Twelve newlyweds donned their wedding gowns and sashayed on to the Lighthouse Theatre stage for a bit of friendly competition.

Hollie Coffey was crowned the winner for her December wedding to partner Brendan.

The couple tied the knot on the lawn at The Pavilion before their reception at the old grandstand at the Warrnambool racecourse.

“For us, the biggest thing when we were planning our wedding was to have all our family and friends there and to able to enjoy their company,” Mrs Coffey said of the day.

“It’s hard to say our wedding was the best because everyone’s wedding is special to them.”

Mrs Coffey had some timely advice for future brides.

“Enjoy the day and enjoy the lead-up because it will be the best day of your life,” she said.

Fittingly, the Coffeys have now gone into the wedding business themselves, they purchased a photo booth and had large lettered lights that spell ‘love’ made for their day and now hire them out for other nuptials in the region.

The Wedding of the Year runner-up was Tamara O’Keefe, who also claimed the popular choice award.

Sophie Corbett claimed Gown of the Year for her Jack Sullivan Bridal creation.

The Wedding of the Year was just one of the highlights that drew a large crowd to the Lighthouse Theatre for the Warrnambool Bridal Expo.

Bridal Party Warrnambool member Tracey Togni, from Phinc, said the day was a great success.

“It was our 10th year this year and every year it gets bigger. We exceeded our numbers, more people came through and our exhibitors were full,” she said.

“Even though people were coming for weddings they were finding things for other special occasions as well. Everyone had very positive things to say.”

A fashion parade at the event highlighted what was on offer at local stores. “The theme through the fashion parade was what Warrnambool offers,” Ms Togni said.