General News
13 October, 2025
Bridal Parade a great success
The buzz of excitement which filled the Church and Hall of the Rainbow Southern Mallee Cooperative Church on Sunday, October 5, afternoon was palpable, as models and dressers prepared and the audience awaited the Bridal Parade of a century of Wedding Dresses through the decades were paraded and displayed.
All of the dresses had local associations in one way or another.
The models ranged from Rainbow Secondary students to women, some of whom wore their own Wedding Dresses in the parade.
The range of designs and fabrics was stunning.
From dresses made by the Brides themselves to more modern ones from Bridal Shops, they reflected changes in fashion and history.
The earlier dresses were all fastened with press studs or hooks and eyes as zippers were not used in the very early 1900’s.
Initiator and Organiser, Pam Clugston researched and introduced changes across the decades, reflecting wages, foods eaten, music and other cultural aspects of life from the 1940’s to today.
Walking down the aisle as brides have before, dresses were paraded in the church with Daryn Clugston delighting the audience as he played music across time to accompany the models.
Highlights included some of the original brides photographed with the models wearing their dresses, and the Bretag and Harmer families had three generations of dresses worn.
Another special family moment was Joy McLean and Zoe Krahe nee McLean, both wearing their own wedding gowns.
A sumptuous High Tea provided by the Church Family completed the afternoon where many acquaintances were renewed and new ones amongst the eighty people who attended from across the region.
While this was a great time for all who came, the blessings will spread further as all of the $760 ticket sales will go to a Charity of choice, supporting women and children, yet to be chosen.
