With This Ring: August 22, 2018

WITH THIS RING
AUGUST 2018 | ISSUE 23 | FREE
THE ULTIMATE
DESTINATION
CHOOSING A VENUE TO
REMEMBER
IN FULL BLOOM
Your guide to the
best bouquets
THE CHERRY
ON THE CAKE
We have your
catering covered
AUGUST 2018 | ISSUE 23 | FREE
THE CHECKLIST
A countdown to
your big day
FLY AWAY WITH ME
OUR LIST OF THE HOTTEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

FREE
FLIGHTS * &
7 NIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
Book your Niuean
wedding and we will
pay for the return
flights * and 7 nights’
accommodation.
Book your wedding reception at Scenic Matavai Resort Niue
between 31st August 2018 & 30th April 2019, and we will pay for:
• 2 return flights to Niue ( * ex Auckland)
• 7 nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe Clifftop room
• Daily tropical continental breakfast for the bride & groom
• All airport transfers on Niue
The offer is valid for all new bookings made up to 30th April
2019, to hold your wedding reception at Scenic Matavai Resort
Niue before 31st December 2020. Only valid for 7 nights for 2
adult guests in a Deluxe Clifftop room. Not transferable for cash.
50% deposit is required on confirmation of wedding reception
booking. A minimum of 60 paying adult guests with a chosen
menu of $65pp. A minimum of 10 guest rooms booked at the
resort with a minimum stay of 4 nights per room. Subject to
availability and seasonality. Excludes all beverages.
Book with Scenic Hotel Group and save
scenichotelgroup.co.nz | 0800 NZ OWNED (69 69 63)

So, you’ve
just been
proposed to
by the love of
your life, in
spectacular
fashion no doubt. You’ve
screamed, you’ve cried
with happiness and
you’ve danced around the
house. Now it’s time to get down to business.
In this issue of With This Ring, you’ll find everything
you need to consider when planning the wedding of
your absolute dreams. From the dress, the legalities,
the need-to-know décor trends, to creating the most
romantic honeymoon getaway.
Here at With This Ring we fully understand that
before you get into the swing of things, planning
a wedding may seem pretty daunting, but if you
can manage to pry your eyes off your shiny new
diamond ring for at least a little while, we think our
helpful sections will make things as easy as can be.
We’ve even added a handy checklist for you to use
so you don’t forget a single thing – especially not the
rings, please.
I hope you love reading this issue of With This Ring
as much as I’ve loved diving into the industry and
writing all about it.
Ella.
64
HONEYMOON
Hot destinations
on our doorstep
With This Ring is published twice a year in conjunction with
the With This Ring Bridal Shows, which occur in March and
August. The magazine is also stocked by bridal stores and
affiliated businesses.
PUBLISHER
Charlotte Smulders
GROUP EDITOR
Kate Preece
EDITOR
Ella James
DESIGN
Gemma Quirk
COVER IMAGE
LightFieldStudios, iStock
ADVERTISING & EXHIBITOR INQUIRIES
Sales Manager Mark Sinclair
03 364 7461, mark.sinclair@starmedia.kiwi
ONLINE
www.withthisring.kiwi
www.facebook.com/WTRNZ
PRINTING
PMP Print
92
TRANSPORT
Make an
entrance with
our top picks
18
SHOES
Put your best foot
forward with the latest
wedding shoe trends
COPYRIGHT RESERVED.
With This Ring is a registered trademark of Allied Press Ltd. With This Ring is published
and owned by Star Media, a division of Allied Press Ltd. (1/359 Lincoln Road, PO Box
1467, Christchurch 8024). With This Ring content is subject to copyright in its entirety.
The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without
written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for
publication, unless initially specified otherwise. Colours are printed as close as
technically possible to specs provided. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not
necessarily those of Allied Press Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited
material. With This Ring is an independently owned and operated magazine.
50
FLOWERS
From simplistic
stems to feature
flower walls

contents
16
54 84
6
Your wedding checklist
8
Do you need a wedding planner?
fashion
10
Wedding dress trends
16
How to buy a wedding dress
18
The bridal shoes
20
Groom attire
21
Groom grooming guide
22
Must-have groom accessories
24
Types of wedding ring
26
Ethical diamonds
28
Designing your ring
31
Hair and make-up advice
32
Make-up trends
33
Hair trends
34
Pre-wedding beauty
36
Pre-wedding fitness
40
Bridesmaid dress trends
42
Groomsmen style
44
Dressing mums
45
Father-of-the-bride advice
46
The flower girl
47
The pageboy
48
What to ask your florist
50
Flower trends
52
Beyond the bouquet
54
Seasonal flower options
56
An idea for forever flowers
photography
58
Wedding photography explained
59
Questions for your photographer
60
Weddings and social media
honeymoon
64
Local honeymoon destinations
70
A Vanuatu retreat
76
Your packing guide
venues
78
Questions to ask about your venue
80
Vineyard weddings
82
Home town weddings
84
Beach weddings
86
What do your guests expect?
88
Planning from a distance
92
Transportation options
94
Wedding legalities
97
Wedding décor trends
104
What is a celebrant?
106
Your music options
108
Serving a memorable feast
110
Questions for your caterer
112
Wedding cake inspiration
114
Wedding cake alternatives
116
Tempting food and drink stations
118
What are your alcohol options?
122
The day after the wedding
124
Dos and dont’s for hen and stag parties
126
A guide to Hanmer Springs

flowers
play a defining role in every wedding.
We believe that being involved in such an important part of your special
day is a privilege.
From stunning bouquets and floral arrangements for an intimate
setting to full scale floral design and styling, we are here to offer our
skills and advice.
Weddings & Events by Charmed Flowers will be a beautiful,
real and honest reflection of you and your special day.
For more information on our services
Call Ginny on 027 267 0011
or email www.charmedflowers.co.nz

checklist
your wedding checklist
Tick the boxes as you go, and don’t forget
to enjoy every second.
9 – 12 MONTHS BEFORE
Announce your engagement
Set the date for the big day
Book your venue
Budget how much you want to spend
on the wedding
Determine your guest list
Make your hair and makeup
appointments
Choose your photographer and
videographer
Visit ministers, priests or celebrants
Order forms of transportation
Lock in colour schemes and décor
themes
Select caterers
Pick your florist
6 – 9 MONTHS BEFORE
Reserve your honeymoon
accommodation
Secure your wedding dress choice
Decide upon clothing for groom and
attendants
Order the wedding cake
Start exercise regime
Select and purchase wedding rings
Send out a save the date
3 – 6 MONTHS BEFORE
Fit suits for Groom and Groomsmen
Trial hair and makeup
Finalise and send out invitations
Organise accommodation for guests
Create a gift registry
2 MONTHS BEFORE
Decide upon reception menu and
beverages
Confirm floristry details
Choose gifts for your wedding party
Purchase wedding shoes
1 MONTH BEFORE
Apply for your marriage licence
Arrange the seating plan
Organise the wedding rehearsal
Enjoy your hen night
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Reconfirm all bookings and details
Wear in your bridal shoes
Have the final fitting of your dress
Wrap gifts for your bridal party
Practise your wedding vows
1 WEEK BEFORE
Pack for your honeymoon
Check over all details once more
Rehearse the ceremony
Relax as much as possible
Complete the beauty prep with a spray
tan, hair cut or colour, or anything else
that will make you feel great
ON THE DAY
Eat a substantial breakfast
Let everyone do their jobs
Thank your family and friends
Allow ample time to get ready
Don’t stress over tiny details
Savour every moment
6

checklist
7

planning
SHOULD WE USE A WEDDING PLANNER?
DO YOU HAVE
A BIG ENOUGH
TIME WINDOW TO
COMFORTABLY
PLAN IT
YOURSELF?
NO
YES
DO YOU HAVE
THE BUDGET
FOR ONE?
NO
THEN YOU’D
BETTER GET TO
WORK ON THE
PLANNING.
YES
CUT THE
CHASE, HIRE
A PLANNER.
A WEDDING
PLANNER
CAN HELP
YOU OUT!
DO YOU KNOW
EXACTLY WHAT
YOU WANT,
DOWN TO THE
TINIEST DETAIL?
YES
YES
NO
DO YOU HAVE
A TEAM OF
KNOWLEDGEABLE
FAMILY AND
FRIENDS WHO ARE
EAGER TO HELP
INSTEAD?
YES
NO
BOOK THAT
WEDDING
PLANNER IN!
ARE YOU
WILLING TO
LET A WEDDING
PLANNER TAKE
THE REINS?
NO
THEN YOU’RE
BETTER OFF
GOING THIS
ALONE.
SPEND THAT
WEDDING
PLANNER
BUDGET ON
SOMETHING
ELSE!
CREATING YOUR PERFECT WEDDING
weddings by
collective concepts
www.weddingconcepts.co.nz
Wedding Planner,
Consultant & Designer
• Full planning, partial planning,
timelines - nothing forgotten!
• On the day management;
a stress free special day -
you can count on it!
• Design & décor enhancing your
personal special look!
• Off shore wedding planning -
no planning fees, with
accommodation bookings.
T: 03 377 7800 | M: 021 369 414
E: suzanne@weddingprofessionals.co.nz
FB: weddingprofessionalsnzplanners
W: www.weddingprofessionals.co.nz

fashion
THE GOWNS, THE SHOES, THE RINGS

fashion
THE BEST IN
WEDDING
DRESS
TRENDS
10

fashion
The wedding dress is, undeniably, the
most important garment you’ll ever
purchase. Some of us dream about
‘that’ dress our whole lives, others give it
little thought until faced with a partner on
one knee, with a ring box in hand.
Today, much to our delight, the wedding
dress stereotype is being abolished. The
options on today’s market are endless, so
you can enjoy finding that one special style
that ticks all of your boxes.
These are the notable wedding dress
trends that are getting some serious
attention from the most stylish brides at
present, and rightly so.
Left: Lela Rose
lelarose.com
Above: Pronovias
pronovias.com
1
FEATHERS
PERFECT FOR LOVE BIRDS…
If you’re searching for a dress that offers
softness and drama in one fell swoop, a
feathered dress is the one for you. Lately, a
number of hugely talented designers, including
Monique Lhuillier and Naeem Khan, have
flocked towards this trend and we think that
their offerings are bound to tickle your fancy.
The beauty of this trend is that you can
peacock as much or as little as you desire;
it’s all down to your personal preference of
plumage! So whilst we’re not suggesting that
you pay homage to Big Bird on your wedding
day, the option is certainly there, as are
more modest styles that focus exclusively on
feathered details such as trains or cuffs.
If traditional embroidery isn’t your thing,
then a feathery frock is, frankly, the perfect
alternative, allowing you to achieve texture
and dimension, effortlessly and elegantly. A
feathered dress is sure to have you swanning
down the aisle.
11

fashion
Solange Knowles on her wedding day.
Paperswan Bride
paperswanbride.co.nz
2
OVERSIZED BOWS
TIE THE KNOT, LITERALLY…
For too long, bows on wedding dresses have
been restrained to the dainty and delicate
but today, bigger really is better. Pinned to
the nape of the back, cinched at the waist or
even adorning a shoulder; you’ll find these
statement-making details attached to almost
any given area of the dress.
Whilst there’s no compromising to be done
when it comes to the size of said bow, we
will allow you to decide upon its colour. To
achieve subtle sleekness, opt for a bow in the
same shade as the rest of the dress, but if you’re
looking to pack a punch, choose a completely
contrasting colour. To wrap up your wedding
ensemble, select only minimalistic shoes and
accessories, because you can count on an
oversized bow to do the talking.
This trend does seem rather fitting, given
that you’re the best gift your other half could
possibly receive.
3
JUMPSUITS
KICKING THEIR WAY INTO
THE LIMELIGHT…
Some of our favourite wedding designers,
including Jenny Packham, Viktor & Rolf, and
Carolina Herrera, are fighting the humble
jumpsuit’s corner, having received the memo
that dresses just aren’t for everyone.
Gone are the days of hopping around the
dancefloor with a cumbersome wedding dress
hoisted up and held under the arms, because
at long last, modern brides are free to dance
the night away with both hands free for
champagne.
The traditional bride-to-be mustn’t be
deterred! Jumpsuits are entirely capable of
delivering more than adequate levels of bridal
elegance. By simply adding an exaggerated
veil, you can achieve the look and feel of a
train that would often be a primary selling
point of a gown. Let’s not forget that wedding
gowns are so often boxed up having been
worn just once, but a jumpsuit alternative can
be toned down and worn time and time again.
So jump to it.
4
BARE SHOULDERS
GRIN AND BARE IT…
Flirty and classic in equal measure; an offthe-shoulder
dress is arguably one of the most
romantic dress styles on offer.
By sporting this particular trend, attention
will be drawn to the exposed neck and chest
that serves as the perfect canvas for statement
necklaces, veils and styled hair.
When it comes to sleeve length, you’ll be
spoilt for choice. Short and middle length
sleeves have proved a firm favourite for some
time, whilst longer, more dramatic fluted
sleeves have recently been spotted going up
and down the catwalk on numerous occasions.
The key to choosing an off-the-shoulder dress
that’s perfect for you, is to ensure that the arms
sit comfortably without being too tight or
too loose. After all, you’ll be too busy fiddling
with your new ring to spend time rearranging
poorly fitting sleeves.
12

fashion
Marchesa marchesa.com
13

5
BLACK DETAILING
BACK TO BLACK…
Wedding dresses with black detailing have
arrived and they’re here to stay. This style is
perfect for the bride that wants to cause a stir
without straying too far from the traditional
style of gown. Black and white is a colour
combination that hasn’t failed us yet, so
we’re confident in its ability to serve up equal
measures of classic style and daring.
On the more dramatic end of the spectrum,
some bridal boutiques have delivered headturning
options by experimenting with colour
blocking. But if a look this bold isn’t quite up
your street, a plethora of wedding designers
have incorporated hints of black with lacing
and trimming. Strategically placed black details
can prove to be extremely flattering. Detailed
side panels in muted black or just a simple belt
can pull all focus into the wearer’s waist.
When it comes to this particular wedding
dress trend, there really is no grey area, it’s
bound to cause a storm.
Jane Summers
janesummers.com
6
SHORT DRESSES
A LONG TIME COMING…
For too long, short dresses have lived in
the shadows of lengthier alternatives, but
designers are now making cropped options
very hard to ignore.
A shorter gown definitely makes for a
smooth transition between the ceremony
and the reception, so if you intend to swing
around the dancefloor until the small hours,
free from the fear of tripping over lengthy
trains, a short wedding dress could be just the
one for you.
Short dresses are totally ideal for summer
weddings, leaving an ample distance between
the hem of your gorgeous new dress and the
golden white sands. Not to mention that
realistically, you’ve been breaking in that
show-stopping pair of shoes for weeks, and it
would be rude not to show them off.
Still more than capable of packing a punch,
with embellishments and details reaching new
heights, this is one wedding dress trend that’s
nothing short of perfect.
Viktor & Rolf
viktor-rolf.com
14

fashion
happy shopper...
We’ve all done it. Excitedly ordered an
item of clothing online, only
for it to arrive looking far from how
it appeared on the website. Today, shopping
is so easily done at just the click of a single
button, but when it comes to your wedding
dress, we think that significant time should
be spent in store rather than opting for a
quick online solution.
A wedding dress is one of the most
sentimental – not to mention expensive –
garments of clothing that we’ll likely ever
purchase, so shopping for it should be an
experience that’s as special and unique as the
dress itself. Here in New Zealand we’re spoilt
for choice, with boutiques showcasing some
of the most beautiful rails of wedding dresses
that we’ve ever seen.
Call us old fashioned, but we don’t think
your wedding dress should arrive in the
post – delivered by someone who has no idea
what precious cargo they possess. So, gather
your bridesmaids and enjoy every single
second of sifting through the rails, sipping
champagne, trying on options, sipping even
more champagne, and ultimately, picking a
dress that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
We know what you’re thinking… you’ll
head to the bridal shops to try on some
dresses, only to order the exact same one
online at a later date, at a fraction of the
price. But, before doing so, you may wish to
carefully consider the costs that will occur
further down the line, after you click to make
that seemingly obvious, initial purchase.
Additional costs, such as, but not exclusive
to, delivery and alterations are certainly
bound to occur and, more often than not,
once these extra costs are applied, you’ll
wonder why you didn’t pick a more personal,
supportive and overall, more cost-effective
shopping experience.
However, let’s say you fall in love with
a dress online that you’ve dreamt of your
whole life. A whopping majority of wedding
boutiques will endeavour to order it in,
just for you. So, you can pick from a wider
online range, whilst ultimately benefitting
from the aftercare that comes only when you
shop with a physical bridal store.
If we haven’t managed to persuade you
just yet, let’s consider the additional risks
that occur when you say ‘I do’ to buying a
wedding dress online.
• A high percentage of online retailers
won’t entertain the idea of refunds, or
even exchanges.
• When you buy online, your dress is
unlikely to fit as well as a shop-fitted
one would.
• If you don’t order far enough in advance,
your dress may not even arrive in time for
the big day.
• Most likely, it may arrive with the fit,
colour and overall style differentiating
somewhat from how it appeared online.
So, consider buying in store and
benefitting from on-site professionals
who are on hand with endless advice and
recommendations. After all, it seems crazy
to think you would ever risk paying so much
money for a dress you haven’t seen, let alone
tried on, doesn’t it?
16

Our Venus Woman’s
range is specifically
designed for curvy
brides with structure
and support in all the
right places.
Available in sizes 16 to 32.
Larger custom orders
are most welcome too.
Davis Bridal in the City Central, bridal and formal gowns and we do our own alterations.
Davis Bridal
BNZ Centre, 111 Cashel Street, Christchurch | Ph 343 3652
Davis Bridal Christchurch | www.davisbridal.co.nz

fashion
IF THE
SHOE FITS
Four tips for picking the perfect wedding shoes
to avoid getting cold feet.
1
WITHOUT A DOUBT,
COMFORT COMES FIRST
Getting married is no walk in the
park, so vow to pick a pair of shoes
that will keep you happily standing
for the duration.
Many people suggest wearing in
your shoes a few weeks before the big
day, but we think this should be a
precautionary measure at most – from
the first moment you slide your feet
into them, your shoes should be as
comfortable as you feel with your
other half.
For the bride-to-be, insoles will
happily take off the pressure, so pop
some into your shoes before the
festivities and/or pains begin.
Whilst blisters aren’t invited, they’ll
almost certainly crash the wedding.
So, stock up on transparent plasters
so you don’t end up borrowing bright
blue ones from the caterers.
2
PICK YOUR SHOES ONLY
ONCE YOU’VE CHOSEN
YOUR DRESS
When it comes to buying your
wedding shoes, take a seat until the
final dress choice is made. Only once
you’ve picked your dress will you truly
be able to determine the exact type
of shoe needed to complete the look.
Racing ahead to the shoe store could
easily turn your journey down the
aisle into a walk of shame.
The dress length can determine the
heel height. Falling too long or too
short is not a look worthy of a trip
down the aisle. In addition, your shoes
will need to compliment the shade
of your dress, so, to avoid colour
clashing, confirm your dress and let
the shoes follow in its footsteps.
When you have found your
matching pair, make sure to take them
to all fittings.
3
BE SURE TO CONSIDER
YOUR VENUE
Before taking the plunge, it’s important
to ask yourself some pressing
questions like ‘How will adverse
weather affect my footwear choices?’
and ‘How long is the walk from the
dance floor to the bar?’ because the
answers to these questions will aid in
picking the perfect pair of heels.
Stiletto styles are perfect for
strutting on dry, solid ground but are
significantly less well suited for when
it’s unexpectedly wet underfoot. So,
if you’re tying the knot outside, we
suggest a wider heel, which will cope
with grass and mud far more amicably.
It’s also worth considering the
amount of walking that will be done
on the big day. If your wedding
doesn’t require much travel and
doesn’t span over a huge distance,
you may just be able to get away with
wearing a more daring height of heel.
4
ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP
Despite your best efforts, after an
exciting and emotional day on your
feet, your shoes may still start to
pinch. So, be sure to consider bringing
a flatter, wider alternative that you can
pop on at the drop of a hat, because
jiving around the dancefloor barefoot
or in a pair of old daps that your
bridesmaid found in the boot of her
car is certainly less than ideal. We’ve
been inspired by a cache of savvy
brides that went to the lengths of
getting personalised wedding sneakers
made for when the heels began to rub.
Talk about having a second wind!
Having a pair of more comfortable
shoes to hand will enable you to carry
on dancing until the champagne stops
flowing or until the band packs up;
whichever comes first!
18

fashion
Keds x Kate Spade katespade.com
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD WITH THESE WEDDING SHOE TRENDS…
Nicholas Kirkwood nicholaskirkwood.com
Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com
Sophia Webster bridal collection sophiawebster.com
Flat shoes
Comfort has never looked so good.
For too long, flat shoes have lacked
that special something that higher
heels have in abundance. Now,
however, designers have taken flat
bridal shoes to new heights.
Over the last few months, we’ve seen
the most happening brides strutting
down the aisle with a true spring in
their step; surely something to do
with their pain-free footwear. What
you’ll lack in height, you can easily
make up for in beautiful, on-trend
embellishments such as this year’s
favourite, pearls. Perfect for brides who
fully intend to dance until sunrise.
Statement shoes
Add a kick of drama to your bridal get-up.
Take a stand against boring, out-dated
wedding shoes with a pair of heels your
guests won’t be able to ignore.
Footwear presents the perfect opportunity
to incorporate a splash of colour to an
often monochrome outfit, and this year
has seen some of the most eye-catching
designs so far. And if bold and bright isn’t
your vibe, explore the endless palette
of romantic muted pastels that are still
capable of adding a little excitement.
Statement heels are particularly effective if
you’re going to be rocking a short wedding
dress, but look equally gorgeous peeking
out from underneath a longer gown.
Personalised options
After all, the big day is all about you.
Sure, there are endless incredible
options of shoes available on the
market, but why not walk the extra
mile? Brides are marking their special
day by putting a personal touch on
their wedding footwear. On one hand,
or foot, designers are offering full
personalisation options. From engraving
your new surname on the soles, to
covering the shoe entirely in your
diamonds of choice. And on the other
hand, your favourite designers, including
Sophia Webster, are rolling out special
wedding shoe collections that we’re sure
you’ll fall head over heels in love with.
How it Works for You
IT IS JUST SO SIMPLE
Contact us through our online booking tool to arrange an instore
appointment to set up your register. Our Gift Registry experts will
guide you through the process.
EXPERT REGISTRY CONSULTANTS
Our dedicated and experienced Registry consultants will help you to
browse the stores diverse range of gift categories and compile a list
of gifts you would like to receive from your guests.
GUEST REGISTRY CARDS
We can supply you with registry cards to send out with your
invitations so your guests know you have a register at Ballantynes.
After that you just leave it to us!
How it Works for your Guests
Your guests will enjoy a seamless shopping experience as they
select the perfect gift.
Gift Selection Online, Instore or on the Phone
Friends and family can purchase from your personal register online
or simply telephone or email us to select a gift. We will help your
friends and family select a gift from your registry.
Gift Wrapped and Delivered
Your expertly and beautifully wrapped gifts will be held together
and delivered at your convenience.
The Thank You’s
At the end of your registry we can provide you with an itemised list
of all the gifts purchased and by whom to ensure you know exactly
who to thank!
To Find Out More
VISIT WITH THIS RING BOOTH 47
Please either visit our website: ballantynes.co.nz/gift-registry
Email us at: theregistry@ballantynes.co.nz
Or call Customer Services on: 0800 646 400

fashion
Bradley Cooper
David Beckham
Chris Pratt
suits for the groom
When it comes to the groom’s wedding outfit, we can’t
help but think, why fix what ain’t broken?
The classic suit hasn’t failed a single groom yet, and that’s
a pretty big statement to make. This three-piece hero
is suitable for pretty much every type of wedding we’ve
come across, so let’s get better acquainted with the most
popular suit option on the market.
The classic three-piece suit will flatter every groom on this
planet, even more so if you settle only for the best tailoring
available. A well-made classic suit will do wonders for a
groom’s proportions; ensuring that each and every one of the
three pieces fits like an absolute glove.
The beauty of the classic suit is its versatility. Hot? Whip off
your jacket. The perfectly tailored waistcoat will ensure you
still look beyond dapper by keeping your shirt securely tucked
in – even when you’re busting out your very best dance moves.
Consider donning a pair of braces with your three-piece for
extra support and extra style points from us.
In regards to picking a colour, black may seem the obvious
choice but don’t disregard mid grey or navy too soon, both
colours work wonders for a groom’s complexion. Consider
your surroundings and the colour of your tie, shoes and pocket
square beforehand.
The cloth selection is hugely important and there’s only ever
one winner. Never opt for a shiny, glossy cloth. Keep it matte or
you’ll risk reflecting light off it all day and night. Matte clothes
will also appear far richer in colour.
PROS OF THE CLASSIC THREE-PIECE SUIT:
• You’ll be able to wear it time and time again given its
sheer versatility.
• You can always mix it up with a new shirt and tie
combination.
• If our predictions are correct, they’ll never ever go out of
style, so your wedding photos will always look on trend.
CONS OF THE CLASSIC THREE PIECE:
Oh, there literally are none.
20

