A CASUAL "blast from the past" is expected to be a standout theme when Far Northerners tie the knot this year.

When more than 4500 people descend on the 20th North Queensland Wedding and Formal Expo tomorrow, chances are they will stumble across plenty of vintage-inspired items to make their Big Day special.
Events NQ's Sarah Whipp said she has noticed traditional and "shabby-chic" themes filter through from the expo's exhibitors.
"Brides are going down the more traditional, Paris-romance themes, which is great to see," she said.
"A lot of inspiration seems to be coming from the 1920s and '40s, bringing back that classic, feminine style."
Kirsty Lea Photographer owner Kirsty Cawdell, who features in the The Cairns Post's Tropical Weddings publication available free at the expo, said couples were asking for natural snaps. "Everybody says they want the experience to be fun and candid, so we try to make sure it is fun for everybody," she said.
Nature will also make a comeback for the all-important cake, with '60s and '70s-inspired multiple-tiered cakes including fountains, castles and bridges set to be popular, as well as fresh blooms.
"Sugar flowers were very popular in 2012 but fresh flowers on wedding cakes are proving far more popular in 2013," Cake This owner Juanita Barter said.
South Pacific Bridal Cairns managing director Phillip Ford said ceremonies will be traditional, with destination weddings continuing to boom.
"The ceremonies are usually very traditional and mainly conducted by celebrants, not ministers, and go for around 20-25 minutes," he said.
"Increasingly popular is the groom arriving by helicopter and fireworks for the bride and groom," he said.
The North Queensland Wedding Expowill kick off at 11am tomorrow at The Pier and entry is free.

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