[ACNS Source: Church of England Communications Unit] Future brides and grooms will have the chance to discuss their wedding with a bishop at the National Wedding Show at the NEC Birmingham starting on Friday, September 12. The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, will open the Church of England's first ever stand at the Show.

"The Church has a proud record of, every year, arranging something special for thousands of couples on their wedding day. Couples are increasingly using shows like this to help plan their weddings," the Bishop will say, "so we are grateful to have this opportunity to be part of that planning: to add the missing piece in the wedding show jigsaw."

Joining commercial exhibitors from across the country, ranging from jewellery and dress designers to venue locations, florists, photographers, favour providers and honeymoon destinations, Church of England representatives will be on hand to highlight the benefits of getting married in Church.

"The Church of England has 16,000 marriage venues across the country, often of outstanding beauty, but it also offers a framework of meaning which will grow as a couple's love and family grow," says Bishop Tim. "Ancient tradition and modern experience are held together in the skilful hands of clergy who seek to have a personal relationship with the couple, offering preparation for the married life that follows the wedding, as well as being available for support and counselling in the years that follow."

Couples from local parishes who have chosen to marry in Church for a variety of reasons will be on the stand, which will also include a database highlighting the 16,000 parish churches in the UK; flowers as arranged by local churches; Ecclesiastical wedding insurance; and other useful information.

For further information on the National Wedding Show contact Sarah Fletcher/Lucy Clifton/Melanie Tivey at big:pr, sarah.fletcher@biggroup.co.uk or telephone: 020 7313 2226.