fashion
a groom’s guide
to grooming
BE KIND TO YOUR BARBER.
Very, very kind. Oh, and no budget
haircuts before your wedding for
goodness sake. Invest in a good
haircut and make sure that your
barber knows exactly what style you’re
after. This really isn’t the time
to experiment with tram lines.
CONCEAL THOSE BAGS.
Still a little hungover from the stag do?
Yeah, we can tell. A cooling eye cream
will take care of the bags under your
eyes and a bloody Mary will sort out
that sore head.
DEVELOP THOSE PEARLY WHITES.
A few months in advance, start using a
whitening toothpaste. Charcoal-based
products are particularly good at
making your pegs sparkle.
MANICURES AREN’T STRICTLY
FOR CHICKS.
Dirty nails aren’t a good look.
Any good beauty parlour will offer
subtle manicures.
GET A PROFESSIONAL SHAVE.
Put down that shaving foam and head
to the professionals. If you usually
sport facial hair, don’t surprise your
wife-to-be with a clean shave on your
wedding day.
SMELL SWEETER THAN THE ROSES.
Pick a scent that will always remind
you and your wife of your special
day. Then expect it in your Christmas
stocking for years to come.
DON’T CHANGE UP YOUR SKINCARE
ROUTINE.
There’s no need to start
experimenting with new serums,
especially close to your wedding.
They could have an adverse reaction
with your skin if it’s not something
that you’d usually use.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE.
It’s been a hectic few months, right?
Get a massage, relax and unwind.
You’ll look and feel a thousand
times better for it.
21

fashion
dressed to impress
These are our must-have groom accessories that will
punctuate any suit to absolute perfection.
A pocket square.
YOUR CHANCE TO ADD A
BIT OF COLOUR.
Sunglasses.
BLOCK THE SUN, CONCEAL
ANY TEARS.
If you’re getting married
overseas or during the
summer months, then
sunglasses are an absolute
must because squinting
throughout your wedding
album just isn’t a good look.
When picking your pair,
make sure you’re well
versed on what styles suit
the shape of your face.
Grooms with a square face
will benefit from curved,
semi-rimless frames in
order balance out strong,
distinctive features. Those
with rounder faces should
go for a more geometric
frame to lengthen the face,
so wayfarers will likely be
your go-to style. If yours is a
heart-shaped face, look for
a pair that will balance out
proportions; light-coloured
frames should do the trick!
And finally, for the guys out
there with an oval-shaped
face, most styles will suit
the proportions of your face,
so the world is your oyster.
Just as many brides will still opt for a
white dress; most grooms will stick to a
traditional black suit. However, if you’re
looking to add just a little bit of colour to
your wedding get-up, start experimenting
with the range of pocket squares that are
on the market. From subtle hues to much
bolder options, there’s a pocket square out
there to appease all tastes.
Folds can take on a number of
variations; from the one point pocket
square, the puff pocket square, all the way
to the presidential pocket square. When
it comes to picking the right fold for you,
there is only one rule to obey; it must be
folded to total perfection. Oh and also, if
you’re using an old pocket square, be sure
to dry clean rather than machine wash, as
this will ensure easier, crisper and more
precise folding.
Photo: dolcegabbana.com
A watch.
IT’S NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT TO
BE ON TIME.
An impressive timepiece comes with all
manner of positive connotations such
as status and wealth. From placing the
wedding rings on fingers, to shaking
hands with each of your guests, your
hands will be a focus of many different
scenarios; so try accentuating your digits
with a flashy watch.
If you’re incorporating additional
jewellery, it’s key to stick to just one colour
throughout. That means, no pairing your
shiny gold watch with silver cufflinks, or
vice versa. Be sure to get the length of your
shirt and jacket just right, so that your
watch gets the wrist space that it deserves.
And please, when you’re waiting at the
altar, try to refrain from checking the time
too frequently.
Photo: gucci.com
22

SIGN UP IN-STORE OR ONLINE TO RECEIVE
20% off full pRice
Westfield Manukau, Westfield RiccaRton, the Base haMilton,
Westfield st lukes, Queensgate (opening eaRly septeMBeR 2018)
SHOW ADVERT IN-STORE TO REDEEM YOUR OFFER. APPLIES TO NEW SIGNUPS. VALID ON FIRST TRANSACTION ONLY.

fashion
diamonds are forever…
So educate yourself on all the different types of wedding
rings and the different ways they can be worn.
P
The classic solitaire.
Arguably the most classic of all
styles. Despite its popularity,
the solitaire can still be just as
unique as any other type given
that they can be set in platinum,
yellow gold or white gold.
The halo ring.
A popular style amongst
royalty and celebrities. The
centre diamond is surrounded
by micropave diamonds in a
circular shape.
The princess-cut ring.
A square-shaped diamond.
Whilst round diamonds are
often considered more popular,
square-shape diamonds can
deliver results that are just
as brilliant.
The cushion-cut ring.
With this style, a vintageinspired
square-cut diamond
boasts visibly rounded corners,
similar to those one may find on
a pillow. Many brides consider
the cushion cut ring to be the
most romantic of all styles.
When it comes to wearing your wedding ring,
here are a few styling tips…
You can wear your wedding ring with or without your
engagement ring. It’s all down to personal preference and how
much bling you want to wear on your finger each day. If you are
planning on wearing both rings, then opt for a matching wedding
ring set. This way, details such as embellishments and accents
will be consistent across both of the rings.
Ring stacking allows for the option of layering your wedding rings
with additional bands that you purchase on special occasions,
such as anniversaries.
PRESENT THIS ADVERT
INSTORE TO RECEIVE
15% OFF
BOTH
WEDDING
RINGS
175 HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH 8011 P: 03 366 1232 MON-FRI 9.30AM-5.00PM / SAT 10.00AM-3.00PM CRAFTEDJEWELS@KENNETT.NET.NZ KENNETT.NET.NZ

Perfection Made Possible
Custom Wedding Rings
Nestled among the boutiques on New Regent Street, Polished Diamonds provides a
unique experience allowing you to personally design the wedding ring of your dreams.
We realise that putting on a wedding can be an expensive task, which is why at
Polished Diamonds we aim to provide you with excellent value.
Advanced technology promises precision that ensures ultimate perfection. Laser
engraving, 3D printing and virtual CAD modelling produce flawless symmetry and
ensures the stone and setting fit seamlessly together, as well as fit perfectly around
other rings.
We can size and measure your existing engagement ring and create your wedding
ring to form a perfect set.
Each ‘haute couture’ item comes with a lifetime guarantee and the factory direct value
is simply exceptional – why go anywhere else?
• Lifetime Guarantee
• Made to Match Existing Rings
• Platinum, Gold, Palladium
• Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire
• Gents Titanium, Platinum
• Custom Made – CAD Engineered
• Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Best Value Price Check
JEWELLER OF DISTINCTION
30 New Regent St, Christchurch CBD. 0800 233 299 www.polisheddiamonds.co.nz

fashion
26

fashion
Since the 1940s, women have pined for
diamonds. Gentlemen, you have the
iconic jewellery company De Beers and
its legendary ‘A diamond is forever’ campaign
to thank for that.
Today, above-ground diamonds are the new
rocks on the block, offering both opulence
and ethics in order to charm the conscious
shopper. These lab-grown alternatives are
proving increasingly popular amongst
millennials, who relish the fact they retail,
on average, 30 per cent cheaper than mined
diamonds of the same quality.
So, let’s make a few things about manmade
diamonds crystal clear. Above-ground
diamonds are produced in a laboratory,
mimicking the exact process that creates
traditional, underground diamonds. As a
result, both varieties of diamond are
visually and atomically identical, to the
point where gemologists are simply unable
to tell the two apart without the aid of a
specialist machine.
One brand flying the flag for laboratorymade
diamonds is Monarc Jewellery.
This year, Monarc launched its Aboveground
Commitment Collection, the first to appear
on the New Zealand market. The ceremonial
jewellery collection features above-ground
diamonds that have been created at a foundry
in California using solar power, resulting
in a product that comes with a guaranteed
zero-carbon footprint. Each of the diamonds
in Monarc’s collection comes issued with a
certificate that adheres to only the strictest of
industry standards.
We caught up with Monarc
Jewellery’s founder, Kiwi
Ella Drake, to find out more
about the latest offerings in
man-made diamonds.
Why do above-ground diamonds make
the perfect engagement or wedding ring?
They’re more in line with the core values of
love and marriage. Monarc’s Aboveground
Commitment Collection brings
sustainability and transparency to the piece
of jewellery that signifies one of the most
important moments of our life.
Who and what inspired you to venture
into above-ground diamonds as an
alternative?
I did a lot of research, to the point where
I found a wonderful team located in San
Francisco, where we create Monarc’s
above-ground diamonds today. Leonardo
Di Caprio is a key investor in The Diamond
Foundry and a huge inspiration.
New Zealand is a pioneering country
that prides itself on being environmentally
friendly, so releasing the collection here
seemed like a natural choice.
Photos: monarcjewellery.com
It’s certainly hard to pick a clear-cut
favourite. While the physical structure and
chemical composition of a mined diamond can
be perfectly duplicated, its sentimental worth
simply cannot. The emotional link with these
diamonds has encouraged us to associate the
‘real thing’ with status and love. On the other
hand, the future looks increasingly bright for
the above-ground diamond industry... We
think there’s room for both... set side by side in
a gold ring, perhaps?
“Creating affordable luxury.”
11 New Regent St, Christchurch | info@viasollertia.co.nz

fashion
Top tips for designing your
DREAM
WEDDING
RING
Your ring bearer will sweat
profusely over the responsibility
of safely delivering your rings to
the altar, and rightly so. An immense
amount of emotion, time and, of
course, money is poured into them.
As with the wedding dress, despite
thousands of options, you may still
struggle to find a style that meets all
of your requirements. But thankfully,
custom rings are easily accessible,
meaning you can design one that
you’ll happily wear on your finger,
forever more. However, unless you’re
a jewellery designer by trade, you’ll
likely find the thought of designing a
ring from scratch entirely daunting,
but we’re here to help with this list
of tips.
GIVE IT TIME…
Designing and creating a custom ring
takes considerable time, so don’t put
the pressure on. Begin the process
far enough in advance that it can be
produced without concerns that it may
not arrive in time for your trip down
the aisle.
STICK TO YOUR BUDGET…
Whilst there’s no harm is day dreaming
about the possibilities, once you start
conversing with a jeweller, for your
sake and theirs, it’s important to be
realistic about affordability.
PICK THE RIGHT JEWELLER
FOR YOU…
You wouldn’t shop for a coat at a shop
you didn’t love and respect, so you
certainly shouldn’t consider it when
picking a wedding ring designer. You
can’t beat recommendations from
family and friends.
FIND INSPIRATION…
It goes without saying that you need
to do your research before locking
in a design. It’s imperative both you
and your designer are crystal clear
on the brief. So collate and supply as
many images as possible in order to
illustrate your desires as best as
you can.
TAKE A TEST DRIVE…
Trying on an abundance of rings is
hugely important. You may envision
yourself wearing a bulky, larger-thanlife
design, but, after trying a few on
and carrying out common actions such
as using your mobile phone or a pen,
you may find that you’re better suited
to a slimmer, more subtle alternative.
By familiarising yourself with different
sizes through vigorous testing, you’ll
be able to establish exactly what type
of ring you’re best suited for.
SHUN THE TRENDS…
Marriage isn’t a seasonal fad that
comes and goes, and your wedding
ring shouldn’t be either. Avoid the
fads, and stick to the timeless options
that won’t look dated next season.
FALL IN LOVE…
When you first lay eyes on your
new ring, it should absolutely be
love at first sight. So, take note of
the aforementioned tips and
get designing.
28

advertorial
Proven Quality and Craftsmanship
Canterbury Jewellers has earned a
reputation for fine craftsmanship
and honesty in a trade where the
client relies on information that is true
and the quality of workmanship is high.
Providing these two key attributes has
allowed Canterbury Jewellers to be one
of Christchurch’s leading repair, alteration
and handcrafted jewellery manufacturer
since the company was started 35
years ago.
Finding your ideal ring is a bit like looking
for a home – you know it’s just right when
you see it. But unlike buying a home, having
exactly what you want in a ring needn’t
require a visit to the bank manager. “A
common misconception is that hand-crafted
pieces are an unaffordable luxury for most
people. However you may be pleasantly
surprised how they stack up against the
average mass-produced rings pricewise,” says
Jason Baylis of Canterbury Jewellers.
“We have noticed, in the last few years,
there has been an increase in engagement
rings brought in to us to repair that look
fantastic but, for one reason or another,
aren’t up to everyday wear. Some have very
light settings with the stones just waiting to
get knocked out and others have a centre
stone choice that will scratch and show wear
prematurely. It’s a little worrying that these
brides-to-be have a gorgeous ring that they
love but haven’t been informed it won’t last
the distance.
“Here we try and get the best of both
worlds, finding a design to suit the wearer
that will last. Be it a high flashy ring showing
the stone off to its full potential or a more
subtle more user-friendly design that is more
suited to wearing around the home and at
work without getting in the way as you go
about your day.”
Ideally engagement and wedding rings
would be made at the same time to ensure
a complementary style and perfect fit. But
for those who already have an engagement
ring that doesn’t lend itself well to any of
the readymade wedding rings, Canterbury
Jewellers can always make one to suit.
With an increasing desire from clients
for a more personalised look, Canterbury
Jewellers are fully equipped to create
something incredibly unique.
For sparkle that will last a lifetime, call
Canterbury Jewellers on 03 366 7737.
Leading the way in design, manufacture
and repair of exquisite jewellery
Unit 2, 73 Peterborough Street,
Central City, Christchurch
P. 366 7737 E: info@canterburyjewellers.co.nz

advertorial
Westende – Over 50 years
of Sparkling Ownership
Last year Westende Jewellers celebrated
50 years of family ownership; an
impressive milestone that is a testament
to quality, integrity and loyalty. Justifiably
proud of the company’s reputation for service
and expertise, Westende Jewellers continues
to enjoy welcoming new and long-standing
customers to their elegant and sophisticated
premises in Sydenham.
For all of the important jewellery moments
in your life, including, “Will you marry me?”,
“I do” and “I love you”, Westende Jewellers
can provide the quality craftsmanship and
professional service that is so imperative when
choosing the perfect piece that will surely be
cherished for eternity.
Their incredibly diverse selection of
engagement and wedding rings offer a variety
of metals, stones and settings. Whilst the
classic diamond solitaire will always be a
traditional favourite, Westende Jewellers also
offers modern twists in the form of white
gold, platinum and palladium settings.
Contemporary wedding rings are often
set with stones too and can be specifically
designed to complement the engagement ring.
The ‘Ziro’ wedding ring range is a recent
addition to Westende Jewellers and is proving
a firm favourite amongst men, who often
forgo the traditional yellow gold band in
favour of white metals or titanium, further
enhanced with stones, patterns or engraving.
These dramatic wedding rings contain a black
mineral called Zircon (ZrSi04) and come in
plain black or can even be paired with rose
gold, gold or white.
Since the earthquakes, heirloom and antique
jewellery has been particularly treasured and
Westende Jewellers are on hand to offer an
extensive range of vintage antique jewellery.
They’re also able to restore items or remodel
existing pieces into a new setting to ensure
further longevity.
In order to accommodate all customers,
Westende Jewellers offers lay-by on purchases
for up to three months and finance is
available for up to 36 months. Customers
can also benefit from GST-free sales if they
are departing Christchurch or Auckland
on international flights, in which case their
purchases can be picked up at the airport.
In addition to engagement and wedding
rings, Westende Jewellers also has a fine
selection of gifts for the wedding party,
including watches, cufflinks, strings of pearls,
earrings and much, much more from a host of
designer labels including the extremely popular
Karen Walker, Kagi and Stow Lockets.
You can enjoy browsing over 300 styles of
New Zealand-made wedding rings in-store
with their knowledgeable staff whilst the full
collection is available to view online.
Creating precious memories Since 1967
Largest range of New and Vintage wedding rings in Christchurch
www.westendejewellers.co.nz
421 Colombo Street, Sydenham
Telephone 03 366 5475

fashion
bridal hair and make-up
It’s your big day. No pressure, but all eyes are on you – look back with confidence.
Getting your hair and make-up
absolutely perfect on your wedding
day is, quite frankly, imperative.
If you’re anything like me, you won’t be
relying on your own, predictably unsteady
hand to do the job. I caught up with makeover
expert, Sarah Butt, to get clued up on
what to look for when you’re searching for
that perfect hair and make-up artist.
BOOK IT IN
First things first, you’re going to need
to book yourself an appointment. The
best hair and make-up artists are in high
demand, so Sarah recommends you book
your appointment at least eight months
before the big day, but the earlier the
better. It may seem a little extreme, but it
will take you that long to decide on the final
style, trust us.
TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE
Choosing a salon that specialises in both
hair and make-up has many great benefits.
For one, you’ll be able to sit back and relax
knowing the whole package is organised.
Also, your hair style should complement
your make-up, and a team that frequently
works together will be more than capable
of achieving consistent results.
HOME COMFORTS
Having your hair and make-up team come
to your home or wedding venue reduces
time spent travelling and touching up hair
and make-up. Running to the car with a
coat held over your head becomes a thing
of the past when you opt for a home visit.
EXPECT THE BEST
Your hair and make-up team should
be fully competent in all areas of your
wedding make-over. So, be sure to check
that whoever you choose has a fantastic
reputation. Research their portfolio of
previous wedding looks, to ensure you’re
happy with handing them the responsibility
of getting you aisle-ready.
TRIAL AND ERROR
A hair and make-up trial comes highly
recommended. This is your chance to play
around with an array of different looks in
order to find the one you love the most.
During said trials, don’t be afraid to speak
your mind. You should be fully happy and
confident going forward from your trial. It’s
not unusual for a bride to test numerous
hair and make-up styles before picking one
to commit to.
ACT NATURAL
Whilst it’s one of the biggest days of
your life, it’s important to look and feel
yourself. A bridal make-over should simply
enhance your natural beauty. So, unless
you don bright red lipstick every day, it’s
not suggested you do so on your wedding
day. If you want to shake things up a little
bit, wait until the reception, when hair and
make-up styles can be altered.
TAKE YOUR TIME
The key to reducing unnecessary stress
before walking down the aisle is time
management. Allowing ample time frames
for each element of your make-over means
that you can sit back, enjoy a glass of
champagne and admire your hair and
make-up before heading to the ceremony
and getting hitched!
31

fashion
bridal make-up
OUR TOP PICKS
Metallic accents
PRECISE, SHINY DETAILS
Needless to say, we’re not talking full
spaceman. We’re after the slightest,
shimmering intricacies that go much
undetected by the untrained eye. Thin,
perfect lines are much more effective than
you may think, so there’s certainly no need
to layer it on thickly. The palette of options
includes gold, silver and rose to name just a
few. And, of course, you get bonus points if
you match your choice of colour with your
wedding ring. Details can be applied in many
forms, from eye liner flicks to nail art details,
so get that nail pen drawing on top of that
pale blue base.
Photo: tartecosmetics.com
Blue nail polish
SAY ‘I DO’ TO ADDING A SPLASH
OF COLOUR
Glossy pink lips
PUCKER UP WITH A LIGHT PINK LIPSTICK
Your lips will be getting a fair bit of attention on
the day of your wedding, so get them looking
their softest and most sumptuous. Light pink lips
have been spotted at recent bridal shows and
we’re very happy about it. To avoid dry-looking
lips, pick a glossy variety over a matte one. On
your special day, you won’t wish to spend time
continuously reapplying the colour and wiping
stray lipstick off your pearly whites, so leave the
deep, dark shades at home and opt for a pale,
plumping pink instead.
Photo: Getty Images
It’s time to incorporate that
‘something blue’ element into your
bridal look. Pick a really, really light
shade of blue in order to enhance, not
distract, from the new rock on your
finger. It goes without saying that your
wedding day manicure should be chip
and smudge free, so perhaps it’s best
to relax with a glass of champagne
until your nails are bone dry. On the
day, keep a bottle of your chosen
colour close to hand, just in case your
digits require a little top up.
Photo: smithandcult.com
Barely there make-up
LESS IS SO MUCH MORE
When discussing options with your makeup
artist, insist upon just a subtle bit of
contouring, delicate lashes and a smooth,
flawless complexion – a deliciously dewy
and fresh face is the ultimate goal. The secret
behind achieving this look is preparation,
and lots of it; so get to work! It’s all about
enhancing a bride’s natural beauty and putting
the emphasis on the dress, accessories and
hairstyle, instead. We love the idea of keeping
make-up minimal and realistic.
Photo: Getty Images
32

fashion
bridal hairstyles
FOUR OF OUR FAVOURITES
Subtle waves
Arguably one of the most
romantic hairstyles. Whilst this
style should appear effortless,
a great deal of preparation
should go into it; so dose up
on treatments and oils during
the run-up because we won’t
entertain frizz in this strictly
flyaway-free zone. This is one
look that you certainly may be
able to achieve without the help
of a hair stylist, but be sure to
prepare and set your waves just
like the professionals would.
For ultimate wave inspiration,
look no further that the poster
girl of beach hair, Gigi Hadid.
Photo: Getty Images
Bow and ribbons
Bows and ribbons have
matured, and they’re no longer
applicable for flower girls alone.
Bridal shows and catwalks alike
have demonstrated a wide
range of styling varieties that
can easily be tried at home or
with your hairdresser. One of
our favourite styles is a thin
black ribbon around a sleek, low
ponytail. The key to this trend is
making sure that your bow stays
in shape and in place; undone,
half-fallen-out ribbons simply
will not suffice.
Pick a colour that complements
the rest of your theme.
Flower power
If tiaras aren’t your style,
strategically positioned flowers
are a great, fresh alternative. But
full flower crowns have had their
time, so opt for fewer blooms.
The key is quality over quantity.
Whether your hair is long or short,
straight, wavy, curly or even plaited,
a bit of delicate foliage can add
both elegance and excitement.
Your hairdresser will know how to
best secure the flowers into your
hairstyle. If the same flowers are
used throughout your wedding
styling, from your hair, to the
bouquet, to the flowers on your
cake, then extra points for you.
Probably not recommended for
hay fever sufferers. Photo: Getty Images
Glamorous curls
For this style, it’s all about
dramatic volume and definition.
This is one option for which we
definitely recommend getting
a stylist’s help, as they’ll know
exactly what size curls will best
suit the length of your hair and
the shape of your face. Hairspray
is this style’s best friend, so
make sure a member of your
bridal party has some to hand
at all times. It’s the ultimate
two-in-one look because, once
your curls presumably drop on
the dancefloor, you’re destined
to be left with a head of the
aforementioned waves.
Gisele Bundchen shows us how
it’s done. Photo: Getty Images
Love is
in the hair
KELLY SHEPPARD HAIRSTYLIST
Phone/TexT 027 424 9853
www.kellyshePPard.co.nz
Follow me on Facebook
Phone 03 377 8883 or 021 427 433
www.angelaminson.co.nz

fashion
BEAUTY IS IN
THE EYE OF THE
BEHOLDER
On the big day it’s important to be radiant, perfectly dewy and
camera ready. During the run-up to your wedding, a few easy
additions to your skincare regime can make a world of difference.
KHERE ARE OUR TOP BEAUTY PIC
S…
Pucker up with a lip mask.
First things first, ‘that’ kiss will be observed by all of your guests, so you’d
better make sure your lips are plump, smooth and irresistible.
The Kissable Lips Hydrogel Mask from Mecca Cosmetica is your secret
weapon. It’s the effective and surgery-free way to achieve soft, fuller lips,
thanks to the mask’s unique combination of complex oils. Its $8.00 price tag
will have you blowing perfectly hydrated kisses left, right and centre.
You glow girl.
You’ll be looking angelic on your
wedding day, so get the heavenly
skin to match.
By incorporating a skin-resurfacing
toner into your daily skin regime,
you can effortlessly achieve a
brighter, smoother, more toned
and luminous-looking complexion
with the added bonus of perfectly
refined pores. We love the Ready
Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic from
the geniuses at REN. This particular
potion relies on a perfect blend of
willow bark extract and lactic acid.
34

fashion
Scrub up well with a coffee body scrub.
Most of us rely on a daily caffeine fix in order to get
through the working day. But, did you know that
incorporating coffee into your beauty regime can
have incredible results on your skin?
Coffee scrubs, in particular, the range from Frank
Body have caused a stir, and for good reason. In just
five minutes, these little magic beans can reveal
the softest skin imaginable whilst simultaneously
encouraging circulation. Simply hop into the shower
and scrub away! It’s time to wake up and smell the
coffee; scrub at least weekly pre-wedding.
Refresh and hydrate with a sheet mask.
Using sheet masks frequently can ensure your natural skin lends
itself to being a flawless canvas, on which your make-up artist can
achieve the most incredible results.
Hydrating sheet masks are the perfect way to deliver an instant
moisture boost, with the additional bonus of making you relax and
unwind for 10 minutes (a rarity during the lead-up to most weddings).
For optimum results, we recommend using a sheet mask weekly
during that final month of the wedding countdown. When it comes
to picking a mask, the abundance of options on the market make
it simple for you to choose one that meets all of your skin type’s
requirements. These variations from Origins are a good place to start.
Be bright eyed and bushy
tailed with an eye balm.
Don’t let puffiness, fine lines and dark
circles cast shadows on your special day.
With the help of a little eye balm, such
as the Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm
from Kate Somerville, you’ll be able to
blur out those dark circles and achieve
a much more youthful gaze; all thanks
to the light diffusing pigments that are
infused within. Tired eyes can be a thing
of the past, so get applying that eye
balm well in advance.
35

