05/ 2010
engaged CLASSIC ROMANCE
Beautiful wedding photos from Vela Images
COCKTAILS & DREAMS
Host a sophisticated cocktail function reception
OFF THE CUFF
We talk with Cheeki Cufflinks
DEMYSTIFYING PHOTOGRAPHY Isaac de Reus gives tips on choosing your photographer
WIN CUFFLINKS & CDs CHILDREN AT WEDDINGS
How to get kids involved in your special day
Our Place, Your Event Just 45 minutes south of Auckland you will find a little piece of the Mediterranean. Nestled in the northern slopes of the Bombay hills on more than 86 hectares and surrounded by 40,000 olive trees is the tranquil and beautiful Bracu. Your wedding is a personal and intimate Occasion. The decision on your venue is often the first and most important one you will make as it becomes the heart of the celebration. Simunovich Olive Estate provides privacy and seclusion which makes the property exceptional. The options for delivering your perfect day are endless and we will work with you to ensure all your dreams are fulfilled. There are a number of locations on the estate for you to choose from when it comes to having your ceremony and exchanging your vows. Bracu Restaurant is a dining destination that ignites the senses and captivates the palate. This excellence is carried through in every aspect of our food delivery. Our Head Chef and Restaurant Manager lead a talented team who deliver culinary delights that will leave your guests talking about the experience long after your big day. Modern, European cuisine with a hint of New Zealand influence uses the best of fresh, seasonal, local produce and products from the estate. We invite you to join in our relaxing atmosphere of casual sophistication.
WEDDINGS ON THE ESTATE 49 Main Road, R D 1 B ombay, Auckland 2675, New Zealand Telephone +6 4 9 236 10 30, reservations@bracu.co.nz
Notes from the Editors...
With winter bearing down on us, now is the perfect time to go full steam ahead with planning your summer wedding.
Cover Credits: Photography: Vela Images Couple: Natalie and Mark www.velaimages.com
Advertising Enquiries: Email: info@engaged.co.nz Phone: 09 8455925 Post: PO Box 137101, Parnell Auckland 1151 Hamilton Media Limited accepts no responsibility for material provided by readers or advertisers. All material supplied is assumed to have been provided with the consent of the appropriate copyright holders Engaged is subject to copyright in its entirety. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication unless initially specified otherwise.
This month, we have some great features, including a fantastic piece from renowned photographer Isaac de Reus. Isaac gives us some excellent tips for choosing your photographer. We also have some advice on having children at your wedding, as well as an interview with the team at Cheeki Cufflinks. This month, we would also like to welcome Gabrielle as a co-editor. She has some fantastic ideas for the future of Engaged and we will gradually be rolling out some changes over the next few months. Deborah, who has been an amazing co-editor since the magazine was launched, has stepped down from her full-time editorial role to be able to spend time on her other commitments. She will however still be contributing articles on a regular basis so you will continue to see plenty of her in the magazine. Happy reading!
Tim & Gabrielle
table of GIVEAWAYS & NEWS
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We have some great giveaways this month, including five pairs of cufflinks and a couple of great CDs!
DEMYSTIFYING PHOTOGRAPHY
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Isaac de Reus gives us some great tips for choosing your wedding photographer.
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OFF THE CUFF
We talk with the folk at Cheeki Cufflinks about how to choose your cufflinks and why you should have them.
CLASSIC ROMANCE Greta from Vela Images shares a selection of her amazing photographs.
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PHOTOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE
Find the perfect photographer for your wedding - we have a great selection for you to look at.
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COCKTAILS & DREAMS
Want to do something a little different? Why not have a cocktail party for your reception? We give you tips on having the perfect party.
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CHILDREN AT WEDDINGS
Tips on including children in your wedding as well as suggestions for dealing with other people’s kids!
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Wedding Shows Wedding & Events Expo - Taranaki’s premier wedding event Quality Hotel Plymouth International Saturday 1 May 2010 9.30am – 6.00pm Entry $6 www.eventexpo.co.nz
Bride and Groom Show - Auckland Sunday 2 May 2010 - Ellerslie Event Centre, Greenlane, Auckland - Show Time: 9am to 5pm www.aucklandweddingshow.co.nz
Wedding Wonderland Expo - Hamilton Sunday 16 May 2010 - Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton www.bridalshows.co.nz
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THE PREMIER WEDDING EXPO HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR FAIRYTALE WEDDING
Whether it’s inspirational ideas, exquisite fashion shows, decadent cakes, stylish bouquets or fantastic prizes, you will find them all and more under one roof. Purchase your tickets online and save. www.weddingwonderland.co.nz. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE NOW Auckland - ASB Showgrounds Sunday 11 th April Christchurch - Convention Centre Sunday 18 th April Hamilton - Claudelands Event Centre Sunday 16th May Rotorua - Energy Event Centre Sunday 11 th July Nelson - Trafalgar Square Sunday 18 th July
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BROUGHT BROU R GHT TO ROU T YOU Y BY Y
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WIN UP TO FIVE PAIRS OF CUFFLINKS! The Cheeki Shop have generously given us up to five pairs of cufflinks for one lucky reader to win. You can choose from the designs on thecheekishop.co.nz and you can even mix and match designs! Entries close on 7 May so enter now! Click here to enter!
