one place,' said Miss Bell, who is getting married in August.

Her mum Birute Bell, from Wood Norton, near Dereham, said: 'It was just brilliant. We had been looking forward to attending the show ever since we missed the one last year.'

Carriages, classic cars and even a double-decker bus were among the vehicles on display.

Shayne Stock, from Norfolk Classic Wedding Cars who had brought his Beauford open top tourer, said: 'It was a brilliant show, very busy from the start. We even had a booking in the first few minutes.'

There were also lots of unusual and quirky ideas too. Character actors Edmond Wells and Eddie Portsmouth offer wedding entertainment Fawlty Towers-style, and their comedy antics proved a hit at the show.

Cake makers displayed ingenious designs – with everything from tempting cupcake towers to a Norwich City-inspired tiered cake.

A pink chocolate fountain on the A&M Events stand was among the attractions.

Matthew Dawkins, from Saxmundham-based A&M Events, said: 'We like to offer things that are a little bit different, and the pink fountain has been getting a lot of attention.'

Journalist Donna-Louise Bishop, 26, and Ben Clarke, a 23-year-old factory worker, were among the couples to enjoy the show.

The couple, who live in Horsford, are getting married in May at Baconsthorpe Church, near Holt, and having their wedding reception ay Northrepps Cottage Country Hotel.

Miss Bishop said the show had given them ideas for things they had not even considered before.

'One stall was offering a fireworks display which we had never thought about having,' she said.

'We are now considering having a white chocolate fountain; a photo booth and a juke box-come-dj music entertainment system.'

Mr Clarke added: 'We come away with lots of vouchers, free samples and nibbles and plenty of ideas. Donna even had beauticians offering to do a wedding hair trial for her, which I thought was fantastic.'

Leanna Bradley, 23 and from Attleborough, went to the show with her husband-to-be Martin Andrews, 25, and her mum Denise Bradley.

Miss Bradley and Mr Andrews are getting married in September at St Mary's Church in Attleborough and having their wedding reception in Gissing Hall, near Diss,

Miss Bradley said: 'The show was really, really helpful.

'We booked the car at the show, and we have some ideas for the cake and the chair sashes too now.

'Everyone wanted to help you and they talked to you for ages.'

Nursery school worker Kaz White and mechanic Timothy Barnes, both 19 and from Dereham, are getting married at Mattishall Church followed by a reception at Dunston Hall.

Kaz said: 'I have got so many ideas from the show. We saw cars we loved, and I loved the fashion show. I think we are going to have a chocolate fountain at our wedding too now.'

• emma.knights@archant.co.uk