THE PRE-WEDDING
SHAPE
UP
“I’d love to
help you feel
a lot more
confident than
I did on my
wedding day”
Sarah McMinn - Phone 021 0298 8859

fashion
With copious amounts of wedding cake to sample, and a seating
plan to alter several thousand times, I’m convinced that an
effective and realistic exercise regime simply doesn’t exist.
However, Ferrymead-based personal trainer and bride-to-be,
Meg Bolderston has set out to prove me wrong.
I’ve been invited to join personal trainer Meg Bolderston
for three 20-minute workouts over the course of a week.
Whilst I’ve got a busy schedule, there’s no getting out of
this one, because let’s face it, we can all spare just 60 minutes
over the span of seven days.
Meg understands that future brides simply aren’t able to
dedicate time to lengthy workouts every day, so recommends
three snappy ones a week, and she promises results. The night
before my first session with Meg, the alarm is set for 6am and
my hardly worn trainers are by the door.
When I arrive at the gym, there is no equipment to be seen
so I remain confident that this short workout should
be a total breeze, which ultimately makes me doubt the
aforementioned results. However, after completing a circuit
comprised of compound movements, including squats and
press-ups, I’m sweating, pumped and just about ready to
adopt the foetal position.
So, after just one workout with Meg, I’m eating my words.
I already feel energised, motivated and certain of the physical
and psychological benefits of this rapid regime. I’m left
uncharacteristically excited for my next workout, which is a
refreshed circuit of even more compound moves that work
multiple joints and muscles. The third session left me feeling
simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated once again.
Once I had caught my breath, Meg explained that these
20-minute workouts were all about getting ‘bang for your
buck’, meaning you can burn more calories and build more
muscle in far less time than traditional regimes. Meg’s circuits
are equipment free and require only your own body weight,
so you can do them wherever and whenever.
After just three sessions, I am converted. Committing to a
few months of this regime in the lead-up to the big day would
ensure you are looking and feeling absolutely incredible when
it matters the most.
50 50 YEARS STRONG
1968 1968 — 2018 — 2018

MARCH 2019 • AIR FORCE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND • $20
Christchurch’s Premium Bridal Show
For information about exhibiting please contact
Mark Sinclair mark.sinclair@starmedia.kiwi

exhibitor directory
Hanmer Springs and Hurunui District
www.hanmersprings.co.nz
Lincoln Motel
www.lincolnmotel.co.nz
CATERING & CAKES
Continental
www.continental.co.nz
Verve Real Food Catering
www.vervecatering.co.nz
The Cake Eating Co.
www.thecakeeatingco.co.nz
CELEBRANTS
Bespoke Marriage Celebrant
Tania Johnson Scott
www.facebook/tanisjohnsonscottcelebrant
Tricia Warwick-Naziris Marriage Celebrant
www.triciawarwick-naziriscelebrant.co.nz
Amazing Days Debbie Moody
www.amazingdays.co.nz
ENTERTAINMENT
Desperate and Dateless
www.dndshowband.com
The Curio Club
www.thecurioclub.com
FASHION & JEWELLERY
Ballantynes
www.ballantynes.co.nz
Kennett Crafted Jewels
www.kennett.net.nz
Westende Jewellers
www.westendejewellers.co.nz
Merivale Tailoring & Alterations
www.merivaletailoringandalterations.co.nz
Brides of Merivale
www.bridesofmerivale.co.nz
FLOWERS
Barrelli
www.barrelli.co.nz
Newlies Everlasting Flowers
www.newlie.co.nz
Flowers by Lynette
www.flowersbylynette.co.nz
Forever Ribbon Roses
www.facebook.com/foreverribbonrosesnz
HAIR, BEAUTY & WELLBEING
Kelly Sheppard Hairstylist
www.kellysheppard.co.nz
Arbonne
www.soozeconnolly.arbonne.com
True Grit
www.truegrit.co.nz
Simpatico Hair Studio
www.simpaticohairstudio.com
Angela Minson Makeup Artist
www.angelaminson.co.nz
Les Mills
www.lesmills.co.nz
Isagenix
www.sarahmcminn.isagenix.com
HIRE
Continental Event Hire / A Hirepool Business
www.continentaleventhire.co.nz
Longacre Event Hire
www.longacre.nz
Something Borrowed Something New Ltd
www.somethingborrowedsomethingnew.co.nz
Happy Hire
www.happyhire.co.nz
The Little Hire company
www.thelittlehirecompany.co.nz
HONEYMOON & TRAVEL
Scenic Matavai Resort Niue
www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/Niue
Helloworld Fendalton
www.helloworld.co.nz/fendalton
TRANSPORT
Canterbury Kombi Chauffeur
www.canterbury-kombi-chauffeur.co.nz
Corporate Cabs
www.corporatecabs.co.nz
Christchurch Coach Charter
www.chchcoachcharters.co.nz
Black Shadow Project
www.blackshadowproject.nz
PHOTOGRAPHY
Classic Photo Booths
www.classicphotobooths.co.nz
Andrew Jones Photography & Design
www.facebook.com/ajphotodesign
CM Photography
www.cmphotography.co.nz
Hot Shots Photo Booths
www.hotshotsphotobooth.co.nz
VENUES
Heritage Hotel Queenstown
www.heritagehotels.co.nz/Queenstown
Rosebank
rosebank.co
Terrace Downs Resort
www.terracedowns.co.nz
Garden Hotel & Restaurant
www.gardenhotel.co.nz
Heritage Hanmer Springs
www.heritagehotels.co.nz/hanmersprings
Rossendale Vineyard
www.rossendale.co.nz
The George
www.thegeorge.com
Good Company
www.goodcompany.nz
Trents Estate Vineyard
www.trentsvineyard.co.nz
The Vines Club
www.thevinesclub.co.nz
Hemsworth Estate
www.hemsworthestate.co.nz
Stonebridge Function Venue
www.stonebridge.co.nz
Links Functions and Events
www.linksfunction.co.nz
G & T Catering/Larcomb Vineyard
www.larcombvineyard.co
Ilam Homested
www.ilamhomestead.co.nz
WEDDING PLANNERS
Wedding Professionals
www.weddingprofessionals.co.nz
Weddings by Collective Concepts
www.weddingconcepts.co.nz
39

fashion
the bridesmaids
Things to remember when dressing your bridesmaids…
Each of your bridesmaids will have a unique personality,
style and body type so sometimes it’s just not realistic to
put them all in the same dresses, and that’s just fine! Some
of the best weddings we’ve seen lately have included a gang of
bridesmaids all working different dresses.
Stuffy, typical, single-use bridesmaid’s dresses needn’t be
considered. Do your girlfriends justice and pick them an outfit
they’ll get pleasure out of wearing time and time again, just
without the bouquet next time.
Printed dresses.
Printed dresses are shaking up the bridesmaid colour
palette; a welcome change after seasons of blush.
On one end of the spectrum prints can be muted
and subtle; on the other, they can be bigger, bolder
and darker. Refrain from making things too loud by
keeping shoes and accessories light and neutral.
Photos: Reformation thereformation.com

fashion
Two pieces.
This style certainly isn’t traditional but it’s definitely
making a name for itself in modern bridesmaid fashion.
If you have concerns over modesty, the top and bottom
can overlap, even just slightly. But if confidence is of the
bucket load when it comes to breaking the rules, dare to
bare a sliver of skin. Mix up the shades and the materials
of both halves for added depth and texture.
Photo: bhldn.com
One-shoulder dresses.
Banish strapless dresses, at least for the next few months,
because it’s time for single-shouldered designs to play
the supporting role. We’re more than happy to get behind
the one-shoulder dress trend because it offers your
bridesmaids ample support whilst revealing just the right
amount of skin. To really make a statement, dress just a
small percentage of your bridesmaids in them amongst
designs with both straps.
Photo: Getty Images
Silk slips.
Whether you opt for long styles or something shorts, you’ll
still achieve a most elegant look with a silk slip dress. If you
are looking to dress all of your bridesmaids the same, this
is the frock for you. However, to keep things exciting, we
recommend letting your girls slide into different shoes to
one another. This is definitely a style that they’ll get some
serious use out of post wedding.
Photo: wellmadeclothes.co.nz

fashion
ten style rules
For the most suave wolf pack of groomsmen imaginable.
1 2
3
4
5
MIXING AND MATCHING
ISN’T ALWAYS
HORRENDOUS
Joe might want to wear
a tie whilst Craig might
be hell bent on wearing
a bow tie, and that’s
alright. Just make sure
they compliment each
other – the accessories
that is.
WE DON’T DIG
COMICAL SOCKS
This isn’t the time or the
place for garishly bright
colours. Show your tailor
some respect and pair
your perfect suit trousers
with a sleek, stylish pair
of dark-coloured socks
instead.
BRACES ARE IN
Not the orthodontic
kind. Braces are a great
way to support your suit
trousers without them
looking like they’ve been
hoisted up too high.
IT’S ALL ABOUT
THE TEXTURE
Experiment with
materials such as velvet
and corduroy.
Just trust us, OK?
POCKET SQUARES ARE
ALWAYS ALRIGHT
It’s the wedding
accessory that can do no
wrong. Just make sure
all of the groomsmen
opt for the same style
of fold.
6 7 8
9 10
DON’T FORGET YOUR
TIE BAR
They’re stylish, practical
and, frankly, no suit is
complete without one.
SUNGLASSES ARE AN
ESSENTIAL
Not only applicable for
summer weddings.
ADD A LITTLE BIT OF
PATTERN
Whether it’s in the form
of the aforementioned
pocket square, a tie or
a subtle, muted shirt.
Just make sure the
groomsmen don’t clash
with each other.
BURGUNDY IS HAVING
A MOMENT
Remember when we
told you to ditch the
comical socks? Consider
a burgundy pair instead.
You’re welcome.
POLISH YOUR SHOES
TO PERFECTION
This goes without saying
but honestly, you’d be
surprised. Keep a cloth
and some polish to hand
in case one of the boys
doesn’t get the memo.
42

advertorial
Pip & Oz Photography pipandoz.co.nz
Canterbury Bride of the Year 2018
If you’re a new bride or bride to be, you’ll
have likely heard of Canterbury Bride of
the Year.
This fantastically romantic event is an
evening filled with much excitement as past
brides slip back into their wedding dresses
to relive their special day once more. This
year, beautiful new brides graciously
competed for the title of Canterbury Bride
of the Year 2018, with incredible prizes at
stake. To win, competitors went in front of
a judging panel formed of highly respected,
industry experts. When it comes to wedding
venues, the Tannery is one of the most
wonderful in Christchurch, thus the perfect
setting for the competition which took place
on May 12th, 2018.
This ticketed event was kindly supported by
Canterbury’s leading wedding professionals,
so ticket holders were right to assume they
were in for a night of fun, romance and
excitement. Spot prizes, official event goody
bags and giveaways made for even more thrill
and suspense. Not just for newlyweds, recently
engaged couple were given a highly anticipated
sneak peak of next season’s wedding musthaves
whilst Canterbury’s very own Mandy
Pickering provided a perfect backing track.
This year, Canterbury Bride of the Year
2018 wasn’t just about reminiscing, looking at
beautiful new season’s dresses and planning
future weddings. It was about giving back.
Retiring wedding couturier Robyn Cliffe
donated a sensational $2800 wedding gown
to the event Chosen Charity Auction. In
addition, Canterbury Bride of the Year 2018
partnered with 14-year-old Maddie Collins,
the young inspiration who, after years of
waiting for a suitable kidney transplant
donor, was paired with a match on January
16th, 2018 despite chances of finding a
suitable donor in New Zealand standing at
just two per cent. Proceeds of the event’s
auction went towards the promotion of
‘Organ Donation Awareness’ following
Maddie’s speech at the event. It truly is a
story of love, endurance, commitment and
bravery; themes that have direct ties with
marriage, wouldn’t you agree?
It really was an event full to the brim of love
and we can’t wait for next year.
Congratulations to the winner Marie Lucas,
runner-up Liz Lees and second runner-up
Courtney Williams.
Register for Canterbury Bride of the Year 2019 at
www.weddingprofessionals.co.nz
43

fashion
mum’s the word
Dressing the mother-of-the-bride.
Your wedding day will be one of the proudest days
of your mum’s life. No doubt, all of your guests will
flock towards her to say congratulations and offer
her a tissue and/or glass of champagne, so a wonderful
outfit is absolutely imperative.
Suit up.
The bride’s dress is, of course, the most important one
of the day, so some mothers opt to wear a suit instead.
At present there are endless great styles available on the
market. Suits are particularly perfect for destination and
more casual weddings, given how easy they are to style.
Whether you opt for a skirt or trousers, fashion-forward
mothers can upgrade their look with hats, fascinators
and statement jewellery. Either way, a suit looks just as
impressive when worn with heels during the day or flatter
shoes when it’s time to dance.
Photos: Chanel, Getty Images.
Love lace.
When it comes to
romance, few things
do it as well as lace
does. This classic
wedding trend isn’t
going anywhere fast so
a lace dress will serve
any mother-of-the-bride
well. We love the styles
that incorporate a more
generous length and full
sleeves. No matter what
colour you pick, a lace
gown will always cause
a stir.
Photo: Platform fashion,
Getty Images
Power pastels.
Pastels have always and will always be a reputable
palette for mothers to pick from. But don’t settle for
pale, weathered pastels that lack vibrancy. Often,
pastels can come across as being overly feminine
and fragile, but this year our favourite designers have
delivered a range of pastel colours that pack a serious
punch. The key to wearing pastels is adding depth, so
mix up your shades and incorporate darker touches.
Photos: Elie Saab and Giambattista Valli, Getty Images
Mother-of-the-bride
of 2018.
No surprises here but Doria
Ragland definitely takes
the trophy for best-dressed
mother-of-the-bride. The
proud mother wore a mint
green dress that showcased
beautifully embroidered
flowers by one of the most
romantic designers, Oscar de
la Renta. The outfit was the
perfect balance between subtle
and making a statement.
Photo: Getty Images
Communication is key.
Make sure the mother-ofthe-bride
and mother-of-thegroom
communicate with each
other. You don’t want them
turning up in the same colour –
or worse, identical outfits!
44

fashion
Wedding of Prince
Christian of Hanover and
Alessandra de Osma in
Lima, Getty Images.
fashion for the father-of-the-bride
When walking the bride down the aisle, the father-of-the-bride
should look dapper, sharp and effortlessly cool.
Get a suit that fits perfectly.
It’s essential that your suit fits like a glove, and this may not be possible
with options that come straight off the rack, so make sure you leave
enough time for alternations to be made.
Base the level of formality on the venue of the wedding.
For the most formal of weddings you should probably just stick with
the classic black tux or morning suit. It’s a safe bet that will never ever
go out of style. For more casual weddings, consider suits of grey or
navy. Your choice of shoes will also depend on the venue, but, whatever
footwear you decide upon, make sure they’re polished and buffed
to perfection.
Co-ordinate with the groomsmen.
The father-of-the-bride and the groomsmen should don similarly
coloured suits or at least ones that compliment each other well. You can
still put your personal touch on things by adding a patterned pocket
square or tie into the mix.
Tips for writing that all
important speech…
Keep it snappy
No one enjoys an overly long speech
Include the new hubby
You’re family now
Make them laugh
It’s the happiest day of their lives
Offer some words of wisdom
They’ll thank you for it
45

fashion
the cute factor…
Flower girls are an adorable addition
to your bridal party.
Here are some little tips for keeping your flower girl (and her
parents) happy…
Whilst you’ll no doubt want your flower girls to look a
certain way, it’s hugely important to make sure they’re comfortable.
So, consider how you can achieve hair and make-up styles in the
least invasive ways possible.
If you’re going to be incorporating a floral bouquet and head
piece into your flower girl’s outfit, make sure it’s small in size and
light in weight.
Keep dress lengths safe and sensible. Long dresses can cause
tripping hazards, so keep hems high – about ankle height.
When it comes to footwear, make sure shoes are not too tight
fitting. It’s a long day of standing and dancing for everyone, but
especially your flower girl.
Flower girl trends do come and go
but certain styles are timeless…
Floral.
Floral dresses stay especially true to the theme.
Whether printed or applique, a floral flower
girl’s dress is one of the most appropriate styles
that you could possibly pick.
Tiered skirts.
Few styles of flower girl dresses are as adorable
as those that have tiered skirts. The top half
of the dress can be left comfortable and simple,
leaving the tiered skirt, often in tulle, to do
the talking.
Pastel colours.
The flower girl will likely spend a fair bit of time
stood next to the bride. So a pastel coloured
dress is an effective way to contrast against a
white bridal gown. Not to mention, the same
pastel tones can be used throughout the rest of
your wedding styling for optimum effectiveness.
Bows.
Bows, positioned either on the front or the
back of the dress, add a lovely bit of detail. So
much so, additional items such as jewellery, are
barely necessary.
46

fashion
the pageboy
Giving the youngsters a role in your wedding comes at a
risk, but we think it’s one worth taking.
It’s a long day for the little ones so reduce the
chances of tears by keeping them comfortable,
happy and entertained.
If you’re getting married during the winter months,
then keeping them warm is absolutely key. During
the warmer months, make sure shirts and shoes
are breathable and consider if a tight tie or bow tie
is fully necessary. Printed cotton shirts are a great
option when it comes to keeping your pageboy
looking and feeling cool. The opposite is to be
considered for weddings during the winter months;
keep them toasty with layers, sturdier shoes and a
hat if applicable.
An additional aspect to consider is an outfit
change. Once the more formal proceedings have
been completed, why not change your pageboy into
a far less restrictive outfit that allows for dancing,
eating and partying until his curfew. At this point
in the day, waistcoats and neck accessories simply
aren’t necessary, so hang them up and let your
page boy enjoy the rest of the evening in a more
comfortable fashion.
Our professional tailors and dressmakers specialise in high quality
bridal alterations in Christchurch. You can rest assure that you are in the
right hands when you use Merivale tailoring and Alterations.
Vist us at: 176 Papanui Road, Merivale, 8014 or contact us on: 03 355 6818
Website: www.merivaletailoringandalterations.co.nz
BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

fashion
pick of the bunch
When you’re looking for the perfect florist for your wedding,
here are the questions that should be asked.
Is our date available and how many
other weddings will you be doing on
the same weekend? Because whilst you
want to choose a popular florist with
a good reputation, you want to ensure
that on your chosen date, they won’t
be inundated with other weddings.
Can we see some examples of your
work? This really goes without saying, but
it’s important to check you like their work!
These floral arrangements should appeal
to your personal tastes.
I’m no flower expert, can you help
educate and inspire? The florist you
decide on should be just as excited to
plan your wedding as you are. They should
be knowledgeable and happy to help, so
don’t settle for less.
Can you create an arrangement
that will compliment our colour
scheme? If you’ve already got a scheme in
mind, it’s important to consider whether
your florist can compliment it from the
get-go.
Will the flowers we like be available
at the time? You’re favourite winter
flowers may not be available for your
summer wedding. So be sure to clarify
exactly what you’re after in order to avoid
disappointment.
Will you assist with the set-up or
simply deliver the flowers? You may
require your florist to help set the scene
or this might be something you’d like to
do with your bridal party. If you’re opting
for the florist to set up, be sure to consider
if there will be an additional cost.
Have you worked at our venue before?
If they haven’t, it’s a great idea to schedule
in a site visit so they can plan the floral
arrangements with a clear vision
in mind.
Can I see a mock-up of the bridal
bouquet? You don’t want to end up
unhappy with your bouquet when
it’s too late to make changes. It’s not
unreasonable to request a mock up ahead
of time.
What is included in the price? Don’t
get stung by unexpected fees. Make sure
you’re clear on exactly what’s included in
the overall price.
Am I missing anything? This may well
be your first time dealing with a florist,
so don’t be afraid to ask for help!
What happens after the wedding?
Make sure that both parties are aware
of the after-wedding logistics, especially
if vases and decorations are also being
hired from the florist.
As for the flowers themselves, we have a
few ideas of our own…
48

fashion
The Woods Photography
Lynette Brass 021 206 5446
info@flowersbylynette.co.nz
www.christchurchweddingflowers.nz
www.flowersbylynette.co.nz
WeddingFlowersByLynette

fashion
flower trends
Ones that have truly blossomed…
A few simple stems.
It’s about quality not quantity.
Many wedding bouquets have slimmed down significantly, and
now simply consist of a small number of long stems. This trend
is easy to carry and even easier on the eye. Extra time and love
must be put into picking just the right flowers to pull off this
look but we definitely think it’s worth it. Not to mention, there
are huge savings to be made when it comes to the cost of your
wedding flowers when you choose to flaunt just a few flowers
over dozens upon dozens.
Wreaths and hoops.
This trend won’t have you going round in circles.
From large wreaths displayed at your ceremony, to floral hoops
held lovingly by your bridesmaids and small wreath-shaped
buttonholes sported by groomsmen, round flower displays
are rolling in to all aspects of the floral arrangements. It’s key
to make sure the flowers are properly attached to the circular
frames, so chat with your florist about how to ensure your
blooms will stay perfectly in place. This trend definitely has us
wondering what shape will be next.
Photo: www.thewhitebulb.com
Deep, dark tones.
Your bouquet should be the only thing that’s moody.
Flowers are so often synonymous with light pinks
and ivories, but much darker shades are having their
time in the spotlight, and they’re hugely deserving
of it. These darker hues are obviously a great choice
for autumn and winter weddings, but the contrast
they create against spring and summer weddings
is beautifully dramatic, so we certainly recommend
weaving them into your warm-weather bouquets. If
you’re on the fence about using these darker flowers,
try integrating just a few into your arrangements to
add a bit of depth.
50

fashion
Moss details.
Yes, we were sceptical at first too, but we can see
what all of the fuss was about.
Moss is a great way to fill the empty spaces that
would otherwise be bare white spaces. You
might take some convincing on this one but rest
assured that moss is proving itself worthy of a
wide range of roles; from table runners and moss
walls to bar displays and moss signs. However,
we really don’t recommend heading for the
fields and scavenging your own. Get your florist
on board to source the exact type and amount of
moss you require. Moss will have your wedding
feeling magical.
Locally grown.
Your wedding florist is just a stone’s throw away.
Local growers and florists are a bride’s best
friends. Today, it’s not about searching far and
wide for exotic, hard-to-reach species of plants.
Instead, brides are choosing to support the local
community and we think that’s just wonderful.
You may think the flowers you love and pine for
are only available from faraway destinations, but
you really will be surprised by the huge range of
flowers that can be grown in your own backyard.
Forever Ribbon Roses
Artificial flowers for all occasions
FORMALITIES OVER
Let’s dance!
Phone: 027 244 7903
Email: foreverribbonroses@gmail.com
facebook.com/foreverribbonrosesnz
Live musicians make
the party happen
Engagement Party? Wedding Reception?
Make your event memorable with DnD Showband.
From compact Duo to complete Band,
DnD has the act to keep your guests
entertained and up dancing.
S h o w b a n d
aka Dateless 'n' Desperate
Jo Fuller 027 458-8590
dateless-n-desp.band@xtra.co.nz
www.facebook.com/DnDShowband
www.dndshowband.com

fashion
where will your flowers be used?
These days, your
wedding flowers
will span further
than just the bouquet
you’ll carry down the aisle
before throwing into a
crowd of excited wedding
guests. We love the idea
of using the same types
of flowers across the
whole wedding, and these
creative ideas are some
of the best way to show
them off…
Suspended flowers.
But bigger and better than ever before. Suspended flowers are
an incredible way to make a huge impact. Brides often choose to
position theirs above the dining area as it’s a great way to aid in
filling large, open spaces. Suspended flowers are equally as effective
when positioned outdoors for summer weddings. This floral trend
guarantees to deliver depth and drama, in the most magical way.
Photo: thewhiteorchid.com.au
Flower walls.
Flower walls have been
springing up at all of the
coolest weddings of late, and
we’re very happy about it.
Said walls are usually set up
at the reception venue where
wedding goers can admire it
all night long. Flower walls
are especially effective when
it comes to brightening up
indoor, winter weddings.
We just know your guests
will thoroughly enjoy taking
endless photos in front of the
flower wall.
Floral cocktails.
Floral cocktails are trending in restaurants and
bars all over the world and are now being poured
at the most enviable weddings. A few delicate
petals or sprigs of lavender make for a most
photogenic garnish. We think these drinks are a
great way to jazz up a typical cocktail reception.
Young guests are bound to love looking at the
floral drinks so make sure that non-alcoholic
versions are readily available too.