WIN ONE OF TWO CDS FROM THE CACHACA DUO! The Cachaca Duo is a versatile violin and guitar combination performing beautiful selection of bossanova, tango, milonga, bolero and latin jazz perfect for weddings! For those who aren’t able to book the Cachaca Duo to perform live at their wedding, we have the next best thing: a CD of their most popular music. This CD is available to purchase from their website www.cachacaduo.com. We have two copies to give away - all you need to do is go here to enter! Entries close on 7 May so get in quick!
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ON THE MOVE Greta Kenyon from Vela Images is in the process of moving to Auckland. Greta takes stunning wedding photos, a selection of which can be seen in this month’s real wedding showcase. www.velaimages.com
AUCKLAND BRIDE PARADE
The fifteenth of May brings the inaugural Auckland Bride Parade. Organised by photographer Isaac de Reus of Perspectives Photography, the Bride Parade is a chance for recently-married brides to don their wedding dresses, get glammed up and strut their stuff in front of the camera one more time! Hair and makeup will be provided by Ashlee Kellet from Beautified and Isaac, if his past work is anything to go by, will take some amazing shots of the brides. This parade is fully booked up, but keep an eye out as there are likely to be more in the future (perhaps even in different parts of the country if there is enough interest). We’ll have a report next month from the parade, so make sure you check it out.
GIVEAWAYS
The world’s longest married couple, Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, have been married for almost 86 years! Herbert, 104, and Zelmyra, 101, or North Carolina have certainly given the rest of us something to aim towards! You can even check out their twitter page here: http://twitter.com/longestmarried 9
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FEATURE
Demystifyi Pho
Words and images by Isaac de Reus www.perspectivesphotography.co.nz
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The first in a series of articles, we have asked renowned photographer Isaac de Reus from Perspecitves Photography to share some of his knowledge to help you in choosing your wedding photographer. Right, over to Isaac...
Choosing your photographer is one of the biggest decisions of the wedding day. When everything has faded, when the cake is gone, when the meal is a distant memory, your photos live on. A photograph is beautiful – it is a moment, that can be redefined, relived, retold in any way you want. So how to ensure that the photographer you choose will do justice to the task of documenting your wedding day? Who do you give the responsibility of crafting your family history – for your grandkids to cherish in the years ahead? There are multitudes of photographers out there – here are a few tips to help you find the one that’s just right for you.
Style A photographer’s style is the “look” or “feel” of their overall body of work. As you look at different photographers, you’ll get a feel for the style of their work. It’s really important that you like your photographer’s style.. because that’s what you’re going to get! A style isn’t something that a photographer can slip into & out of easily – rather, it is developed over years of shooting, years of editing, years of practice. There is no point choosing a photographer just because they’re really cheap, but then showing them someone else’s website and saying “oooh, I love these kind of photos”. If you love those photos, book that person!
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Consistency This is the next big factor. Most photographers will fill up their website galleries with their all time best images – who wouldn’t? Of course, you want to see their best work. However, it’s also really important to see their “everyday” work… which is where a blog or Facebook page comes in handy – a way that you can see recent work on a regular basis, and make sure that your photographer is capable of nailing the shots EVERY time – not just when the conditions are perfect. Make sure that they can achieve good results in a variety of lighting conditions – in the bright sun, on a bleak grey day, or in a dark church. If your photographer doesn’t have a blog, ask to see some “complete” weddings – this could be an album, slideshow, or files on a disc.
Qualifications There are no qualifications required to be a wedding photographer – which means anyone can pick up a camera, throw together a portfolio, and decide that they are now a photographer. This can make things tricky for the clients – how do you distinguish the difference between a working professional, and someone with a brand new camera & plenty of bravado? A great place to start is with the NZIPP (New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography) – which is an organisation that aims to establish a quality assurance across its membership. For a photographer to advertise himself or herself as an NZIPP member, it means they have submitted an album of work to the Institute and been judged by a panel of top
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photographers to meet professional standards. Think of it like Master Builders – but for photographers. Some photographers have gone through a learning institution and have gained a degree, many others are self-taught. There is no right or wrong way to become a photographer. Your deciding factors probably won’t be on whether someone has a degree or not – rather, on the quality and consistency of their work.
Personality Once you’ve narrowed down your search a bit, and have a few photographers whose style you love, and who demonstrate they can consistently achieve great results, the next step is to meet them. You’ll spend more time, and in closer proximity, with your photographer than any other vendor on the wedding day – so it’s essential that you feel at ease around them. If you want to look natural in the photos, you need someone that makes you feel relaxed & comfortable in front of the camera!
