The awe-inspiring beauty of the Taj Mahal, wonderfully scented spices, sumptuous textures and a kaleidoscope of incredible colours in jewel tones...these are some of the images conjured when we think of India. If all that intoxicating exoticism feels very far away this cloudy summer, then fear not: the finest Indian wedding retailers are all coming together at London’s Olympia in the UK’s first ever Indian Wedding, Destination & Lifestyle Show, from the 15th to the 17th of July.

Typical Indian weddings are big business – and not just for those within the Indian community. if you’ve been inspired by India ever since you heard of Katy Perry and Russell Brand’s choice to wed in majestic Rajasthan, now is your chance to get planning – all of the most highly esteemed in traditional luxury lifestyle products will be in the house and organizers have promised the show will be full of inspiration for all guests, from those planning a full-scale Indian celebration to those who just “want a taste of the Indian wedding phenomenon.”

Luckily, the man-eating tiger that crashed the Perry-Brand ‘do is unlikely to make an appearance at Olympia (safety first!) But you can certainly expect a bevvy of the best and fiercest fashion designers ready and waiting for you to pore over. Expect live runway shows and exhibits from Neeta Lulla, Amrapali, The Jaipur Collection, Masaba Gupta and India’s most celebrated designer, Ravish Kapoor. India’s celebrity Henna artist Geetanjali will also be in attendance, and there’ll be a comprehensive and colourful showcasing of India’s most stylish wedding and honeymoon destinations.

We’re told that Indian wedding celebrations are “grand affairs with an endless entourage of events and traditions” - sounds like our kind of party! So get ready for a grand and endless visual cornucopia that will send you into a fairy-tale romance frenzy – Indian style. We can’t wait! See you there...

The Indian Wedding, Destination and Lifestyle Show arrives at Olympia 2, Kensington Square Gardens, London on 15th – 17th July 2011. Visit the website, ardhanginni.com, to find out more about exhibitors and to register.

By Alexandra Davey