Add the delicate touch of a Phalaenopsis
Orchid to your Wedding Day
Bouquet, Venue Styling, Hair and beauty
However you choose to incorporate it, an Orchid
is a symbol of Love, Luxury, Beauty and Strength
The perfect pick for your special day.
Visit www.gellerts.co.nz
for your local stockist

fashion
seasonal flowers
Picking seasonal flowers for your wedding is
certainly worth considering. Not only will they
better compliment your settings, they’ll also be less
pricey with a drastically reduced carbon footprint.
We caught up with Rose Tinted Flowers to discover
all of the wonderfully seasonal and sustainable
floral options New Zealand has to offer.
for a spring wedding…
CORNFLOWER
“Cornflowers are one of those flowers that evolution
engineered perfectly for the ‘just-picked’ garden or
wildflower bouquet – they strike the stunning balance
between wild and formed. The most common cornflower
colour is blue, however less common colours such as lighter
pinks, lavender, white and dark maroons can also be found.”
MANUKA
“It’s a prolific scrub-type plant in New Zealand, and
definitely one we could be using more in our wedding
floral arrangements. Branches of manuka look stunning
as bouquet foliage that doesn’t just take the role of ‘filler’
– manuka not only occupies space but steals some of the
limelight too. It offsets ruffly flowers like roses with the
hardier bristly character, but its white/pink colouration
keeps things looking gentle and romantic overall.”
PAEONIES
“A regular best-seller in florists worldwide, paeonies are
gorgeous quintessential wedding flowers that brides can’t
seem to resist including in their arrangements. They can
be used either when the petals are tight and snug, or when
they’re wider and more open for a slightly more relaxed,
care-free feel. Available in shades of white, off-white, yellow,
and numerous pinks and reds, there’s a shade that would
complement any style of bouquet.”
Cornflower
Roses
Paeonies
54

fashion
for a summer wedding...
ROSES
“What flower is more perfect for a bridal bouquet than this
enduring symbol of romance? Some brides assume that
roses are too cliché for a modern wedding and request for
alternative blooms from the get-go, but they’re probably
thinking of the kinds available at your nearest dairy. Garden
roses have been bred and cultivated to yield lush, ruffly petals
that swirl around the centre for an effortlessly romantic look.”
ANTHURIUM
“Anthurium, also known by other names such as the
tailflower and flamingo flower, are heart-shaped flowers
that are particularly great to use in summer wedding floral
arrangements as they endure well throughout the day. The
spathe (the single leaf-like structure surrounding the ‘tail’
which is called a spadix) comes in different colours – white,
pink, and green being popular shades for weddings.”
TUBEROSE
“Tuberose is well known for its fragrance; extracts are
frequently used for notes in perfumery. However, their charms
extend beyond the olfactory domain – the lovely white flowers
are commonly used in wedding arrangements as well as for
general floral art compositions. A note of caution if using
tuberose is to be mindful of the scents of other flowers in the
planned arrangement, as not all smells will mix well.”
Anthurium
Berries
Protea
Anemone
for an autumn wedding…
DAHLIA
“In the language of flowers, dahlias symbolise dignity.
They are the perfect way to add some colour to wedding
arrangements. They come in all manner of colours, as well
as shapes (there are 14 different ‘groups’ of dahlia flowers
identified by the Royal Horticultural Society). They do tend
to be a bit more delicate with a tendency to bruise if not
handled carefully.”
ECHINACEA
“Echinacea is a group of plants belonging to the daisy
family. They’re commonly called coneflowers, but the name
echinacea originates from the Greek word for hedgehog
due to the spiky look/feel of the flower heads. Florists often
remove the petals from echinacea specifically so that the
heads can be used in arrangements such as bouquets,
boutonnières, and even table décor.”
BERRIES
“Berries can be an excellent bouquet filler alternative to
simple foliage – they provide texture, colour, and unique
form that make them visually striking accents. There
are many, many different types of berries including (but
not limited to) hypericum, pepper, berzelia, viburnum,
elderberries, snowberries, and tallow berries… so finding
berries that will complement and enhance the beauty of
your blooms will be incredibly easy.”
for a winter wedding…
KING PROTEA
“The sheer size and architectural intrigue of the king
protea makes it a statement bloom like no other.
Sufficiently striking to feature in a single-stem bouquet,
but versatile enough to work with all manner of more
conventional blooms, these exotic ‘sugarbush’ flowers
of South African origin are perfect for the bridal or
bridesmaid bouquets.”
FLOWERING PIERIS
“Pieris is a little bit like amaranthus in that it will add
some textural diversity and a more flowy look to your
floral arrangements. The trailing clusters of flowers
tend to be shorter with pieris, but the flowers have
a softer look making it particularly suitable for
complementing other flowers in classically romanticlooking
arrangements.”
ANEMONES
“The anemone is a wedding bouquet favourite, and it’s
easy to see why. The relaxed, flowy petals feel romantic;
the structured black centres add an element of the
dramatic. The most popular variety tends to be the
white petalled anemone with black centres (so crisp and
especially perfect for monochromatic wedding palettes),
but they do come in a variety of hues including red, pink,
purple, and blue.”
55

fashion
blooming wonderful
After the big day, don’t let your breath-taking
wedding flowers wilt away.
Many brides will choose to gift their bouquets
to the bridal party, dry them out or press
them into a book or frame. But recently,
we’ve discovered an alternative that will preserve
your flowers in a truly special way, and the results
are totally to dye for…
Let us introduce you to New York-based, Cara
Marie Piazza, the exceptionally talented natural dyer
who gives bridal bouquets the second chance they
so deserve. Once the wedding flowers have served
their initial purpose, Piazza immortalises them onto
a garment of the bride’s choice. Vibrant but delicate
hues from the petals are beautifully pressed into
the garment, be it a silk robe or a slip dress. Piazza
creates these hugely impressive and sentimental
results via alchemical dye sessions, ancient shibori
techniques and bundle dying.
We absolutely love the idea of wrapping yourself
up in a one-of-a-kind, botanically dyed robe that
encapsulates the sheer uniqueness of not only the
flowers, but your wedding day too.
aramariepiazza.com
56

photography
THE PHOTOGRAPHER, THE SOCIAL MEDIA, THE ALBUM

photography
in your image
A little overwhelmed by all of the terms surrounding photography?
We’re not surprised, but don’t worry, we’re here to help clear things up.
DIGITAL: The most common option, digital photography
offers a very fast turnaround time, meaning you can see your
wedding photos sooner.
FILM: Photos produced using film are usually more
expensive and take longer to process, but often capture a
larger range of shadows and highlights.
REPORTAGE STYLE: This style of photography captures
those candid moments so it’s perfect for couples who don’t
enjoy posing. Your photographer will capture the emotions
and expressions, without you even realising it.
PORTRAITS: Portraits usually focus primarily on the
happy couple, who will have some time alone with the
photographer, during which a number of full-length photos
will be taken.
TRADITIONAL: From signing the register and cutting the
cake to the first dance – all the key points of your day will
be photographed. Many of these traditional shots will be
directed and staged.
ARTISTIC: Heavily staged and directed photos, these may
not age as gracefully as more natural types might. However,
some love the opportunity to look truly picturesque.
COLOUR: Colour photography brings your imagery to life.
When edited well, it can put focus on certain elements too.
BLACK AND WHITE: Your wedding photos will be extremely
vibrant, especially if you’re getting wed in summer or spring.
However, using black and white creates a timeless and
romantic effect that can complement your album.
SEPIA: Photos are edited to give off a vintage effect. As with
black and white, the outcome is classic, timeless and hugely
romantic.
PHOTO BOOTHS: When your photographer finishes their
shift, we’re all about letting your guests strike several
(thousand) poses in front of an unmanned camera. Photo
booths are always an amusing way to capture the very best/
tipsiest of your guests.
These days, we’re all pretty clued up with social media,
so a fully digital photo booth seems like an obvious choice.
In this way guests can take unlimited photos that can be
shared through social media accounts. There are sleek,
lightweight and portable options that look almost as good as
your wedding selfies will. Physical copies of the images can
be ordered after the wedding for an extra fee and make for
the best thank-you cards we’ve seen in a while. So coin your
wedding hashtag and get snapping.
Photo: selfiestation.co.nz
58

photography
getting the most out of your
wedding photographer
These are the questions you should ask before your
photographer starts snapping away…
Will you be able to travel to our venue?
Your photographer may charge additional
travel expenses, so be sure this is
something you discuss in advance.
How much do you charge? Don’t get
stung by additional charges. Make sure
the upfront quote includes all of the little
extras, such as editing.
How many weddings have you taken
photographs at? You’ll want to feel
confident that your chosen photographer
has the experience necessary to capture
the very best of your day.
What weddings do you enjoy shooting
most? If your photographer doesn’t overly
enjoy shooting the type of wedding that
you’re planning, then we recommend
finding one that does.
What can we do to help prepare for the
big day? This may mean creating a
brief with the type of images you’d like
or nominating someone (with a booming
voice) to help gather people for group
shots. It’s all about efficiency.
How long will it take for us to receive our
images? You’ll no doubt be itching to see
your images, so it’s good to get a rough idea
of how long you’ll be waiting.
How will we receive our images?
Digital, physical or both? Extra charges may
occur if require both, so make sure you’re
aware of what you are getting.

photography
the digital age
Rachel Smart owns a social media and
creative agency based in Sydenham,
so, when it came to her wedding, this
tech-savvy individual decided to put her
professional skill set to very good use.
Rachel and her now husband, Paddy, had
just four months to prepare for the big day.
Time was of the essence. Traditional postal
invites gave way for instant and efficient
digital alternatives.
For this unique Marlborough Sounds
wedding, the invitation came in the form of
a website. Rachel set up a simple, functional
website that housed all of the necessary
information regarding the event, including
details about travel and accommodation.
Through this one-stop shop, the lucky guests
were also able to RSVP.
Having already eliminated the need for
paper invitations, Rachel decided to keep
on running with digital options. During
the lead-up to the wedding, the initial
website was constantly updated with any
relevant information regarding logistics;
which was surely hugely appreciated by
guests given the wedding’s remote location.
If guests weren’t already well informed, a
few days before the wedding, Rachel saw to
it that further communication was sent to
each and every one of the guests. The email
included a pertinent weather update that
advised guests to bring their waterproofs –
so, when the heavens did indeed open, not a
single guest’s spirit was dampened.
There was no stopping the social
media guru. On the day itself, guests were
informed of a unique Instagram hashtag
that could be used to share all of the photos
taken. To implement this clever idea, all it
took was researching hashtags to find one
that had barely been used before. After the
reception, the happy couple were able to
enjoy scrolling through all of the imagery
that had been hashtagged and, of course,
they can still search it months on from that
special day.
Most of us use social media every day, so
it’s exciting to see how a modern approach
can be taken when considering something
as traditional as a wedding, don’t you think?
Photos: Naomi Haussmann

a wedding that
we loved
Emma and Brendan got hitched
at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson. The hugely
talented Aleisha Liebezeit took the loved-up
couple to Glenduan, where she captured their
most romantic, unfiltered antics. There were
120 well-watered guests, one box of chicken
nuggets and uncountable laughs.
www.instagram.com/thelovecollectivenz

honeymoon
THE ISLANDS, THE HOME FAVOURITES, THE FURTHER AFIELD

honeymoon
In no particular order, With This Ring
presents the top four honeymoon
destinations here in New Zealand…
The destination: Auckland
WHERE IS IT?
It’s hard to miss the largest urban
area in the country. There are often
reasonably cheap flights available
to Auckland, making a trip to the big
smoke well within reach.
PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO…
prefer city bustle to beach breaks.
WHAT CAN COUPLES DO THERE?
There is so much on offer. From
shopping, sampling the finest bars
and restaurants, open-air cinemas
to whale-watching tours that depart
daily from the popular Viaduct area.
You’re bound to be planning your next
visit before you’ve even concluded
your honeymoon.
WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?
Hotel options are truly endless. Cut
down on traffic headaches by aiming
for the city’s heart.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?
Summer is warm but, though
stunning, you may wish to visit during
the cooler seasons in which exploring
the city won’t be impacted upon by
uncomfortably humid weather.
WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL?
Despite being a bustling city, with no
shortage of shops, bar and restaurants,
there are always less crowded and
more chilled-out options close to hand.
Nearby parks make for great spots to
sit down and enjoy a picnic as a couple.
With This Ring recommends…
1.
A trip to the Vodka Room for a
touch of opulence.
2.
Coffee and brunch on
Ponsonby Road.
3.
If the city gets a little too much,
Waiheke Island is just a short
journey away.
64

honeymoon
The destination: Bay of Islands
WHERE IS IT?
The Bay of Islands is a small district of
New Zealand’s Northland region, just a
35-minute flight from Auckland.
PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO…
love the ocean. Water babies will be
spoilt for choice with the wide range of
water activities on offer.
WHAT CAN COUPLES DO THERE?
Getting their feet wet. Big game
fishing, diving, kayaking, yachting and
watching out for dolphins and whales
all come highly recommended.
WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?
For happy campers, we recommend
setting up base at Urupukapuka
Island, only a short ferry ride away
from the main attractions. Stunning
glamping tents are also fantastic
options if you’re looking to make
the most of the beautiful nature that
surrounds you.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?
Whilst summer months will of course
be a little busier, it’s certainly best
to visit when the weather is that little
bit warmer.
WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL?
The turquoise waters that flow
around 150 undeveloped islands are
unrivalled when it comes to beauty.
With This Ring recommends…
1.
Taking time to understand and appreciate the
historical significance of this incredible place.
2.
A trip on a sailing boat is imperative. You can
even get married on board many of them!
3.
A walk across the beach as the sun sets seems
stereotypical, but on the Bay of Islands, it just
oozes romance.
65

honeymoon
The destination: Central Otago
WHERE IS IT?
Central Otago, or ‘Central’ as it’s
known by frequent visitors, is New
Zealand’s most inland region. It’s
situated on the South Island, in the
southern half.
PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO…
are a little adventurous and looking
for something other than a beach
getaway after their big day.
WHAT CAN COUPLES DO THERE?
Couple can tour the many wineries,
discover and enjoy walking tracks,
spend a day fishing, discover the
area by mountain bike or by fourwheel
drive.
WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?
There are accommodation types
to fit every budget, which is sure to
come as a relief having splashed
out for your wedding. Camp sites
offer affordable options with all of
the amenities, whilst lodges and
boutique lodges can provide absolute
luxury, at a price.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?
The distinct seasons offer new and
exciting scenery every few months,
so it really is all down to personal
preference. Although, there really is
something extra special about winter
in Central Otago.
WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL?
The landscapes of Central Otago
are purely breath-taking and the
local residents are some of the most
hospitable that we’ve come across.
With This Ring recommends…
1.
During winter, skiing or snowboarding is a must.
There are four ski fields in close proximity to cater
for all abilities.
2.
Finding your new favourite winery. There are an
abundance from which to choose, so try as many as
you can and pick your favourite from the bunch.
3.
Trying something new. Getting married was no
doubt a unique experience so why stop there?
Try one of the adventurous activities Central Otago
has to offer. You’ll be spoiled for choice.
66

honeymoon
The destination: Coromandel
WHERE IS IT?
The Coromandel Peninsula is
located on New Zealand’s North
Island, situated 85 kilometres from
the western end of the popular Bay
of Plenty.
PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO…
enjoy a balanced lifestyle. You can
explore the beautiful surroundings
by foot, kayak, stand-up paddle
board or bike, whilst incorporating
ice creams, stargazing, spa
experiences and lunches at one of the
Coromandel’s wineries.
WHAT CAN COUPLES DO THERE?
Relax in hand-dug pool at Hot Water
Beach, enjoy long beaches that boast
warm white sands, stroll around
wonderful farmers’ markets and even
learn to surf.
WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?
If you’re willing to camp then a spot
at Opoutere Beach is one of the best.
But if you’re looking to keep your
wedding manicure dirt-free, there’s
an abundance of spas and lodges that
will keep you happy and comfortable.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST?
Over the holidays such as Christmas
and New Year, the Coromandel has
a buzz of busyness about it, so if
you’re looking for a more chilled-out
and romantic honeymoon, it may be
preferable to arrange your trip outside
of these periods.
WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL?
It’s a beautifully laid-back location for
your honeymoon, but certainly won’t
bore you. There’s a long list of activities
for newlyweds to tick off, at their leisure.
With This Ring recommends…
1.
Some of the Coromandel’s best-kept
secrets are only accessible by water. So
hire a kayak and get paddling.
2.
A swim at Cathedral Cove is an absolute
must, so pack your swimsuit.
3.
After a day in the water, be sure to relax
on the beach with some fish and chips.
67

advertorial
Discover where the colour
blue was invented
Founder of the Lonely Planet travel
guides, Tony Wheeler, considers a
place called Aitutaki to be the world’s
most beautiful island. That’s some accolade
from one of the world’s most widely
travelled people. The colour of Aitutaki
Lagoon is such an intense shade of turquoise
that legend even has it that the colour blue
was invented here.
So where is Aitutaki? It’s one of the
15 islands which make up the Cook Islands,
and to get there you take a 3.5-hour flight
aboard Air New Zealand, Virgin or Jetstar
into Rarotonga International Airport,
then take the 45-minute onward flight
to Aitutaki.
Once there you’ll discover the only
private island in the Cook Islands, the
sublime Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island
Resort – Adults Only, which occupies the
entire island of Motu Akitua, situated a
two-minute ride via private ferry from the
main island of Aitutaki.
Named one of the world’s 12 Best
Private Islands by Islands (USA) magazine
and voted one of the Top 25 Resorts in
the South Pacific by readers of Condé Nast
Traveler magazine, from this prime spot at
Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort you
can drink in the best views of magnificent
Aitutaki Lagoon, lauded by many as the
world’s most beautiful lagoon.
Here at this intimate resort you can let
yourself deeply relax into nature’s rhythms.
The gentle lapping of the waves upon the
shore, the rising and setting of the sun and
moon, and the awe-inspiring sight of trillions
of twinkling stars set against a midnight-blue
sky, unaffected by light pollution.
Have a honeymoon, babymoon,
anniversary or special birthday coming up?
Always dreamt of staying in an overwater
bungalow? Then you’ve come to the right
place, because this boutique private island
resort for guests aged 16 and over also
has the distinction of offering the only
overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands.
For incurable romantics, that feeling
of ‘floating’ above Aitutaki Lagoon in
your own Overwater Bungalow is a
wonderful sensation which will stay with
you forever. Imagine taking a few steps
onto your deck and seeing the tropical
fishes in the blue lagoon right beneath you.
Then gently slip into the lagoon directly
off your bungalow deck to immerse
yourself in its embrace. What bliss.
Next morning, start with a
complimentary fresh tropical fruit
breakfast at HMS Bounty Restaurant
& Bar (yes, the HMS Bounty actually
landed on this island, just 17 days before
the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty).
Book a picnic lunch and paddle across
the lagoon in a couple of the resort’s
complimentary kayaks to the nearby
uninhabited island E’e to enjoy a delicious
picnic for two on your own deserted beach.
Return in the afternoon for a relax in a
hammock swaying beside the blue lagoon
with a good book. Then stroll hand-in-hand
down the beach to the Flying Boat Beach
Bar & Grill and kick-back with a cool
sunset cocktail as you drink in Aitutaki’s
most mesmerising views with the vibrant
colours of the setting sun playing across
the water. Share a delicious beach-gourmet
dinner as a deep calm settles over the
lagoon, and plan the next day’s adventures.
How about some complimentary standup
paddleboarding followed by a spot of
snorkelling? Maybe a bicycle ride around
the motu (island)? Then maybe a deeplyrelaxing
massage at SpaPolynesia Aitutaki
to ease away those work-a-day stresses?
What about following that with a heavenly
Private Candlelit Dinner under a dark
velvet-blue sky twinkling with trillions
of stars? So many choices...
To make the most of every moment,
each evening check out the resort’s Guest
Newsletter detailing the following day’s
events such as sessions in ‘ura (hula)
dancing, playing of the ‘ukarere (ukulele)
and tokere (log drums), fresh flower ei
(lei) making, fish feeding, crab hunting,
crab racing, and more. The Resort
also offers a range of complimentary
watersports equipment and there’s also
a gift shop, guest laundry and tour desk
on-site as well as resort-wide Wi-Fi.
Excursion options include the famous
Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise and BBQ Lunch
(have your passport stamped at the world’s
smallest post office on One Foot Island!),
Aitutaki Safari Tour, kitesurfing, scuba
diving, fishing, golf, local Friday afternoon
rugby matches, Sunday morning church
service with resounding ‘island gospel’
hymn singing, island cafes and more.
Today’s ultimate luxury is privacy, and
here at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island
Resort you have the space, privacy and
freedom to rediscover the best in yourself
and in your special someone and make
wonderful new memories together. Like
visiting Heaven while you’re still on Earth.
68

RAROTONGA + AITUTAKI | COOK ISLANDS
your
Island Beach Wedding
where two hearts beat as one
OUR BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT THE RAROTONGAN
“We were truly blessed to be married on
Aroa Beach at The Rarotongan.
Our family and friends experienced
a wedding like no other.
The day was truly magical!!”
Roy & Claudine
NEW LAGOON OF LOVE WEDDING PACKAGES!
NEW Seventh Heaven ALL-INCLUSIVE Wedding Package @ only $7999
(includes Bride & Groom’s 5 night beachfront accommodation + wedding ceremony
+ wedding dinner & drinks for 30 people; with option to add more guests)
+ NEW Over The Moon Wedding Package @ only $3999.
Email weddings@therarotongan.com now
SANCTUARY
rarotonga
SanctuaryRarotonga.com
AitutakiLagoonResort.com
TheRarotongan.com
Adults-only Seclusion
Private Island Overwater Heaven
Best Beach Weddings

honeymoon
vanuatu’s must-dos
No honeymoon to the island is complete without
ticking these things off your list.
CHAMPAGNE BEACH
Your wedding and honeymoon
will involve copious amounts
of champagne, we’re sure, so
a trip to Champagne Beach
seems only fitting. Named
after the volcanic activity that
simmers away below the glassy
water, the bubbly waters are
complemented by the whitest
of sands.
MILLENNIUM CAVE
A tour of Millennium cave is
certainly not for fainted-hearted
couples, but if you’re looking
for a day of adventure to break
up the standard honeymoon
relaxation, then this is one
excursion not to be missed. Trek
through tropical forest, explore
Vanuatu’s largest cave and then
cool down in a serene river.
HIDEAWAY ISLAND
Hideaway Island seems a world
away from the bustling capital
but, as a matter of fact, is just
a short journey from Port Vila.
The island that sits amongst
the most pristine open ocean
is synonymous with worldclass
snorkelling and diving,
so come down from cloud nine
and explore the glory that lays
beneath the surface.
MELE CASCADES
Mele Cascades is a wonderfully
photogenic swimming spot
that is easily accessible from
Port Vila. A 35-metre waterfall
takes pride of place, but is
surrounded by a series of
crystal-clear pools, all of
which flow beautifully into a
natural plunge pool. It’s little
wonder Mele Cascades is one of
Vanuatu’s most popular tourist
destinations.
And make sure that you kick back
and relax with a beer and some
fresh fish – the perfect way to end
any Vanuatu day.
70

Honeymoon
in Vanuatu
SPA AND
SAILING AND
DINING AND
T R A N Q U I LI T Y
HONEYMOON HERE
WAT E R S P O R TS
R O M A N C E
In just three hours you can be carried away to a
memorable honeymoon in Vanuatu. Lay back and indulge
yourselves with amazing cuisine, sun-drenched beaches
and crystal-clear water, or get active and explore.
BOOK NOW!
REDRET017
generated at BeQRious.com
www.airvanuatu.com
PH: 09 373 3435 | airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz
Like us on Facebook: /airvanuatu
© 2017 Kirkland Photos.

advertorial
Welcome to
Ramada Resort Port Vila…
After much anticipation, we’re over the
moon to introduce you to the Ramada
Resort Port Vila. This wonderful
four-star resort is located on the cliffs of
Erakor lagoon, where unrivalled views of lush
vegetation and glistening waters make for
the perfect wedding venue.
Getting to this breath-taking resort
couldn’t be easier; Ramada Resort Port
Vila is a short ten-minute drive away from
Bauerfield International Airport and the
wonderful resort staff will be more than
happy to organise transfers for the happy
couple and their guests.
This outstanding resort is just one year
old, so you can expect the most modern
amenities, facilities and services that include
a 24-hour reception, a sports bar, spa services,
high speed WiFi and a gymnasium, to name
just a few. Before and after the wedding,
relaxing and unwinding is easily done when
you take a dip in the gorgeous pool area,
complete with a swim-up bar. We think that
this is where the local beer – Tusker – tastes
its absolute best.
Couples and guests staying at the resort are
welcome to opt for the venue’s self-contained
rooms that offer the opportunity to save
money through self-catering; an option that
is always well received by both couples and
guests, given the many expenses of organising
and attending a wedding. But, rest assured, if
you do opt for room service or to dine at one
of the resort’s restaurants, you’ll experience
the highest quality of both food and staff. The
Akiriki Restaurant will no doubt wow you
with its offering of Oceanian blend of flavours
that ooze influence from Melanesia and
Polynesia, whilst incorporating international
cuisine that boasts a fabulous French flair. It
really is out of this world.
Planning a destination wedding can often
seem daunting, but you can be confident that
the talented and committed team at Ramada
Resort Port Vila can take care of everything
from the wedding rehearsal, documentation
and wedding cake, to the bride’s bouquet,
groom’s buttonhole and the beverages for
the toast.
Whilst we’re sure it’s not necessary, if you do
need a little more persuading, just check out
the Ramada’s incredible wedding offer! When
you book a minimum of 12 rooms for four
nights, you’ll receive a canoe arrival, a wedding
cocktail party and your honeymoon night
absolutely free of charge. Now, how sensational
does that sound?
72

Wedding packages
start from NZ$1949*
SPECIAL
WEDDING OFFER
Book a minimum of 12 rooms
for 4 nights and receive:
your canoe arrival +
your wedding cocktail party +
your honeymoon night for free!*
* Conditions apply
Planning a wedding involves endless details, deadlines, family drama, and far
too often enough stress to make you want to just elope. With Ramada Resort
Port Vila, you can just relax and enjoy the best day of your life.
*Enquire for further details, specific dates and conditions apply.
Email: weddings@ramadaresort.com.vu www.ramadaresort.com.vu
PO Box 6335, Akiriki Parade, Paray Bay, PORT VILA

advertorial
WEDDINGS AND ROMANCE
Imagine saying “I do” with your
close family and friends by your
side, celebrating your marriage and
commitment in the location of your
dreams. Helloworld Fendalton can make
this happen for you. Planning a wedding
can sometimes be so overwhelming that
you lose sight of what your wedding day
actually symbolises.
Getting married overseas can take the
stress out of planning your special day.
The team at Helloworld Fendalton have
handpicked their favourite romantic
destinations, with resorts offering
wedding packages and the services of
a wedding co-ordinator to cater to your
needs, ensuring your wedding day is
memorable and stress-free.
5 REASONS FOR A RESORT WEDDING
Pressure free. Choosing to marry in
the South Pacific, Thailand or Bali is
a fantastic idea as these destinations
provide an idyllic escape from the
pressures of organising a wedding
at home.
Have an entire resort to yourself.
Many boutique resorts will allow
wedding parties to take over whole
resorts and enjoy total privacy.
Everything is organised for you.
Resorts will happily organise all
details, including arranging the legal
requirements. Most resorts provide
hello world.
a wedding co-ordinator in the price of
their wedding packages.
A choice of beautiful locations.
Without doubt, azure locations and
pristine beaches are a major attraction
when planning your wedding. Sparkling
waterfalls, tropical forests or the
grounds of resorts provide a number
of settings, each one as magnificent
as the last. A mix of colonial and
modern architecture also provides
wedding and reception options.
Not having to travel to your
honeymoon. What better way to start
your honeymoon than by simply walking
up the beach?
HELPFUL HINTS
Where to get married/legal
requirements. Discuss with Helloworld
Fendalton the options of where to get
married. Some destinations have strict
legal requirements. Alternatively, you
can get married in New Zealand first, and
then celebrate your wedding overseas.
Plan and book early. Some resorts
have three to four weddings a day,
especially in the South Pacific, so ensure
you book well in advance to secure your
wedding date, best venue, preferred time
of the wedding and to make sure there’s
enough availability for your guests to
stay at the resort.
Take out insurance. Ensure you take
out insurance for an overseas wedding.
Make sure your policy covers you for
cancellations, damaged wedding goods,
attire and lost items.
Group bookings. Various resorts offer
group discounts for large wedding
parties. Be sure to take advantage of
these discounts to save you and your
guests money. Look out for wedding
packages that include free offers.
Marriage fees. These vary depending
on the destination where you are getting
married, so make sure you have these
fees covered to avoid any surprises.
WEDDING DRESS TIPS
Choose a dress that is practical for your
wedding destination – a simple dress
in a cool natural fibre will be more
comfortable. If you are planning a beach
wedding, be aware that high heels are a
nightmare in sand.
When making flight bookings, be sure
to tell the airline you are travelling to
your wedding or honeymoon. Pack your
dress in a separate box or bag so it can
be placed appropriately on the plane.
Hang your dress up as soon as you
arrive. The humidity of the tropics will
help any creases fall out.
Take care in the sun on your big
day and use plenty of sunscreen – you
don’t want to look like a lobster in your
wedding photographs.
Make friends with your wedding coordinator
– she/he is there to help you.
74

Weddings
honeymoon & more
At helloworld Fendalton we understand
that every Wedding is unique…
We work with you to ensure your overseas
Wedding is memorable and all the finer details
are taken care of. We will make certain that
your Honeymoon will be inspiring and romantic.
You can also create a Gift Registry for your
dream Honeymoon that your guests can
contribute to as their Wedding Gift to you.
FREE Cabin Suitcase*
Book your holiday with helloworld Fendalton
& receive a FREE cabin suitcase*.
Top 3 reasons to book with
helloworld Fendalton
• Experienced and knowledgeable staff
• Redeem Fly Buys^, American Express
and Westpac Hotpoints
• We listen to YOUR holiday needs
Register your interest for our travel
shows & information events
Simply email or phone one of our experts to register
for one of our many FREE information events
from cruising through to adventure held in our
Fendalton store (heaps of FREE parking too!).
helloworld Fendalton
Fendalton Village Shopping Centre, Cnr Clyde & Ilam Roads
fendalton@helloworld.co.nz 03 741 2350
*T&C: To be eligible you must book a holiday (including flights plus accommodation, cruise or tour) with helloworld Fendalton between 27 Aug-30 Nov 18 & present this ad at time of booking. Offer valid for first 3 bookings only. Cabin suitcase giveaway is
per booking made. Valid for new bookings & one time use. Cannot be combined with any other offers. ^You can pay for all or part of your trip with your Fly Buys points by pre-purchasing helloworld travel vouchers from the Fly Buys Rewards Store. You have
365 days to use the helloworld travel voucher before it expires. helloworld travel vouchers cannot be used to purchase foreign currency. Enquire with us for full terms & conditions.

honeymoon
pack right
It’s easy to go overboard with packing or take a bag two sizes larger than you need to.
We set out some golden rules to ensure transit’s a breeze.
1 3
5
CASE IN POINT
Before you go anywhere, ensure you’ve
got the right suitcase. Think light, think
hard-wearing and invest in something
that will make you smile as you put only
good things inside it.
2
ORGANISE THE OUTFITS
Turn your bedroom into a practical
mood board of all the outfits you wish
to make the journey with you. Going for
five days? Stick to five day-time options,
with two evening looks. (You can always
buy something new!)
IF THE SHOE FITS
You only need three pairs max.
Something for the beach, something for
the streets, and something for stepping
out in the evening.
4
BE CLEVER AND CARRY-ON
Wheeled carry-on suitcases are great,
and hold absolutely everything you
could possibly want. However, can you
wheel it easily alongside your check-in
suitcase? Do a test run so you’re not left
looking uncoordinated and flustered
between terminals. You might find a tote
bag with a zip better – it can be stored
away in your main suitcase if you decide
you won’t be reading that doorstop
novel after all.
ADVANCE WARNING
Don’t leave packing to the last minute.
You’ll feel so much more at ease
heading to the airport knowing you’ve
already had time to remember what
you’ve forgotten.
6
THE COSY FACTOR
Whether you’re cold, tired, jetlagged or
all of the above, having a lightweight
scarf or poncho handy is something you
won’t regret. If it fits in your handbag,
it’s not only great for the plane but you
immediately have an option to throw
around your shoulders if the evening
temperature drops before you’re ready
to go back to the hotel.
76

venues
THE SETTING, THE THEME, THE CATERING

venues
a choice venue
Picking your wedding venue isn’t easy, but by asking these questions
you’ll soon find out if you've found the right one.
Is our date available? I mean, this seems
pretty obvious, but let’s not get ahead
of ourselves.
Do the staff make us feel confident and
relaxed? When you meet with the staff, they
should make you feel reassured that they’ll
plan and execute the very best wedding
possible.
Do we like the venue’s décor? If you want
an industrial-style wedding and your venue
sports traditional wedding décor, you’d
better keep looking.
Does the venue fit our budget? Double and
triple check how much the venue will cost
for your chosen dates as prices will often
vary at certain times of the year. Ask about
any surprise costs that are likely to pop up
along the way, as these can add up faster
than you can say ‘I do’.
Are we happy with the view, from every
angle? Whilst the view from the main area
may take your breath away, you don’t want
to be left heartbroken by the rubbish tip
view from the honeymoon suite, so have a
thorough look around.
Is there the right amount of room? When it
comes to space, too little of it will leave you
and your guests feeling like sardines but too
much of it will make it feel like a ghost town.
So, consider the number of guests you’ve
invited, and imagine how the space will look
with them all in attendance.
Does the venue offer adequate privacy?
Some venues just can’t be closed off to the
public, but most venues should do what
they can to see that your wedding goes
mostly undisturbed. Check what procedures
they have in place to ensure you won’t
have random people in the back of your
wedding photos.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Perhaps at the time you send out invitations,
none of your guest list will require it. But
a drunken stumble on the stag do could
change this! So, make sure that no matter
what happens in the interim, all of your
guests are able to access the venue.
78

venues
Is there ample parking on site? There will be
designated drivers who will wish to drive to the
wedding, so make sure they have somewhere to
park, and for free.
What’s the plan B? If your venue is outside, make
sure they offer an indoor back-up should the
heavens decide to open.
What is their sound system like? Your band or DJ
will likely charge extra if they’re required to bring
their own equipment, so find out what your venue
supplies, and do this in advance so there are no
musical complications on the day.
Will guests be able to get there easily? If you’re
getting married in the middle of nowhere, and
public transport isn’t available, consider organising
a shuttle from the most convenient location nearest
to the venue itself.
What’s the venue’s cancellation policy? Whilst
we hope that you won’t have to cancel, sometimes
it’s just unavoidable. So, get clued up on your
venue’s policy.
What are the noise restrictions? You’re going to
want to party until the small hours, so make sure
your venue allows for just that!
Stunning destination,
everlasting memories.
Choose scenic mountain and lake views as an amazing backdrop for
your wedding.
HQTN303 07/18
Talk to our friendly weddings team to start planning your special day.
Email: Weddings_hqtn@heritagehotels.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 450 1526
HERITAGEHOTELS.CO.NZ/QUEENSTOWN

venues
a vineyard for your vows
Here in New Zealand we’re absolutely spoilt for choice with wineries, so it’s little
wonder so many couples choose a vineyard vista for their wedding.
WHY WE LOVE WINERY WEDDINGS…
It goes without saying that the wine will be
unrivalled. From Auckland to Nelson, Christchurch
to Central Otago, and everywhere in between; there
are so many incredible options all over the country. If
you’re planning to head further afield, then Australia,
South Africa and California have huge offerings.
THE CATERING IS MADE EASY.
Many wineries are just as well respected for their
food options as they are their wine, meaning that
catering could be easily taken care of on site.
PICTURE-PERFECT VIEWS.
The landscapes that surround vineyards are
undeniably romantic and make for the most perfect
backdrop for your wedding photographs.
BOTTLE UP THE DAY.
What we particularly adore about using a winery as
a wedding venue is the fact that for years to come,
you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine from a bottle
that came from that exact vineyard.
A SINGLE LOCATION.
If you’d like to have your whole wedding in one
location, a winery is a great option. Most of them will
have ample space for the ceremony and plenty of
room for the reception.
BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES.
A venue with a wet-weather contingency plan is hard
to come by. However, wineries can often deliver on
spectacular outdoor settings that come with the
safety net of an indoor alternative.
Oh, and did we mention the wine?
80

venues
things to consider with a
winery wedding…
Harvest times may affect your wedding. So be sure to
speak to your chosen winery well in advance.
Your chosen winery may be open to the public. This
might not be an issue for you, but it’s still worth checking
so you know what you can expect on the day.
Make sure you opt for suitable footwear. If you get wed
at a vineyardyou should be prepared for the different
surfaces that will appear underfoot.
A wine licence is entirely different to a liquor licence.
Avoid any alcohol mishaps by double and triple checking
exactly what licences the winery holds.
Be aware of sound restrictions. There are likely to be
sound restrictions in the areas surrounding the vineyard.
Make sure you’re clear on them to avoid any upset from
the neighbours.
81

venues
home sweet home
Having a wedding in your home town has both pros and cons that should
be carefully considered before setting your location in stone.
Simply Unique,
Distinctively Methven
Have you ever thought of a Winter Wedding, at
Mt Hutt Memorial Hall/Function Centre
Blank canvas so you can add your personal touch
Lovely little churches within our area
Amazing wedding photos as memories
Variety of accommodation within
5 to 10 minutes of the venue
An a amazing venue in the summer as well.
160 Main St, Methven | ph: 03 302 9666
email: info@mthuttfunctioncentre.co.nz
www.mthuttfunctioncentre.co.nz

venues
THE PROS:
Your guests can travel to your wedding easily.
Travelling to a destination wedding can often be
difficult for guests, especially those with young
families. So a wedding in your home town is a great
way to ensure most people are able to attend
with ease.
Your home town may have sentimental value…
Perhaps you and your partner both grew up in the same
home town or maybe you met there, either way, you
may have an emotional bond to your home town that
simply can’t be rivalled at any other location.
Guests don’t have to pay for often pricey
accommodation… Hotel rooms, especially those
at wedding venues, can be a huge expense for your
wedding guests but by getting married in your home
town, a majority of guests will be able to taxi home at
the end of the evening, saving them money and saving
you additional planning that may come with organising
a wedding that requires accommodation for many of
your guests.
Sourcing local suppliers means you can check in
on them during the run-up to the wedding with
total ease… Not only will you be able to visit the
dressmaker, caterer, venue, celebrant and florist easily,
you may also make some of your choices based upon
recommendations from locals who have used certain
suppliers in the past. Getting that fragile wedding cake
to your venue will be a total breeze!
Older guests that would be unable to travel afar for
your wedding will more likely be able to attend…
You’ll want your nearest and dearest around you,
and that includes grandparents who might otherwise
struggle with the travelling that’s associated with
weddings far from home. Reduced travel times may
also mean guests will not have to book time off work,
again, making their attendance that much easier.
Friends and family will be able to lend a hand…
During the lead-up and even after your wedding, friends
and family will be able to help with transporting items,
attending rehearsals and even offering to let travelling
guests use their spare rooms, if necessary.
THE CONS:
Guests will likely expect you to arrange
transportation options to and from the wedding…
Given that a large number of them will live in the same
town, they may expect a shuttle service to be provided
to get them to and from the various locations of your
wedding. This is an additional cost you may not have
allowed for in your wedding budget.
You might miss out on some of the excitement
that comes with getting married in a less familiar
setting… Planning a wedding in your home town may
just feel a little too at home. You may find the old village
hall doesn’t excite you as much as a venue further afield
could. If you and your partner are keen adventurers,
then having a wedding in your home town might not
give you that special feeling.
Your wedding may seem familiar to those of friends
and family that have previously wed there…
If friends and family have also tied the knot in your
home town, you may find yourself dealing with similar
suppliers that deliver recognisable services. Where
small towns are concerned you’ll almost definitely be
using a venue that many close connections have used
before you.
You may be limited by the supplier and venue
options that are in close proximity… Wedding
suppliers may be limited to just a few options, and you
may not be totally blown away by what they have to
offer for your big day. Sourcing them from further afield
is, of course, an option but this means a plan must be in
place to enable all suppliers can deliver to your home
town venue.
21 Luxury Motel Units
Book your accommodation now for weddings,
conferences, functions & events.
Honeymoon Suite Studio 1 Bedroom Units
2 Bedroom Units Spa Bath Units available
Your Hosts Colleen & Craig Beswick
For Enquiries: 03 974 1620 For reservations: 0800 001 689
info@lincolnmotel.co.nz | www.lincolnmotel.co.nz
4-6 Maurice St, Lincoln (just behind Gift Box)

venues
life’s a beach
Beach weddings are a favourite amongst many future
couples and for good reason, but, before you start dreaming
about running across golden sands into each-other’s arms,
make sure you’ve asked yourself these important questions.
Will I be able to walk in high heels? Unless the
beach you’re getting wed on has a wooden walkway
you intend to use as the aisle, it may be best to opt for
a smaller heel, a flat shoe or even no footwear at all.
Whichever option you go for, make sure the length of
your dress still allows for this.
Will my guests be able to find shade if it’s
extremely sunny? We all want the sun to shine on
our wedding day but it’s crucial to consider what will
happen if it’s too sunny! Make sure that your venue
can supply parasols, if necessary. In order for them
to match you colour scheme, consider getting rental
parasols priced up and hired as a back-up. Supplying
sunscreen and plenty of water is also a smart way to
ensure your guests stay hydrated and cool.
What will happen if it rains? Well, firstly, you’re
allowed to have a bit of a tantrum, but just a short
one. Then, think about your plan B. Beach resorts
will more than likely have an indoor option close by
to use when the weather isn’t playing ball. Whilst this
is not ideal, your venue will have dealt with it many
times in the past. So, breathe and crack on with the
indoor option, until the sun comes back out to play
at least.
If I choose to have the reception on the beach, can
it be catered for? Having a sandy wedding reception
on the beach as the sun sets certainly does sound
dreamy and some venues will allow for it. From a
caterer’s point of view, it’s all about accessibility.
Caterers will need to transport all of their delicious
food and drinks to the beach, so tee up a chat with
both the venue and caterer to see if this is possible.
Tables and chairs must also be considered – no one
wants to eat dinner off a wobbly table whilst sitting
on a chair that’s half wedged in the sand.
84

venues
Will members of the public still be able to access the beach?
This is all dependent on the venue that you choose. Obviously no
venue will allow non-guests to stroll too close to the ceremony, but
talk to your venue or wedding planner about this particular grey
area so that you’re fully briefed for the big day.
Will changing tides affect the ceremony? This is a good question
and one that many of us don’t even think about. However, your
venue will have thought about it, and they won’t set your wedding
up anywhere that could result in any part of it being swept away.
So, you can reassure your guests that they don’t need to pack their
togs and snorkels.
Will it be easy for all guests to access our beach wedding? It’s
crucial to consider the general accessibility of the beach. It may be
a case of allowing additional time in the proceedings for guests to
move at their own pace, comfortably and with ease.
h e m s w o rt h
Estate
d o n ’ t wa i t f o r e v e r f o r yo u r b i g d ay
O p e n i n g D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8
w w w. h e m s w o r t h e s tat e . c o. n z

venues
what should your guests expect?
When it comes to transport and accommodation, your guests may have some expectations.
Whilst no one expects the bride and groom to fork out on their behalf, there are things you
can do to make their experience easier on both the planning and expense front.
INFORMATION
Whist you’ll have been researching the
venue, accommodation, transport options
and all other elements of the wedding
right down to the tiniest details, your
guests probably won’t have, so keep them
in the loop. If your wedding planner has
advised against certain accommodation
options, taxi companies or even routes
to the wedding venue, share this info!
Attending a wedding should be fun and
easy, so help your guests out as much
as you can.
TIME
There’s nothing worse than having
invitations thrown at you last minute,
is there? A lot of planning goes into
attending a wedding so make sure you
give your guests ample time to book days
off work, sort out accommodation, arrange
their transportation and child and pet care
if applicable. I’m sure you can relate! Even
picking an outfit and having it delivered,
booking a hair appointment and getting
a manicure will take considerable time.
So send out a ‘save the date’ as soon
as you can and follow up with any details
as and when they’re finalised.
DISCOUNTS
As you well know, attending a wedding
is damn expensive, especially if you’re
getting married overseas or at a venue
that really requires guests to stay
the night. Most hotels and transport
companies will offer significant discounts
for group bookings, so check out their
deals and inform your guests as soon as
you can. Keep an eye out for any deals
that may reduce the cost for your guests.
They’ll be extremely grateful of any savings
they can make, and hey, this might
mean they have more cash to spend
on your wedding gift!
THE OPTION TO DECLINE
No close friend or member of your
family would ever want to miss out
on your special day. But sometimes,
given the expenses surrounding
accommodation, transport, a wedding
gift and a suitable outfit, sometimes
they will simply have to decline your
invite. Not to mention, some guests will
have young families consisting of many
children, all of whom would either
have to attend or be looked after; and
this can certainly add up! If a close
friend can’t stretch their pay packet far
enough, don’t take it personally and
make sure you tee up a coffee or glass
of champagne for after the wedding.
Weddings with style, elegance,
beauty and atmosphere.
Facilities and catering for your Special day!
• Beautiful Banquet room complete with wine barrels,
French trellises
• The Cabernet Cottage for smaller intimate weddings
• Beautiful gardens with many special areas like
a pond to tie the knot
• Gardens lit up at night to create a great atmosphere
• Excellent dance area with party lights
• Weddings large and small (25-250 people)
• Affordable wine, beer and aother beverages
• Excellent catering and menus
• Low venue hire charges for off-peak weddings
Call 03 323 7353 or 323 9314 to make a booking
or email: bookings@rosebank.co to discuss the
arrangements with our Function Manager to make your
special day, really special.
www.rosebank.co

advertorial
Beauty, elegance and practicality all come together in
the newly built clubhouse of the Christchurch Golf Club
Links Functions and
Events is within a newly
built Clubhouse at the
Christchurch Golf Club. The
vista across the iconic Shirley
Links Golf Course offers a
magnificent backdrop for your
wedding, engagement party,
cocktail function or any other
of life’s special events.
The modern, state-of-the-art
facilities offer spectacular views
through floor-to-ceiling glass. Or
step outside and enjoy sweeping
golf course vistas and dramatic
sunsets from the covered veranda
or beautiful wedding lawn.
Inside, painted wood panelling
and soft lighting provide ambient
warmth and charm, while
extensive bar and on-site catering
facilities offer a superb food and
beverage options for up to 230
guests. In addition, Links Café
is open daily for relaxing,
grabbing a coffee or catching
up with friends or colleagues.
With delightful indoor and
outdoor spaces for your wedding
ceremony, reception and dance,
Links Functions and Events has
appealing versatility and perfect
on-site locations for taking
memorable photographs.
Menus feature fresh selections
for a variety of different tastes
and dietary requirements. From
formal reception menus to
informal barbecues, Links’ own
executive chef has assembled
unique gastronomic offerings
and is eager to help with special
requests and repasts.
Light, bright and sparkling
new, this lovely venue has the
latest technology for your event
or function and convenient
complimentary parking for you
and your guests. Located just
10 minutes from the city, Links
at the Christchurch Golf Club
is a green and gracious oasis
any time of the year.
Staff are devoted to making
your special occasion memorable
every step of the way, from
planning to execution. If
you would like to discuss
availability and options for your
wedding or event, contact
Links Manager, Karyn Yorston
call 021 247 1022 or email
karyn@linksfunctions.co.nz
Magical Wedding Venue
Links functions and Events is an elegant and stylish venue offering a beautiful back drop
that will make your wedding day very special.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Christchurch Golf Club’s rolling fairways and pristine greens, this elegant venue can
host up to 150 guests. Our all-inclusive wedding packages encompass everything from ceremony through to reception.
• Make your wedding magical. • Up to 150 guests.
• On-site bar and catering. • On-site parking.
• Indoor or outdoor ceremony. • Private function room. • Superb food options. • Just 10 minutes from the city.
Contact: Karyn Yorston 03 385 9506 or 021 247 1022 Karyn@linksfunctions.co.nz, www.linksfunctions.co.nz
The Christchurch Golf Club, 45 Horseshoe Lake Road, Shirley
Conferences • Business Meetings • Weddings • Golf Days • Private Functions • Professional Event Planning

venues
from a distance
Here are the some key things to consider if you’re
getting hitched far from home…
Discover Larnach castLe
New Zealand’s Castle
“THE
PERFECT
SETTNG
FOR YOUR
WEDDING”
Phone 03 476 1616 Freephone 0800 527 6224 | Email functions@larnachcastle.co.nz | www.larnachcastle.co.nz

venues
VIEWING YOUR VENUE
Perhaps you and your partner have already been to your
chosen venue on holiday, maybe you even got engaged
there, but regardless of whether or not you’ve been to
your chosen wedding venue before, we can’t stress the
importance of visiting again and meeting with venue
staff to have a proper walk and chat about all of the
possibilities. It’s risky to rely on a website’s imagery and
details, so, despite the additional cost of a physical visit,
it comes hugely recommended. When you’re there, take
time to scope out the accommodation options for your
guests so you can report back to them. You may even be
required to make several trips to meet with the planner
and venue, so be sure to add these costs into your budget
as even short trips can add up.
THE VENUE TEAM AND WEDDING PLANNER
Planning a wedding from a distance is a near impossible
task without the assistance of the venue team. To make
things easier still, we certainly suggest hiring a wedding
planner who resides and works in close proximity to your
chosen venue. The relationship that you have with your
venue’s team and planner is of huge importance. They
should make you feel confident at all times and reassure
you that everything is going to run smoothly on the big
day. But, of course, this will come at a price. So add any
fees into your budget from the get-go. Once you’ve footed
the bill, your venue and planner are expected to be on the
end of the phone or just an email away should you need
them, just don’t forget to consider any time differences
that there may be before you leave any angry voicemails!
TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM YOUR DESTINATION
For both you and your guests, transportation to and
from your destination will require significant planning
and funding, so it’s imperative to give everyone as much
notice as possible. Giving notice will allow wedding goers
to either book in advance when transportation options
are less expensive or mean they can take their time and
wait for any special rates and deals that will likely occur
during the run-up to the wedding. From flights to your
destination to airport shuttles to get the guests to the
venue, it is likely expected that you will share as much
information with them as possible so they can get from
A to B with ease. It’s definitely worthwhile to consider
group bookings as these can usually reduce prices
significantly, so put the feelers out and help your doting
guests as much as you can.
PICKING YOUR SUPPLIERS
As with your venue, it’s most preferable to meet with
your wedding suppliers in person so both parties can
be fully clear on the brief, eliminating the chances you’ll
be left unhappy with the outcome on your wedding
day. This may mean you have to take a trip back to your
destination, but it can always be tied in with a venue
visit, and, if you plan ahead well enough, you can meet
with all of your suppliers during one trip. Tried and tested
is the way forward when it comes to suppliers so tee up
meetings with your caterer, cake maker, florist and any
other applicable vendors. Don’t take the risk by using
suppliers you haven’t met unless your venue and planner
absolutely swear by them.
WEDDING DRESS LOGISTICS
Last but by no means least, let’s consider wedding
dress logistics. Firstly, when it comes to flying to your
destination, absolutely do not risk putting your dress
in the luggage hold. We have nightmares about dresses
getting lost in transit so take them on board with you.
Most airlines will jump at the opportunity to hang your
special garments up somewhere safe on the plane,
although we wouldn’t blame you for holding on to it
tightly for the entire journey. Secondly, consider the
materials of the dress and ask yourself if it will be well
suited for the climate of your destination. If you’re
tying the knot somewhere extremely exotic, make sure
you’ll be cool and unflustered when donning your gown.
The same is to be considered for the groom’s suit, so
do your research to determine what the weather will
be like at your destination at the time of year you plan
to get wed.
There are so many romantic, beautiful wedding venues located on the
rail links. At a church, a restaurant, on a beach, in the country, or in
the Taieri River Gorge? You can even get married on a train.
We can accommodate any number of guests. You can hire a complete
train set, or a single carriage, or travel on the first class comfort of the
‘Dunedin Silver Fern’ railcar which seats 94. All trains are fully licensed
and have buffet nibbles. Give our Rail Journey Planner a call today.
P (03) 477-4449 • E charters@dunedinrailways.co.nz • www.dunedinrailways.co.nz

advertorial
Superb Dunedin venues
Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s iconic cities and combines strong Scottish heritage and fine
architecture. Alongside a scenic location of hills and harbour, the Dunedin City Council operates some
superb venues that offer unique ambiences for your wedding ceremony, civil union or reception.
The Dunedin Chinese Garden is New
Zealand’s only authentic Chinese Garden,
the only authentic Scholar’s Garden in
the Southern Hemisphere and one of only
three outside China. A perfect miniature
of a traditional Chinese landscape
painting, this garden encapsulates
the essence of nature.
There are many different spots around
the Garden which will provide beautiful
backdrops for your wedding photos. The
traditional high garden wall encloses
you and your guests in your own private
sanctuary, and the rest of the world seems
far removed. The Dunedin Chinese Garden
is a flexible venue offering a sophisticated,
memorable setting for up to 100 people.
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is a
distinctive and elegant venue for your civil
union or wedding ceremony and reception.
A team of professional, friendly and
experienced staff will work with you to put
together the right combination of spaces
for you and your guests.
These can include canapés and a glass
of champagne on arrival in Donaghy’s
Foyer; the couple’s entrance down the
Gallery’s grand staircase and a dine and
dance in the ODT Gallery under the glass
ceiling. The Gallery is fully licensed and
you have the option to use your own
caterer if you wish.
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is within
walking distance of the Octagon and
accommodation facilities and is the
perfect venue for your wedding reception.
Offering a combination of diverse spaces,
the museum is able to accommodate
everything from small, intimate functions
to larger, lavish events.
With floor-to-ceiling glass windows
overlooking Dunedin’s Heritage District,
warm heart rimu floors and Oamaru and
local Bluestone detailing, the expansive
Josephine Foyer is large enough to
accommodate up to 500 people. The
stunning art deco NZR Lounge is an ideal
space for drinks and nibbles and great for
small social events at any time of the day
or evening.
90

Situated in the heart of
Dunedin’s picturesque
heritage district, Toitu – Otago
Settlers Museum offers a
range of high quality venue
options, perfect for your
special day.
31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin | Phone 03 477 5052 | Email toituosm@dcc.govt.nz | www.toituosm.com
DUNEDIN CHINESE GARDEN
WEDDING AND PHOTO VENUE
This Garden of National Significance offers an
exclusive environment for you and your guests
to celebrate your wedding ceremony, cocktail
reception or wedding photographs.
Corner of Rattray and Cumberland Street s,
Dunedin | Phone 03 477 3248
chinesegarden@dcc.govt.nz
www.dunedinchinesegarden.com

venues
all aboard
Transport your guests from A to B in style.
SCHOOL BUS.
A number of your wedding guests will have
likely been in your lives since the school days.
So we think that shuttling all of your guests
to your various venues on an old school bus is
the perfect way to reflect upon years and years
of making memories with family and friends.
SAIL BOAT.
If you’re getting married near a lake or the ocean,
we love the idea of sailing your guests into a dock.
Your guests will fondly remember this floating
experience. Just be sure to provide sea sick tablets
for anyone who may need them.
PARTY BUS.
To warm everyone up for the dance floor,
hire a party bus. Party buses are ideal for
any size of wedding due to the wide range of
vehicles that boast different capacities. Disco
lights, social seating and sound systems are
common place and more often than not, you
can provide your own alcohol to get your
guests into the spirit.
HAY RIDE.
A hay ride is the perfect transportation
option for rural, countryside weddings.
Decorate yours with bunting and flowers
and be sure to smooth down any surfaces
that may snag dresses or suits. Drinks can be
enjoyed on board as the tractor driver gets
the guests to their destination.
Christchurch for your
Wedding Transport
#1in
Also available for General Charter,
Corporate functions, Childrens birthday parties etc plus
a genuine English 70 seater Double Decker bus.
Organise your guests’ and
Bridal transport, in Classic
vehicles with one phone call
Christchurch
Coach
Charters
PH: (03) 355 6159 | www.chchcoachcharters.co.nz

venues
here comes the bride…
When you arrive at your wedding, hopping out of your day-to-day
runabout just isn’t an option, so why not make a real entrance with
one of these forms of transport?
A SPORTS CAR.
Bound to get you to the
church on time, we love
the idea of using your
favourite sports car. You
and hubby may wish to
take it for a spin a little
later, once the vows have
been exchanged.
A MOTORBIKE.
On a motorbike, your
guests will hear you before
they see you. You’d be
surprised by how stylish
you’ll look by pairing your
wedding dress with a
helmet and leather jacket.
Equally as cool if ridden
alone or with a designated
rider, with a single bike or
as part of a convoy.
A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE.
If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, then a
horse-drawn carriage is surely the only mode of transport
that you’d possibly consider. Just make sure that yours
won’t turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight.
A HELICOPTER.
If you’re really looking to make an entrance
then you’d best opt for a helicopter ride.
Many venues, especially vineyards, will have
helipads that you can use at an additional
cost, so why not take for the skies?

venues
the legal stuff
¿¿
Decide whether you wish to be wed by
a marriage celebrant or at a registry office.
With a registered marriage celebrant you
can pick when and where you tie the knot,
write your own heartfelt vows and pick the
celebrant based on personal preference,
including religion. When opting for a
registry office ceremony, your wedding will
occur during normal office hours with the
use of standard vows.
¿¿
Apply for a marriage licence. This can
be done online or via a paper form, up to
three months before the ceremony. Make
sure you allow for a minimum of three
working days before the wedding day.
Said licence will cost $150 when using a
celebrant, or $240 when using a registry
office. If you decide to use a celebrant, the
application must be supported with the
celebrant’s name, the wedding location and
approximate date. When issued with your
licence by email, courier or in person, you’ll
also receive two sets of your ‘Particulars
of Marriage’, which must be given to your
celebrant before the wedding.
¿¿
Now for the fun part; get married!
Your celebrant or the registry office will
officially register your marriage. Following
the solemnisation, two copies of your
‘Particulars of Marriage’ will be signed
by yourselves, the celebrant and both
witnesses. You will keep one copy and
the celebrant will send the other to the
Registrar who issued the licence.
¿¿
Obtain a marriage certificate. These
certificates can be ordered with ease and
serve as legal proof of your marriage.
¿¿
If applicable, change your name. You’re
free to start flaunting your new name
straight away. To update your passport,
driver’s licence and so on, a copy of your
marriage certificate will be required. For
the electoral roll, you’ll automatically be
sent a form to update your details.
Oh, and don’t forget that if you’re getting
married overseas, legal requirements
may differ.
Going the Extra Mile
NZ Limousines provides
both dressed and undressed
bridal cars in Christchurch,
Queenstown and Dunedin.
Our drivers who have been
trained in bridal work, take
great pleasure in providing a
reliable, professional and fun
service for the bridal party.
Whether it be calming the
nerves of the bride or assisting
with both planned and
unplanned last minute events
we do it with a smile and
considerable pride.
Our extensive fleet enables us
to supply multiple matching
vehicles so no matter how
many you need we will be able
to help.
Wedding guests can also travel in the luxury of our 6 seater vans
Contact gerard@corporatecabs.co.nz
or phone 03 379-6162 for further details.

advertorial
Your Choice for Style and Elegance
e take away all the stress of organising
“Wyour special day while you enjoy every
moment with your guests.”
When it comes to luxury and elegance, The
George is Christchurch’s boutique hotel offering
that never compromises on service or style. So,
you can rest assured your wedding will be chic,
impressive and utterly remarkable.
Located centrally, just a short stroll from
Hagley Park and the River Avon, it’s the perfect
place to catch a breath of fresh air. Not to
mention, this luscious area is an ideal space for
not just your ceremony, but photographs and
the reception too. It really is no wonder that this
tranquil venue is such a sought-after wedding
and honeymoon venue.
The facilities at The George are second
to none. Parkview can be configured and
decorated to comfortably accommodate up
to 90 lucky guests for a sit-down dinner or
high-end buffet, or up to 160 guests for a
cocktail reception. Multi-award-winning,
The Residence is the adjoining property that
boasts beautiful lawns and gardens as well
as an intimate dining room for 18 special
guests. The beauty of The Residence is the
sheer privacy that creates an ambience that’s
oh so perfect for intimate wedding parties,
remarriages and the renewal of vows.
The George truly understands the
importance of fantastic food at any given
wedding. So, the cuisine team from The
George provide a variety of menu options
to suit your individual tastes, including fully
plated, two or four course dinners, buffets, or
the popular and innovative “trio set” of plated
entrees and desserts complemented by a buffet
or plated main course.
We certainly think that you’ll fall in love
with The George but couples are encouraged
to meet at the hotel with the wedding
coordinator, to discuss the many options
available to them. This is the ideal opportunity
to view the accommodation, the different
venues and examples of various menus and
set-ups, so that they can create your perfect
day. In fact, the team are so confident you’ll
love The George that they’re giving away a
bottle of Nautilus Cuvee to prospective couples
(terms and conditions do apply).
And that’s not all! For all of your honeymoon
needs, Regent of Rotorua, Hulbert House in
Queenstown and, of course, Hotel Montreal,
will tick all of your boxes. So, get in touch and
explore the endless options with the talented
team. 03 371 0255, weddings@thegeorge.com,
thegeorge.com
celebrate
Weddings at The George
The luxury boutique hotel on the park
P: 03 371 0255
E: weddings@thegeorge.com
W: https://www.thegeorge.com/weddings

advertorial
The chosen ones.
married up in the Gods,
“Getting
feeling like king and queen of
all your survey” is how someone
recently described the Christchurch Gondola
as a venue.
Available for weddings and other special
occasions, business meetings and gala dinners,
the venue sits in an extraordinary natural
environment of exposed rock and tussock
with incomparable vistas.
After parking in the large carpark
at Base Station, guests are magically
whisked up to the top of Mt Cavendish
in the gondolas, smoothly climbing 1km
above Christchurch before being warmly
welcomed into the venue’s atrium by the
serving team.
While the journey up to the Gondola
affords stunning views of the city and across
the plains to the Southern Alps, on arrival
the sparkling Lyttelton Harbour is revealed
to the south. As the sun sets, the day view
turns into a carpet of fairy lights over the
city at night.
The breath-taking outdoor environment
of Christchurch Gondola lends itself to
gorgeous ceremony and photographic
opportunities, whilst the interior with
its clean lines, contemporary décor and
expansive balconies offers an ideal all
seasons alternative.
Licensed until 12am, with no noise
restrictions, the reception venue is located
on a separate floor to daytime visitors to the
Gondola. Superb food tailored for your guests
combines with attentive, stylish service to
enhance an already memorable day.
For your perfect wedding – Christchurch
Gondola. www.gondola.co.nz or
enquiries@continental.co.nz

venues
wedding themes
we adore
Get making those mood boards…
Name of the trend: NEON SIGNS
A little description: We admit it; we’re more than a little bit
obsessed with the neon sign trend. It’s been around for a while but
we’re convinced it’s not going to run out of power any time soon.
Neon signs can be custom-made and spell out your new surname,
your wedding hashtag, the place you met or even a lyric from your
first dance song. So, light up your ceremony and reception with a
neon sign that is bound to create a buzz.
Why we love it: What we love most about this trend is the fact you
can get joy from it long after your wedding day. With most being
customised to perfection, happy couples find it easy to display
them in their homes after the big day. Neon lights are a great
addition to wedding photos as they emit such warmth. We’re also
crazy for this trend because it ties in perfectly with the personalised
décor trend that we’ll talk about next.
Type of wedding it’s great for: Absolutely any type of wedding,
without a doubt. They make a gorgeous backdrop to a minimalist
indoor wedding but are hugely effective when they join forces with
fairy lights for an outdoor reception in the evening.
Tips for achieving it: Always be sure to allow ample time for your
neon sign to be created, especially if you’re opting for a custom
design (which you totally should, by the way). Pick a company
that suits your personal style, budget and has a good track record
for delivering neon signs on time and in one piece. The best in the
business will have a neon sign generator on their website.
97

venues
Name of the trend: PERSONALISED DÉCOR
A little description: Your wedding day is obviously
all about the newlyweds, and this trend eradicates
all chances of your guests forgetting it. By
personalised décor, we’re talking about printing your
initials or surname repeatedly across the wedding;
from invitations, to cupcakes, balloons, napkins and,
our firm favourite, matching leather jackets.
Why we love it: This big day is all about you and
nothing illustrates that as well as the personalised
décor trend can. Non-edible items make great
keepsakes for your guests who will always remember
your wedding fondly. This trend is also a great way to
coin your wedding hashtag, making it easy for your
guests to share imagery.
Type of wedding it’s great for: Printing your initials
everywhere may seem a little over the top for some
couples, so we think this trend is best suited for
small, intimate weddings where the personalisation
is limited by the size of the venue. After all, we’re
talking about icing your initials on your macaroons
and napkins, not projecting them onto the side of
a building.
Tips for achieving it: To make this trend most
effective, keep your font the same across the
board, from invitations, to bunting, to your fancy
new neon sign. You may be under the impression
that a personalised wedding scheme will cost the
earth in customisation charges but you can avoid
these fees by having a stencil made and getting
the paintbrushes out (we recommend getting the
bridesmaids to lend a hand).
Photo: Leather jacket
www.wolfandrosie.com
Photo: Cake topper
www.personalisedfavours.com.au
The perfect venue
for both indoor and
outdoor weddings.
ILAMHOMESTEAD.CO.NZ

venues
Name of the trend: VIDEO MAPPING
A little description: Banish the feeble disco ball
because video mapping is here, and is tipped to be
one of the biggest wedding trends of 2019. Video
mapping is when projectors are used to transform
rooms and outdoor areas with impressive light
displays. Video mapping can be designed and
programmed to fit any theme of wedding. Your
choice of lighting display will be projected onto
floors, walls or ceilings, much to the amazement of
your guests.
Why we love it: At long last, due to more brands
adding this service to their resume, video mapping
is becoming more and more accessible to couples
around the world, including here in New Zealand.
Most companies can even create a custom
monogram that will light up any dancefloor (thus
nailing the aforementioned personalisation brief as
well). Video mapping can be used throughout the
day but we love how effective it is when it comes to
putting the spot light on the bride and groom for
their first dance.
Type of wedding it’s great for: This trend is,
without a doubt, best suited for grand, largescale
weddings. When adapted for more intimate
weddings, the varied and flashing lights are likely to
be more distressing than they are romantic. Large
venues are often hard to fill, but a lighting display is
the perfect way to do so.
Tips for achieving it: This isn’t a job for one of the
bridesmaids or groomsmen to take on. So, call in
the professionals who will happily assist with the
set-up, monitoring and pack down of this usually
complicated lighting option.
Photo (top): www.3dmappingfactory.com
Located in the picturesque boutique town of Geraldine, just a two-hour drive south of Christchurch,
Stonebridge is the ultimate wedding venue to bring together family and friends to celebrate your
special day. With multiple ceremony sites, a sculptured lake, manicured gardens and lawns perfect for
post ceremony drinks and lawn games, magical woodland grounds to create timeless photographs
and a purpose-built venue to hold your reception, Stonebridge really is the perfect venue.
The team at Stonebridge love what they do. Let new owners Justine and Adelle take your thoughts,
hopes and aspirations and turn them into the wedding you have always dreamed of. Their
uncompromising attention to detail and hands-on management style means that you can relax and
focus on marrying the love of your life.
Stonebridge is an all-inclusive wedding venue that needs to be seen in person to truly understand its
beauty and versatility. Contact us today to arrange a viewing.
Photo Credit – Paul Wilson Weddings
STONEBRIDGE
842 Winchester Geraldine Road
Geraldine
STONEBRIDGE
The place for life’s special moments …
enquiries@stonebridge.co.nz
www.stonebridge.co.nz

venues
Photos: Z Create Design www.etsy.com/nz/zcreatedesign
New Zealand's largest collection of
photo booths & wedding packages
Classic Photo Booths
www.classicphotobooths.co.nz
Call Free 0800 746 862

venues
Name of the trend: GEOMETRICS
A little description: Geometric shapes are a great way
to create a running theme throughout your wedding
from invitations, terrariums and cake toppers to place
names and tea light holders.
Why we love it: Brides have admired geometric
designs for a few years, but lately, they’ve been given a
real upgrade. Geometric shapes go hand in hand with
the floral accents that are present at most weddings
because the angular lines complement the natural
aspects most perfectly.
Type of wedding it’s great for: This trend is extremely
versatile so it’s ideal for most weddings. However, we
think that the angular geometric shapes look best
when showcased in a venue with either an industrial
or rustic feel. In regards to size, this trend suits either
large or more intimate weddings, so most brides can
consider incorporating geometric details into their
scheme.
Tips for achieving it: Keep the colour scheme
consistent. From cake decorations to table numbers,
be sure to stick to just one colour throughout.
Obtaining all of your décor in the same colour may
prove tricky, and the easiest, most budget-savvy way
may be to get the spray paints out.
Relaxed,
Rustic,
Romantic
Specialists in relaxed
rustic style weddings
for 30-250 guests
307 Larcomb Rd, Rolleston 022 425 8628 info@gtcatering.co.nz www.larcombvineyard.co

advertorial
High Country Romance
At Terrace Downs Resort
Let us introduce you to the ever-scenic,
Terrace Downs Resort. This beautiful
wedding venue has both indoor
and outdoor spaces that are ideal for your
ceremony, reception and dance. In addition,
the luxurious accommodation that is available
for the wedding party and guests, truly makes
this unique venue the perfect choice for your
wedding, no matter what time of year you
choose to tie the knot.
Terrace Downs Resort is just an hour’s drive
from Christchurch International Airport, so
you can be transported to the heart of the
high country most conveniently. You’ll feel
right at home in the rustic clubhouse that
offers incredible panoramic views over the
18-hole championship golf course, right up to
the Southern Alps and Mt Hutt. Inside, the
warm and welcoming clubhouse, complete
with the open-fire crackling, reflects the highcountry
backdrop, offering an idyllic setting
for photography. You can also access more
secluded locations by helicopter or jet boat
if you so desire. Your wedding album
will certainly be one to remember fondly.
This venue understands that getting ready
is half the fun. The generously sized Ladies
Powder Room is situated in the clubhouse
and is the best place for the bride and
bridesmaids to enjoy getting ready for the
big day, whilst enjoying a hearty range of
snacks and beverages.
If you weren’t already sold, let us go
on to mention more features of this wonderful
venue. Pre and post wedding entertainment
options include golf, clay pigeon shooting,
horse riding and spa treatments. And, once
your guests have tired themselves out, they
can kick back and relax at the range of stylish
accommodation including villa and chalet
options that can sleep up to 110 people. If
you’re looking for an extra level of exclusivity,
you can, of course, book the entire resort,
for your use only.
Together, your dedicated Wedding
Co-ordinator and events team will ensure
smooth running from start to end. A unique
wedding menu will be designed to match your
theme and it will be served with incredible flair
that will only result in total enjoyment for each
and every guest.
So, whether you’re planning a wedding large
or small, Terrace Downs Resort provides the
ultimate venue. Breath-taking mountain vistas,
deluxe accommodation and spectacular dining
options, all just a pleasant one-hour drive from
the Christchurch airport.
To book your wedding at Terrace Downs
Resort or to enquire about special rates for
mid-week and winter weddings visit
www.terracedownsresort.co.nz or email
wedding@terracedowns.co.nz
102

The Art of a Wedding
AT TERRACE DOWNS RESORT
Terrace Downs Resort is the perfect setting for your special day, whether it's
an intimate wedding or a lavish affair, we offer a variety of options including:
Multiple ceremony sites both
outside and indoors
Reception facilities
Exclusive use Powder Room
Flexible menu options
Onsite accommodation for up to
95 guests
Various onsite activities including
spa and golf
Personal wedding co-ordinator
Confirm your wedding with us before 31 October and receive
a $1000 credit for a reception with 50 guests or more OR a $500 credit for a reception with 20-49 guests*
*Credit will be applied to the final account following the wedding
Photos courtesy of Andy Currie - top, Dolce Wedding Photography bottom left, Krystle Photograpy bottom right
Coleridge Road | Windwhistle
Just 60 minutes drive from Christchurch
03 318 6943
wedding@terracedowns.co.nz
www.terracedowns.co.nz

venues
ALL THINGS
CELEBRANTS
FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHAT IS A CELEBRANT?
Many people, celebrants included, struggle to define
precisely what a celebrant does due to the wide spectrum
that they cover during the run-up to your wedding, on
the day itself and even afterwards.
Celebrants are people who conduct formal ceremonies
within the communities, namely weddings. They’re
authorised under law and play a major role in any legal
wedding. The live and breathe all things weddings; it’s
their passion! Months of training is whole-heartedly
poured in to gaining all of the knowledge necessary to
successfully become a celebrant.
Celebrants are able to conduct ceremonies that
perfectly reflect the beliefs of the couple, religious or
otherwise. So, celebrants come well versed in a wide
variety of traditions, beliefs, cultures, religions and
lifestyles. There’s just no denying the crucial role that
celebrants will play when it comes to making your
wedding unique.
104

venues
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CELEBRANT
It goes without saying that you should have an initial spark with your
celebrant. They’ll be playing a big part in your special day, so picking
one that you bond with is hugely important. There’s nothing to say you
can’t check out a few different celebrants before picking one you truly
admire.
Naturally there will be other determining factors, such as the
celebrant’s cost as well as their availability, and if they’re able to travel
should your wedding be further afield. But without a doubt, we believe
the primary factor for choosing your celebrant should be how they make
you feel. They should make you feel happy, comfortable and confident.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR CELEBRANT
You can and should expect your celebrant to pull out all of the stops to
make your wedding the best that it possibly can be. So, you can certainly
expect an initial meeting. From the get-go, you’ll know if you want to
take things further, or continue on your search for the perfect celebrant.
Once you’ve decided upon a celebrant, you’ll meet up again; this is
your chance to discuss your wedding plans and to get to know each other.
During the lead-up to your wedding your celebrant should,
without a doubt, be communicating with you continuously. They
should be at the end of the phone should questions or queries arise.
Now, this is the important bit, your celebrant should clearly
instruct the couple about all of the legal requirements for the
ceremony, such as what documents should be obtained beforehand.
Assistance in writing one another’s vows can also be requested,
so if you’re a little lost for words, get your experienced celebrant to
lend a hand.
Celebrants can certainly help with the more general side of
wedding planning such as the wedding rehearsal and even the order
of events.
On the day of the wedding, your celebrant should arrive bright and
early to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Then, for the exciting part; they’ll professionally perform your
wedding as well as supervise the signing of the wedding licence
alongside your witnesses.
Once all documents are correctly signed, your celebrant will send
it all to the authorities, leaving you to enjoy your reception.
Tricia WarWick-Naziris
Marriage Celebrant
Creating with you
a personal service
to reflect your love
021 143 9488
triciaandathawn@hotmail.com
WWW.TriciaWarWick-NaziriscelebraNT.co.Nz
Words With Soul
Creating Everlasting Memories
MARRIAGES • ELOPEMENTS • LGBTQI • VOW RENEWALS • ANNIVERSARIES
My genuine passion, creativity, knowledge and experience enables
me to create a partnership with my couples. I have a special interest
in Social and Cultural Diversity, Traditions and Rituals. This enables
me to encapsulate and reflect the “True Essence” of the couple
throughout their ceremony. Styled with a refreshing, fun experience
by blending both Traditional and Contemporary elements within my
ceremonies.
Delivered with a unique, candid and modern feel.
Tania Johnson Scott CELEBRANT
Certificate in Celebrant Studies Member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand
M: 027 751 8753 E: tania@taniajohnsonscott.co.nz W: www.taniajohnsonscottcelebrant.co.nz
F: www.facebook.com/TaniaJohnsonScottCelebrant

venues
Top five first
dance songs
At Last
Etta James
the sound of music
Your Song
Elton John
Better Together
Jack Johnson
All of Me
John Legend
How Sweet It Is
(to Be Loved by You)
James Taylor
If I Ain’t Got You
Alicia Keys
Music is a hugely important aspect of any
wedding. In any given public situation,
it’s hard to satisfy everyone’s music
tastes. But when it comes to weddings, it’s
harder than ever, given the sheer range of ages
and personalities that will be present. There are,
however, a range of options that, when integrated
well, can ensure that nobody will be able to resist
singing along.
Live bands can be hugely romantic especially
when toned down to fit an acoustic brief. Just
make sure that if the band is intended to serve
primarily as background sound, that guests are
still able to hold conversations over the top. It’s
also worth checking that a live band will sound
good in your given venue, as this can often make
a huge difference. When sieving through band
options, ask around and check if anyone has
heard them live. If not, then tee up a little taster
session to make sure they’re exactly what you’re
looking for. Finally, it’s more than OK to brief
the band on how you’d like them to dress.
When it comes to DJs, certain elements should
be considered. As with live bands, you should
check the genre of music suits your personal
taste. In addition, it’s key to plan in advance.
Make sure that either the DJ or your venue has
all of the equipment that is required. On the
note of venues, it’s important to consider any
noise restrictions that are in place.
Perhaps opt for a combination of the two.
Live acoustic music is perfect for creating an
atmosphere when guests are enjoying drinks and
dinner whilst a DJ can aid in getting everyone to
the dance floor when the time is right.
We love the idea of getting each guest to
submit a song of their choice for the wedding
playlist. Sharing this playlist with guests after the
wedding is also a lovely gesture; you’re all sure to
enjoy listening back to the selection of tracks.
106

advertorial
Something Borrowed
Something New
Our motto is “You get dressed we’ll dress the rest!”
Here at Something Borrowed Something
New, we’re proud to be Christchurch’s
leading store for all of your decoration
requirements. Our impressive range of
products includes all of the latest décor trends
that are available to hire or purchase. From
classic options to the more contemporary,
come on in and experiment with setting up
your own displays here in store. Whether
you’re after simple décor or something more
flamboyant, we’ll have just what you need.
We have an extremely vast selection of
event product for sale, including rolls of
fabric, sashes, table décor and wedding
accessories, to name just a few. The items that
we have available reflect the current trends,
including the vintage and rustic look. We are
pleased to stock very lifelike foliage garlands
for centrepieces, festoon lighting, coloured
linen tableware, signage, blackboards, as well
as fabulous glassware, lanterns and stunning
candelabras. In addition, we also have a great
range of backdrops including but not limited
to floral, fern and greenery walls and a twometre
wooden freestanding love sign, to
name just a couple.
With free in-store consultations, Lynn and
her team can offer advice based on many
successful years of experience to help achieve
distinctive individuality of style for your most
special occasion. You may choose to decorate
your own venue or take advantage of the
company’s Venue Setting Service as we offer a
styling and set-up/pack-down service.
SBSN also has a comprehensive and
affordable catalogue of props for themed
functions, including backdrop displays,
furniture, palm trees, enchanted forest trees,
floral displays and children’s themed displays,
that are available on the website.
You’ll find everything you could possibly
need to create a bespoke theme for your
special occasion. “Wedding decorations
and ideas are naturally an important part of
the business, but we can also theme private
parties including engagements, hens’ nights,
corporate functions, balls, 21sts, birthdays and
anniversary celebrations,” says Lynn.
“We even have the things you haven’t
thought about yet, so come in and talk to us
about what we can do for you. Don’t forget to
like us on Facebook and check it regularly for
in store specials too,” suggests Lynn. So, what
are you waiting for? Head down and see us
today, and together, we’ll get the ball rolling.
Located at 311 Blenheim Road with parking
right outside. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm and
10am-2.30pm Saturdays. Phone 03 343 5984,
visit www.sbsn.co.nz and like us on Facebook.
OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
Specialising in:
• Wedding/Event Hire
• Corporate Functions
• Styling & Set Ups
• Wedding Supplies
Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm
Sat 10am - 2.30pm
311 Blenheim Road
03 343 5984
www.sbsn.co.nz

venues
dinner is served
Guests are happiest when full of beautifully cooked food, so picking the right
caterer is absolutely key to creating lasting memories.
Here are some of the most popular and effective forms of wedding day catering…
A seated reception dinner
Often comprised of three separate
courses, served by waitstaff, this
catering choice is unsurprisingly,
one of the most expensive you can
pick. It’s the traditional option that
requires your guests to remain seated
for an extended period of time, so
it’s important to consider how young
children will cope. Guests with dietary
requirements are accounted for well
in advance – as long as you have
requested this information is returned
alongside their RSVP.
Banquet-style catering
Not to be confused with wedding
buffets, banquet-style dining involves
varied platters being placed on the
tables of your guests. Guests will serve
themselves, so be sure to check plenty
of appropriate utensils will be supplied.
Known also as French platter style, it’s
a great way to break the ice between
guests while offering a wide range of
foods. The thing to consider is how
much table space your platters will take
up; you don’t want to leave your guests
struggling for space.
Cocktails and canapés
This option goes down extremely well
at afternoon weddings – or as a starter
before the main dinner. If a cocktail
and canapé reception is in the place
of sit-down dinner, be sure to let your
guests know so they won’t expect a
full meal and can instead feast heartily
on the smaller bites provided. Unlike
other catering options, cocktails and
canapés often eliminate the need to hire
additional serve wear like plates and
bowls as these mini morsels are likely to
be eaten from a napkin.
108

venues
A wedding buffet
A great catering choice if you’re keen to offer a wide range of
foods that will suit the palates and dietary requirements of all
of your guests. Buffets can include both hot and cold foods that
are usually placed across a long table allowing guests to stand
up and serve themselves as many times as they wish. Foods
for guests with dietary requirements can be clearly labelled or
positioned on a separate table to ensure that there is enough to
comfortably go round.
A barbecue or spit roast
This is a great casual way to feed your wedding guests.
Perfect for summer weddings and those that will see a lot
of young families in attendance. If your catering budget
is somewhat restricted, barbecues and spit roasts are a
delicious way to cut costs as waitstaff and cutlery costs
can be reduced significantly. Your guests will love having
the option to mingle and chat with one another during the
dinner period of the evening.
Key things to consider when you’re deciding upon your menu…
The numbers.
Obviously, the more people come to
your wedding, the more you’ll have
to pay for catering. Be sure to check
your catering candidates are able to
provide for the number of guests you are
expecting as most catering companies
will have minimum and maximum
numbers that they’re able and willing
to cater for. If your chosen company is
best suited for more intimate weddings,
don’t stretch them too far. You’ll want
them to deliver the very best food they
can and catering for more guests than
they are comfortable with could have
the opposite outcome.
The nibbles.
By the time dinner rolls around, your
guests will likely be pretty ravenous,
so, with the help of your caterer you
should plan what snacks can be provided
especially if you’re going to be holding
a cocktail hour. A great option is to have
waitstaff bring around plates of various
bite-sized foods, both sweet and savoury.
If you opt for pre-dinner nibbles, be
absolutely certain of the amount of food
that is needed, how much it will cost and
if your caterer will be able to prepare it,
given your location. Where snacks are
concerned, it’s still imperative to cater for
those guests with dietary requirements.
The season.
The time of year in which you choose to
get married can have a huge impact on
your wedding day menu. Do a little bit of
research and find out what ingredients
will be tricky for your caterers to get
their hands on during your timing of
choice. If out-of-season ingredients need
to be acquired, a massive additional cost
could arise that you’d rather not spend
your wedding budget on. It’s important
to be willing to compromise on the
menu in relation to the seasons; instead
of paying more just to source certain
produce, embrace the foods readily
available at that time of the year.
the cake eating company
cakes made to be different
www.thecakeeatingco.co.nz
dee@spitroast.com | 021 351 905
0800 333 666

venues
food for thought
Don’t forget to ask your wedding caterers these important questions.
Do you have a licence, including one for liquor
liability? You’ll want to be fully confident that
everything is legal, safe and professional.
Do you offer taste testing? It’s always a great sign if
your caterer is more than willing to provide this service.
Can we read reviews and references from previous
couples? Whilst it’s key that the food tastes great,
you’ll also want to find out if the catering company is
easy to work with.
What does our chosen package cost? Prices vary hugely
depending on the caterer, the venue, your chosen menu
and the number of guests who will be in attendance.
What’s included in our package? Make sure you’re clear
on the price breakdown. You won’t want to get stung by
any hidden charges that may occur.
Have you ever catered at our venue before?
This will help with logistics including set-up times
and proceedings.
From where do you source your ingredients? If organic
and local is your personal preference then be sure
you pick a caterer that can deliver the goods.
What is your favourite food to whip up? This gives
a strong indication about their style. We always
recommend trying to include their favourite dish in
your wedding day menu, if it’s your cup of tea.
Are you able to cater for food intolerances, and will
this be at an additional cost? You’re likely have at least
a few guests who require certain food types, so picking a
caterer that can provide those guests with
food that’s just as delicious is imperative.
Do you provide cutlery, napkins and other serving
essentials? If they don’t, you’ll be faced with a huge
amount of additional planning, so certainly consider
using one that provides everything that is required.
Are you able to provide waitstaff? If so, make sure
you’re aware of how many are needed and how much
they’ll cost.
110

advertorial
Verve Real Food Catering
We all know that along with the venue and your dress, the food you
serve plays such a special part in your wedding day.
You’ll enjoy real food prepared
with flair and the freshest of local
seasonal ingredients when you
choose Verve Real Food Catering to look
after you on your special day. Our talented
team cook everything from scratch and
are well known for being flexible when
it comes to menu design. We can make
recommendations from our extensive
repertoire to create exactly the menu
you want and are more than happy to
incorporate your favourite dishes, make
your favourite family recipes and, if
you’ve caught your own crayfish or
venison for example, can even use
your own special ingredients.
We are real foodies and true romantics
at Verve, and will be flexible not only with
your menu, but can also work within your
budget to give you the wedding feast your
heart desires. And what’s more, we can
cook for you and your guests, pretty
much anywhere.
REAL FOOD, WHEREVER YOU WANT IT
From traditional venues and marquees,
to wool sheds and beachside settings,
we work our culinary magic in all sorts of
wonderful locations. We partner with a
huge number of wedding destinations and
venues, and we also have a fully mobile
commercial kitchen, which means we can
treat your guests to delicious, real food
wherever you are celebrating. We also pride
ourselves on providing exceptionally high
levels of service so that your wedding feast
is sure to be a truly memorable part of
your celebrations.
If this all sounds like a fairytale,
please do visit www.vervecatering.co.nz
to see testimonials from our very
happy customers.
Please note, we are a boutique catering
company and our diary fills particularly
quickly in the wedding season. We have
chosen to remain small so that you receive
the first-class service personnel you
deserve. This exclusivity means that you
do need to book us promptly if you want
your guests to enjoy the Verve Real Food
experience on your wedding day.
“The food was delicious,
the service was faultless
and they were such a lovely team of people.
Our guests raved about the food.
We honestly could not have asked for
anything more.”
Mr & Mrs Jones, wedding breakfast,
January 2018
Real food,
freshly made,
served with love.
Whatever you want,
wherever you want it.
Fresh and exquisite...
a real food experience.
Contact: Nicky Geddes,
03 374 6662, 021 709 220
info@vervecatering.co.nz
www.vervecatering.co.nz

venues
piece of cake
A wedding cake really is the cherry on the top of an
amazing event. We caught up with the baking geniuses
at the Cake Eating Company for the lowdown on all
things cake.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Before you pick a cake maker, check out their
social media. You’ll likely have a strong idea of
what style you’re after so make sure that any
potential bakers are capable of working in a
similar style.
Portion sizes are important. Be sure to specify
whether you intend to serve the cake for dessert
or as a snack with supper so that the cake maker
can be sure to make enough to go round. There
are no industry standard sizes, so just make sure
your cake maker is clear.
Have a budget in mind, be it as a whole or
per person. This way, your cake maker will be
able to achieve the design you want in relation
to said budget or will be able to let you know if
it’s not feasible.
Most companies will offer delivery or pick
up. Picking up likely means you’ll save money
on delivery charges but be sure to follow their
advice as how to best transport the cake.
Fresh flowers are a wonderfully cost-effective
cake decoration. If you are considering using
flowers, we recommend contacting your florist
so they can send some to your cake maker.
This way, the flowers on your cake will match
the flowers in your additional arrangements.
Oh, and be sure your cake maker knows which
flowers are toxic!
TASTE TESTING…
Here are some traditional wedding cakes that
never fail to impress each and every guest,
fondly named by the Caking Eating Company.
112

venues
1. CAKE NAME: Glenda
Flavours: Belgian chocolate mud cake;
lemon, raspberry and passionfruit; and sticky
date with toffee sauce.
Decoration style: Traditional white fondant.
A little description: A classic white fondant
three-tiered cake, no less. The bottom tier
is covered in hundreds, yes hundreds, of
individually hand-made ruffles, with the
middle tier featuring a large sugar-paste
anemone. The simple black ribbon provides
a contrast to the white fondant, perfect for a
black and silver wedding theme.
Why is it so special? The Glenda was named
after the bride, who had saved an image of a
similar cake, which we used as a base before
adjusting it to suit her unique colour scheme
and flower. Four hours of loving labour went
into creating the ruffles, so it’s safe to say, we
got pretty attached.
How many people can enjoy it? This one was
pretty enormous! It served 170 coffee-sized
portions, or 85 dessert-sized portions.
2. CAKE NAME: Gold Leaf
Flavours: Lemon, raspberry and passionfruit
with black forest.
Decoration style: The smoothest ivory butter
cream decorated minimally with a cascade
of 24k Italian gold, which complements fresh
flowers perfectly.
A little description: This three-tier cake is
actually one of our most popular sizes for
weddings and, given how elegant it looks,
it’s easy to see why.
Why is it so special? It’s just one of those
cakes that is a joy to look at. It’s classy and
gorgeous in a most understated way.
How many people can enjoy it? This beauty
is big enough for 70 coffee portions, 35
dessert portions.
3. CAKE NAME: Gold and Black
Flavours: Both tiers are Belgian chocolate
mud cake.
Decoration style: Fondant with the most
incredible detail.
A little description: The bottom tier is
comprised of hand-pressed images painted in
gold with gold leaf detail, whilst the top tier is
covered in stunning sugar flowers.
Why is it so special? It was one of those cakes
where we were inspired and then got given free
rein, so we just went for it.
How many people can enjoy it? 70 coffee
serves, 35 dessert portions.
4. CAKE NAME: Lucy
Flavours: Lemon, raspberry and passionfruit;
and chocolate with fudge, cookies, caramel
and custard.
Decoration style: Semi-nude buttercream.
A little description: Two tiers of semi-naked
cake with a dark chocolate drip, gold leaf detail
then a tonne of fresh flowers, macarons, fruit,
meringues, and greenery.
What makes it so special? Another cake where
we got absolute free rein. The only parameters
were the number of tiers, and the flowers,
which were delivered by their florist.
How many people can enjoy it? 80 delicious
coffee servings or 40 dessert servings.
5. CAKE NAME: Olivia
Flavours: Dark chocolate mud cake with
lemon, raspberry and passionfruit.
Decoration style: Wafer paper and gold leaf.
A little description: The bottom tier is covered
in a custom-designed wafer paper image and
the top with 24K gold leaf, finished with fresh
florals and greenery.
What makes it so special? Olivia’s sister-in-law
designed the image for the bottom tier, so it
has that special family connection.
How many people can enjoy it? This cake is
suited for 40 coffee serves or 20 dessert serves.
113

venues
let them eat cake
AND FIVE DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVES…
1. DOUGHNUTS
Debatably, the most important ring of
the day. Ringed doughnuts are giving
traditional wedding cakes a serious
run for their money. Whether you stack
them up, set up a doughnut dessert bar
or even give them their own dedicated
wall, including doughnuts in your
wedding’s catering plans is bound to
be a success amongst your guests.
The crowd-pleasers can come glazed,
sprinkled or even in the shape of the
newlywed’s initials. So say ‘I do’ to this
fun alternative. And if you’re looking for
a slightly classier, flakier alternative,
may we suggest the cronut?
2. PAVLOVA
Incredible pavlova centrepieces are
proving popular at weddings around
the country, and we’re into it. This
gluten-free dessert is perfect year round.
Whilst traditionally enjoyed during
warmer months, it’s easily adapted to
suit any season by simply adjusting the
topping. Just consider edible flowers
and tropical fruits for a summer wedding
and seasonal fruits that ooze dark juices
for a winter one. The pavlova’s support
act is more than often, a host of smaller,
colourful meringues that are readily
available to guests. Pavlova bars allow
wedding goers to top their serving with
an array of toppings including creams
and seasonal fruits.
3. CROQUEMBOUCHE
A croquembouche at a New Zealand
wedding isn’t considered common
place at all, but a wedding in France
simply wouldn’t occur without this
awe-inspiring dessert. The French
favourite consists of cream-filled choux
pastry balls that are arranged into a
magnificent cone, encased with the
most delicate spun caramel, sugared
almonds, details of chocolate and even
flowers. When it comes to the decadent
filling, a vanilla bourbon cream is a
favourite amongst Parisian brides, with
pistachio and orange blossom proving
themselves as worthy runners-up.
The tallest croquembouche stood at a
staggering 4.5 metres, so get building.
4. MACARONS
With absolutely endless flavour and
colour combinations, it’s so easy to
see the appeal of a macaron tower in
place of a traditional cake. Each level
of the tower can be a different colour
and flavour, ensuring every sweettoothed
guest is left more than satisfied.
Of course, there’s no need to cut this
wedding cake alternative with a knife,
guests are able to grab a macaron,
as and when they please. Whilst we
somehow doubt the tower will stay
standing, any leftover macarons can
be easily swiped up by guests as they
depart. Pick a colour palette and pile
them up high.
5. ECLAIRS
Another French classic, the once
humble éclair has been given a massive
makeover and, as a result, serving them
at your wedding is sure to put you in the
running for the most on-trend wedding
of the year, if not century. With éclairs,
beauty starts from within. The cream
fillings have been suitably upgraded
from plain creams to the most diverse
and flavoursome. When it comes to
external beauty, the world’s most
prestigious patisseries are taking éclair
toppings to a new level. Edible gold,
petals, sugar art and even personalised
icing are just the beginning for this
delectable trend.
114

advertorial
The Vines Club
Tucked away in spacious landscaped grounds down a long, tree-lined driveway,
The Vines Club is the ideal place to celebrate your wedding.
An inviting entranceway sets the
scene on arrival, with a meandering
pathway that leads you to spacious,
well-established gardens, overlooking a
miniature vineyard. If you are planning an
outdoor wedding, the unique wedding dell
provides a picture-perfect spot for you to
exchange your vows.
The beautiful, natural surroundings also
provide many great photo opportunities
and, as the venue opens out onto a
sheltered patio, your guests can relax,
mingle and enjoy the view while you are
having your wedding photographs taken.
With room for up to 100 people, a
marquee on the lawn adds extra space,
and there is plenty of room for dancing the
night away.
The philosophy at The Vines Club is
“Your day, your way”. The team is flexible
in their approach and, with various
different packages on offer, will work
together with you to create the setting and
feel you want.
As well as being a fabulous venue,
The Vines Club offers a range of different
catering options from delicious,
traditional Kiwi food from Spitroast.com,
through to sumptuous boutique wedding
feasts by Verve Real Food Caterers, who
will prepare whatever dishes you wish to
serve. A fully licenced bar is available and/
or you can BYO if you prefer.
With years of experience, The Vines Club
team provides a genuinely warm welcome
and top-class professional service. For
extra peace of mind, one of the crew will
be on hand throughout the day to take
care of all the details, so you can truly
relax and enjoy your moment.
Set in a relaxed, rural enviroment,
The Vines Club is close to both town and
the Christchurch International Airport,
and has ample on-site parking. Combining
beautiful food and beautiful surroundings,
this is an idyllic spot in which to celebrate
and create wonderful memories you will
cherish forever.
“ Your day,
your way.”
651 Pound Road, Christchurch
Contact: Dee Taylor
Phone: 021 914 817
info@thevinesclub.co.nz
www.thevinesclub.co.nz

venues
food and drink stations
HANGRY GUESTS ARE NOW A THING OF THE PAST…
Whist your wedding day will likely be a rather
rapid blur of excitement, it’s actually a long day
for guests, especially children. So, it’s key to keep
them well fed and watered from start to finish.
Luckily for you, food and drink stations have been
taken to the next level, and they’ve never looked
or tasted better. Here are just a small list of some
of our favourites:
For summer
weddings…
ICE-CREAM STATION
Guests will love cooling down
with a trip to the ice-cream
station. Most stations will
consist of a few different
flavours, accompanied by
different sauces, toppings,
cones and bowls. Avoid a
flavoured milk station by
ensuring your venue has
the means to keep the ice
creams frozen.
CHARCUTERIE STATION
Visually impressive and undeniably delicious, charcuterie
stations are often comprised of cold meats, bread, oils and
other tasty accompaniments that will have your guests making
many return visits. When the weather is hot, these cold meats
are ideal for wedding day grazing.
For family-friendly
weddings…
CANDY STATION
Stock up on large jars and fill
’em up high with a selection
of lollies. Simply provide
scoops and paper bags and
let your guests run wild.
Perfect for both snacking on
during the day and taking
home at the end of the night.
Children and adults alike will
adore this sweet idea.
TACO AND NACHO STATION
Get your hands dirty with a DIY taco and nacho station. Guests
of all ages will take great pleasure in piling up guacamole,
jalapenos, salsa and more. This option is bound to keep your
wedding-goers fuelled up until it’s time to hit the dancefloor.
For winter
weddings…
HOT CHOCOLATE STATION
Keep your guests warm
with a festive hot chocolate
station. Stocking the station
is simple; just set up a vat of
high quality hot chocolate,
mugs, marshmallows,
cream, chocolate shavings
and candy canes.
S’MORES STATION
When it comes to s’mores, you know the drill. Lay out crackers,
marshmallows, chocolate chips and fudge. A small open fire is
needed to roast the marshmallows, so it goes without saying that
younger guests should be supervised. We love this cosy option.
For boozy weddings…
DIY COCKTAIL STATION
Shake things up with a cocktail station. Provide spirits, mixer and
garnishes aplenty. There’s no need to recruit an additional bar
man. Instead, laminate several recipes including the classics, such
as martinis and margaritas. For an extra unique touch, why not
create a special cocktail recipe named after the bride and groom?
OYSTER AND CHAMPAGNE
STATION
Oysters aren’t for everyone,
but champagne is practically
universal. As with any type
of seafood, it’s crucial to
serve them at the correct
temperature, so consider
asking your caterer to man
this particular station. This
option is guaranteed to
impress your guests, whether
they indulge or refrain.
116

advertorial
Confidence in your wedding
partner makes for a happy day
If you’re newly engaged, the question of where to get married
will come up pretty quickly.
VENUES.
Due to its trusted reputation, Continental –
which recently celebrated 50 years catering
for weddings and special occasions – has
exclusive or preferred access to many
special and/or unique function spaces,
the range covering venues with rural or
city vistas, traditional or modern décor,
charming or sophisticated ambience.
Within Christchurch and Canterbury,
the list on the website is extensive,
including:
Mona Vale Homestead and Iris Lawn,
Christchurch Gondola,
Isaac Theatre Royal,
The Great Hall,
Valley of Peace,
Waipara Winery,
Tipapa Woolshed, Greta Valley.
Once the ‘where’ is sorted and the ‘when’
confirmed, at some stage of the planning
your thoughts will turn to the reception
and catering.
CATERING.
A passion for exceptional catering is at
the core of Continental: the team aims
to deliver on-trend, tasty, stylish cuisine
served with flair by friendly and attentive
professionals. This is the team you can
trust to guide you through the intricacies
of planning your wedding.
The Continental cuisine team offers
menu options or will design entire one-off
menus just for your special day, allowing
for special dietary requirements so you
can rest assured all of your guests will be
able to enjoy the full wedding experience.
Happy to discuss serving styles, timing,
beverage requirements and a whole host
of things you may not have considered,
just one call or email connects you with
an experienced event planner who can
assist you with all your catering and
venue decisions.
Have a look at the website or contact
the team: www.continental.co.nz or
enquiries@continental.co.nz

venues
raise a glass
From toasting with your bridesmaids to toasting after the speeches,
alcohol plays an integral part of any wedding. There are many
different options when it comes to how best to provide beverages
at your wedding. Budget, the number of guests and venue can all
ultimately affect your final choice.
THE OPEN BAR
Naturally a firm favourite amongst
your guests. An open bar means that
friends and family can leave their wallets
at home. Guests are able to order
whichever drink they please and can
return to the bar time after time. You’ll
pick up the tab after the wedding.
THE CASH BAR
It’s no secret that weddings are
extremely expensive, so guests won’t
assume that alcohol at your wedding will
come free of charge. If you can’t squeeze
a free bar out of your budget, don’t put
yourself into a sticky financial situation.
THE BRING YOUR OWN
Some venues will allow you to bring
your own choice of alcohol and still
serve them for you. Be sure to check
how much alcohol you’re allowed
to bring, what types of alcohol are
applicable and what extra charges
(e.g. corkage) will apply.
THE LIMITED BAR
If a totally free bar isn’t a viable
option, this could be the perfect
solution. With a limited bar, you
pick a select range of drinks to serve
during specific times, such as during
the speeches and cocktail hour.
118

advertorial
Welcome to Rossendale Vineyard
Rossendale Vineyard is a gem on the Old
Tai Tapu Road. Your wedding will be
set apart from the rest, when you choose
to celebrate at such an incredibly elegant and
contemporary venue. This most versatile
setting is available for weddings throughout
the year, with each season providing an equally
breath-taking backdrop.
The surroundings are most captivating, with
a working Pinot Noir vineyard and mature
gardens, with a stream boundary, offering
phenomenal photograph opportunities to
compliment your ceremony and reception.
Lucky are the wedding guests who
experience this superb setting, which
incorporates the Pinot Noir room, a separate
dance floor and lounge with the added bonus
of a luxury retreat that the bridal party may
use during the celebrations.
When it comes to dining, Rossendale
Vineyard sets the bar high. From buffet
options to served menus, the selection
of dishes that are prepared freshly on site
by their team of talented chefs are sure to
whet the appetite. Of course, it goes without
saying that Rossendale’s own wines are the
perfect tipple to accompany your choice of
cuisine, with the sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
cementing itself as a firm favourite amongst
recent wedding guests.
For the team at Rossendale Vineyard, the
sky is the limit. Be it a casual lunch, formal
dinner or a glamorous cocktail party, your
hosts at Rossendale Vineyard strive to tick
all the boxes in a most stress-free manner. As
a result, couples and guests are able to enjoy
both the planning process and the wedding
itself, with time to focus on what really
matters; “You, your family, your friends and
your commitment to each other,” says Graham
Jones, Manager and Wedding Co-ordinator.
To view this sensational venue contact
Graham or Liz on 03 322 7780 today, and
start planning your dream wedding. In the
meantime, head to www.rossendale.co.nz for
a 360-degree virtual tour of the one and only,
Rossendale Vineyard.

advertorial
love on the lawn
on the Lawn” is the Garden
Hotel’s intimate wedding venue.
“Love
Located at 110 Marshland Road,
the hotel is well known for its Garden Buffet
Restaurant, GBC (Garden Bar Café) and
selection of accommodation options. But
with the addition of facilities dedicated to
wedding ceremonies, the Garden Hotel offers
a venue that covers all the bases and is ideal for
intimate weddings of up to 60 guests.
“Wedding receptions have always been
popular at the Garden Hotel, but we are
now pleased to offer a special area that can
accommodate wedding ceremonies too,” says
Margaret Wong, General Manager.
“An ornate, romantic gate opens to a
private courtyard with a manicured raised
lawn surrounded by paving, plantings and a
spectacular pagoda that was specially designed
to resemble a wedding veil.”
Beyond the courtyard is an attractive
function room with full bar facilities and
comfortable amenities for a wedding reception.
The simplicity of the area means that a bridal
couple can transform it with their own theme
personalised with flowers, plants, chair covers,
decorations, candles and lights to make
it magical.
Catering can be created according to the
couple’s preferred style and taste. From dainty
canapés or cocktail finger food to a seated
banquet buffet complemented by a selection
of New Zealand wines as well as imported
wines, beers and spirits, Margaret and the
Wedding Team at the Garden Hotel can
design a menu to suit any budget.
On-site accommodation and various
accommodation packages also provide the
ideal comfort and convenience for the
couple and their wedding guests.
For further information, to view the venue or
to book the Garden Hotel for your special day,
contact the Wedding Team on 03 385 3132 or
email functions@gardenhotel.co.nz
120

Say oo I II doo
SEE US AT THE
WEDDING SHOW
FOR EXCLUSIVE
SHOW DAY DEALS
at Garden Hotel & Restaurant’s
Love on the Lawn
At the Garden Hotel & Restaurant we are
delighted to provide you with a range of
options to tailor your special day and
assist in making your day unforgettable.
For more information please contact THE WEDDING TEAM on 03 385 3132
Email: functions@gardenhotel.co.nz
110 Marshland Road, Shirley, Christchurch
www.gardenhotel.co.nz
fb.com/GardenHotelRestaurant

venues
Photo: dodobaror.com
the morning after…
It can be a rarity to get the whole gang together, so we suggest you
drag out the celebrations for as long as possible.
Serve up the rest of that cake, re-use your beautiful floral
arrangements and put the rest of the rosé on ice…
(Ok, who are we kidding, the rosé ran dry before the
speeches, right?) There’s still time to make the most of your
hired venue, if the after-party was part of your pre-planning.
If not, a more casual approach to any festivities is most
certainly acceptable – with gatherings hosted at home a
favoured choice.
If some of your nearest and dearest were unable to attend
the wedding itself, continued celebrations present an
opportunity for them to catch up on the fun. We love the idea
of either a large, extended breakfast or a garden party.
When it comes to catering, popular options include mouthwatering
grazing platters, quality cookouts and even the
couple’s favourite food trucks. Refrain from sit-down options
and give your guests the opportunity to mingle. You’ll find
that many catering companies and venues will offer reduced
rates for couples who purchase a package that comprises
of both the wedding itself and the day after. It might be as
simple as leftovers – and how good does that sound!
The dress code should be as laid-back as the catering.
Brides will have likely donned a white dress at the wedding
itself, so the day after is the time to opt for a more colourful
outfit. We don’t think you can go wrong with a high-quality
cotton dress if you want to make a statement whilst still
adhering to the more casual dress code. Not to mention,
you’ll get plenty of further use out of it during your
honeymoon. Some of our favourite styles come from Dodo
Bar Or. And, as your feet are likely to be throbbing from all of
the dancing the night before, sling your wedding heels back in
the box for now, and slip on a pair of sandals instead.
Take your time to enjoy talking properly to guests after
the often rushed conversations that occur at the wedding
reception. Thank your bridal party for all of the assistance
in planning a perfect wedding and, of course, spend some
blissful time with your other half.
122

T R E N T S V I N E Y A R D
T R E N T S V I N E Y A R D
T R U S T C A N T E R B U R Y S P R E M I E R W E D D I N G V E N U E
T R U S T C AW NW T EW R. BT UR ER NY S T SP VR IEN ME YI EA R D W. EC DO D. NI NZ
G V E N U E
T R U S T C A
W
N
W
T E
W
R
.
B
T
U
R E N
Y S
T S
P
V
R
I
E
N
M
E Y
I E
A R D
W
.
E
C
D
O
D
. N
I N
Z
G V E N U E
@ T R E N T S V I N E Y A R D
W W W .
@
T
T
R
R
E
E
N
N
T
T
S
S
V
V
I N
I N
E
E
Y
Y
A
A
R
R
D
D
. C O . N Z
@ T R E N T S V I N E Y A R D
21 years of wonderful
21 years of wonderful
21 years of wonderful
21 years
memories
memories
of wonderful
memories
SOmEThING OlD, SOmEThING NEW
BOTANIC GARDENS WEDDINGS
UNIQUE.BOTANIC.CRAFTED
WWW.GOODCOMPANY.NZ
#goodcompanynz

venues
hens and stags
If you’ve been tasked with planning the hen or stag party,
take note…
DO choose an option that suits everyone’s
budget.
DO consider the ages and abilities of
everyone in the party when planning
activities.
DO capture every single moment with
images that the hen and stag will cherish
for a lifetime.
DO keep their other half in the loop.
DO put the hen or stag in your shoes
and consider what type of party they
would love.
DO keep it classy.
DO mark the occasion with a special
keepsake for everyone who attends.
DO keep their glasses topped up at
all times.
DON’T leave planning until the last
moment. Make sure everyone
has plenty of notice.
DON’T peer pressure the hen or stag;
they should enjoy every single moment.
DON’T forget anyone! Be sure to invite old
friends and important family members.
DON’T make it memorable for the
wrong reasons.
DON’T forget to thank everyone who
assisted with the planning.
DON’T purposefully plan anything
that you know will make the hen or
stag uncomfortable.
DON’T reduce the hen or stag to tears,
unless they’re tears of happiness.
DON’T shave off any eyebrows!
124

venues
planning a hen party or a stag do?
We think that any bride or groom would totally love these ideas.
For the Hen…
A VINEYARD BIKE RIDE.
A little exercise and a lot of
wine, makes for pretty much
the perfect hen do.
A DAY AT SEA.
Sail away your best babes for a
day on the water.
A GLAMPING GETAWAY.
Pack your gumboots and
your headlight.
A CANDLE-MAKING EVENING.
Create your new favourite
scent that will remind you of
the special occasion.
A WELLNESS RETREAT.
The perfect way to unwind
during all of the wedding
planning.
A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT DAY.
Give your wedding florist a run
for their money.
A QUICK TRIP OVERSEAS.
With so many beautiful
destinations just a short
flight away, why not?
A COSY NIGHT IN.
Face masks, champagne
and reminiscing.
For the Stag…
A HOT AIR BALLOON
EXPERIENCE.
Take this stag to new heights
with a hot air balloon stag
experience.
A COOKING CLASS.
Impress your new Mrs with a
recipe she hasn’t tried before.
A FISHING EXPERIENCE.
Cast your line and catch dinner
for the lads.
A DAY AT THE RACES.
Get dressed up and
head trackside, just don’t
bet away your entire
honeymoon fund.
A BREWERY TOUR.
Because hey, it sounds better
than saying you’re just going to
the pub!
A WHISKY-TASTING EVENING.
Pour yourselves a dram, or
several, and learn all about the
different varieties.
A GROOMING SESSION.
Not sure how you’ll be styling
your hair on the big day? A
grooming session is a great way
to learn new tips and tricks.
A CAMPING TRIP.
Grab the tent, pack the beers
and head into the wilderness.
125

venues
a guide to Hanmer Springs
Just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch is Hanmer Springs, a wedding
haven that has everything you need for the wedding of your dreams.
Hanmer itself has developed considerably over the years and could
easily be mistaken for a European alpine village thanks to its boutique
shops and diverse eateries.
VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION.
A 10-minute drive from Hanmer’s main
street, Select Braemar Lodge is a luxury
spa resort offering stunning views
across the valley towards the mountains
and alpine forests. Complete with spa
facilities and an excellent restaurant,
it’s a wonderful location for a wedding.
The Heritage Hanmer Springs is situated
right in the heart of the village and offers
fantastic service and facilities ideal for
family oriented weddings.
EXCITEMENT AND THRILL.
Either side of the wedding, Hanmer Springs
is the perfect place to entertain your guests.
You can jetboat down the spectacular Waiau
Gorge or even bungy jump off the historic
135-year-old Ferry Bridge – a 35-metre free
fall no less. A forest walk is a great way to
spend time with your other half, so why not
head up Conical Hill? The route is about
an hour round-trip and provides great
views around the valley and into the forest
behind. The Hanmer Forest trail is relatively
flat and ideal for walkers and bikers so
suggest to your guests to bring their walking
boots. Take an afternoon wander through
the shopping village, or hire a tandem bike
for a romantic ride through the township.
RELAXATION AND SERENITY.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa will
melt away any stress, pre or post wedding.
The spa has a wide variety of pools for both
fun and relaxation, including 12 open-air
thermal pools, six private indoor thermal
pools, and three sulphur pools. Studies
have shown that the thermal water takes
173 years to reach the pools. Meaning the
water you bathe in fell as rain and snow on
the mountains of Hanmer 173 years ago –
you can’t get more pure than that.

advertorial
Heritage
Hanmer Springs
– for exquisite
weddings
At Heritage Hanmer Spings, the
breath-taking mountain views and
incredible gardens are sure to provide
a spectacular backdrop for your ceremony.
And despite being just 90 minutes from the
heart of Christchurch, you couldn’t be further
from the ordinary. This undeniably romantic
landmark venue has been fully restored in
order to complement a stunning alpine village
experience that your enchanted guests are
sure to love.
Let the talented team from Heritage Hanmer
Springs take every ounce of stress away. From
tailor-made menus to scheduling pampering
massages, they’ll be readily on hand to arrange
and execute even the smallest details of your big
day. With a range of venue options, including
a fabulous ballroom complete with an open
fireplace and a gorgeous gazebo that makes for
an unforgettable lawn wedding, there’s sure to
be something to please every couple.
Capture the big day amongst the beautiful
gardens that are the perfect setting for those
sentimental images, every season of the year.
Heritage Hanmer Springs strives to
offer elegance, a spectacular location and a
personalised service that’s second to none.
The cherry on the cake, perhaps, is the
complimentary honeymoon suites and bottle
of bubbles offered to the happy couple
on their wedding night.

advertorial
Dream Wedding,
Dream Location
Well known for refinement and
exclusivity, it’s little surprise that
a wedding at Select Braemar Lodge
and Spa is truly out of this world. Your
wedding wishes will come true, thanks to
the dedicated and most experienced staff
who endeavour to perfect even the smallest
details. And, of course, the sensational
location and elegant surroundings are
bound to impress.
This wonderful location surely sets the
scene for your special day. With views of the
Hanmer Valley and the snow-capped peaks
of the Southern Alps, Select Braemar Lodge
is easily one of Hanmer’s most spectacular
settings. Year round, this venue delivers
the magic, with both winter splendour
and vibrant summers.
Winter wonderland weddings are particular
popular here and for good reason. With snow
sparkling on the mountains, clear blue skies
and vibrant sunsets, it truly is an excellent
destination. Between May and September,
Select Braemar Lodge and Spa offers fantastic
all-inclusive winter weddings.
These stunning surroundings are the
ideal backdrop for sharing champagne and
canapés, taking photographs and dining upon
an exquisitely prepared meal. The extensive
selection of menus and catering styles mean
your reception can be precisely tailored to
your exact needs and tastes.
The lodge’s public rooms are yours to
use exclusively during the reception and
special rates can always be arranged for
wedding guests. If you’re after a most
private and intimate wedding, why not
enjoy the use of the entire lodge? It would
surely make for the most impressive and
memorable wedding.
After the wedding, when it’s time for
guests to leave, happy couples have the time
to enjoy Braemar’s wonderful Bridal Suite;
the real cherry on the cake.
Wedding enquiries are warmly received;
Select Braemar Lodge and Spa truly looks
forward to arranging your visit. Talk through
all of your wonderful ideas, sample the
incredible food at the Altitude Restaurant
and Bar, and take in the breath-taking
surroundings of this most beautiful property.
128

Dream Weddings, Dream Location
All inclusive packages
• 24 Suites for the night of the wedding
• Including the Braemar Honeymoon Suite
• Exclusive use of The Lodge for up to 48 guests
Prices from $10,995
• Celebrant & Cake from Divine Desserts
• Canapés and bubbles after the ceremony
• 3 course set menu
Conditions apply
Call us on 03 315 7555
or visit our website for further information
www.selectbraemarlodge.com

advertorial
Relax and indulge to your
heart’s content
Hanmer Springs and its wonderful thermal pools and spa are hugely popular
with any loved-up Canterbury couple, and for good reason.
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
and Spa has won many awards and
frequently tops the bucket lists of
those visiting the area. It really is a one-ofa-kind
destination that proves a worthy
wedding venue – the reviews speak for
themselves.
“I couldn’t fathom a guess at how many
proposals have been made in Hanmer
Springs,” says Debbs Moody, a wedding
celebrant and Amazing Days event
coordinator based in the village. “It’s also
a great place for pre-wedding parties and
honeymoons. You’ll often see groups away
on hens’ and stags’ weekends unwinding in
the pools.”
And, of course, with everything from
massage to manicures on the menu, The
Spa can have brides and grooms alike
feeling and looking their very best before
the big day.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER IN HANMER
Paul Flanagan’s a romantic at heart and he
chose the perfect spot to ask his now-wife,
Anna, to marry him – on a boardwalk over
a lake in the picturesque alpine village
of Hanmer Springs. “It was perfect,” says
Anna. So, when it came time to tie the knot,
the Christchurch couple headed back to
Hanmer Springs to look for venues, and we
can’t blame them.
“We’d looked at a lot – and I mean a lot –
of venues around Christchurch but nothing
seemed right. As soon as we arrived in
Hanmer Springs to look around, we relaxed
and immediately knew it had to be there.”
Just over a year later, Anna and Paul said
“I do” under the gazebo at the Heritage
Hanmer Springs. “It was an absolutely
stunning day with a glorious blue sky,”
recounts Anna.
“Being close to Christchurch meant
that most of our friends and family were
able to come. And, because so many of us
were away for the weekend, everyone was
relaxed and in no rush at all.”
On the morning of the wedding, Anna
and Paul managed to sneak an hour
to themselves so they headed back to
the boardwalk and gave each other a
sentimental gift. “That was such a lovely
way to start the day,” says Anna.
“From there, the boys headed off to
one holiday home and the girls stayed at
another to get ready.”
130
Together Anna and Paul have six children
from previous marriages so they wanted to
allow plenty of time for photos.
“We decided to take some before the
ceremony. We did capture the ‘first look’
when Paul saw me. It was a really lovely
moment and of course, it took place on our
boardwalk,” says Anna.
With forests, mountains and incredible
views over the Waiau River, Hanmer
Springs has a plethora of incredible photo
locations that are all conveniently close to
one another. “Our photos are incredible,”
exclaims Anna.
“It’s close enough to take things with you
and there are plenty of suppliers in and
around the village. In fact, I think it worked
out cheaper overall.”
Anna’s favourite part of the day? “There
was this moment, just after the ceremony,
when Paul and I were walking back down
the aisle holding hands. We just looked at
each other and both had the biggest, most
stupid grins on our faces… after months of
planning we were married and it was time
to relax and have fun.”
Getting married here sounds like an
absolute dream, doesn’t it?

FALL
IN LOVE
...with pure indulgence.
Experience the ultimate in relaxation
and luxurious pampering before your
big day by treating yourself and your
bridesmaids to a weekend of indulgent
body and facial treatments.
Or start your honeymoon early with our
Couples Retreat package – a heavenly
experience to share with your special someone.
Learn more at: hanmersprings.co.nz/spa
or call 0800 873 529
HST2255 Full Page The Spa Ad 197x280mm + 10 mm bleed_FA.indd 1
1/08/18 11:52 AM

Pamper. Perfection.
Passion.
The intimate wedding destination
Whether you’re after some pampering for your big day, a fun getaway for pre-wedding parties or a unique
venue for your ceremony and reception, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is ideal.
With boutique shopping, restaurants and spa treatments on tap – we’re a honeymooners paradise too.
HC HST2218
0800 4 HANMER hanmersprings.co.nz Open seven days