Questions to ask I wasn’t going to mention this – as pretty much any bridal magazine comes with its list of “questions to ask a photographer” (to the point that I’ve incorporated all the answers into my client meeting spiel so they don’t even need asking!) – but here’s a few more to add, which I believe are really important. *What is your backup process? How do you safeguard your images? * Do you have backup equipment, in case something fails on the wedding day?
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*How long does it take to get the photos back? *How much editing is included in your packages? * What happens if you are sick? * How much time do you suggest we allocate for photos? (eg – getting ready, family photos, bridal party photos).
Making the decision Once you’ve met with your prospective photographers – make your decision based on whose work & personality fits you best. While it can be really tempting to make comparisons based on price and what is included in the packages, these are all products that you can purchase later. You can’t, however, go back and change who your photographer was, or retake shots that were missed. Spend your money on the photographer who will create the best images of your day – not the photographer that throws in the most freebies in their packages.
Be clear on what you receive Now that you’ve made a decision on who to book, it’s essential that you are crystal clear about what you’re going to receive from the photographer, and at what price. All professional photographers should have a contract for you to sign – which illustrates both their obligations to you, what you receive, and the limits of their responsibility. Many people are interested in getting the digital files from their wedding – don’t assume that all photographers include these for free though, ask! Photographers will operate in different ways on the day too – some might prefer to have a list of shots you want, others
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prefer to observe and document the action as it unfolds. In any case – communication is key here, to ensure you are both on the same page!
Final Thoughts I often hear people asking how is it possible that one photographer charges $800, while another photographer charges $6000 for exactly the same thing. How can that be? Well, photography is art. Art is subjective – people will pay what they believe the artist is worth. In many ways, it’s like the difference between a Toyota and a Ferrari. They are both cars. They both get you from A to B. One is just more refined than the other – and people recognize the value, and happily pay for that. Go with your gut instinct. There are some amazing photographers out there – go find them!
Isaac de Reus is a NZIPP qualified photographer, and forms one half of Perspectives Photography – a Hamilton based photography business that specializes in photographing weddings, all over New Zealand. We aim to capture all the candid moments that tell the story of the day, while complimenting these with beautiful, fashion inspired, works of art. www.perspectivesphotography.co.nz
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at ow us S h it vis om to ro re G su e & Be rid B
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... making your wedding dreams come true Just 50 minutes from Auckland’s CBD you’ll find magical Castaways. Castaways provides the ultimate wedding experience you and your guests will rave about for years to come. • Coastal cliff top ceremonies • Stunning sunset wedding receptions • Fabulous food • Award winning service • Guest accommodation • Honeymoon packages • Onsite activities Click here to download our new >online weddings pack<
Our team are available to meet with you onsite at Castaways. So contact us now and let’s start making your wedding dreams come true.
Castaways Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku Ph 09 236 5161 Email marie@castaways.co.nz Web www.castaways.co.nz * New & Exclusive to Castaways * Castaways is the only wedding venue in NZ to have its own “Little Black Photobooth”. Huge overseas, this is a great addition to your wedding, making it even more memorable.
“We’ve had such great feedback about our wedding at Castaways – amazing food, spectacular setting and outstanding service” (Castaways Bride, 2009)
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Cuff
Off the Behind the scenes of Cheeki cufflinks
An unsuccessful search for Cheeki co-founder Cam Johnston’s Valentine’s Day present last year, sparked the beginning of a journey into small business. Katie Herbison, frustrated consumer and part owner of www.thecheekishop.co.nz, searched high and low for the perfect set of cufflinks for her new ‘sweetheart’ but with no success.
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After that day, and a whirlwind of discussions, research and spontaneous planning, The Cheeki Shop website was born and ready for business late July 2009. The duo had found that it was not only men that sported various styles of cufflinks, but also an increasing number of women. They decided to create the Cheeki brand to cater for both men and women’s needs. Engaged Magazine spoke with Cam and Katie and got their insight on a few common questions regarding wedding cufflinks. E:
Why should we get cufflinks for our wedding?
CS: Generally speaking, it is common for the male side of the wedding party to hire their tuxedos/suits, leaving limited space for keepsakes or uniqueness in their attire. Rather than wearing the stock standard cufflinks that come with the shirt, men are using cufflinks as their groomsmen gifts and adding a fun, personal touch. A multicultural wedding in the Hawke’s Bay last month, with four Spanish groomsmen, used matching sets of New Zealand style cufflinks to tie in the bride’s Kiwi background and also provide a wonderful memory for the Spaniards to keep after journeying back to their homeland. E:
What are your most popular designs for weddings?
CS: Surprisingly, it is almost impossible to guess what people may or may not like for their wedding. We have had all sorts of combinations in the past nine months, some plan months in advance, others rush with a last minute order. Each wedding party is unique in their colouring, style and number. Some wedding party’s opt for matching cufflinks, others tend to choose a selection of their personal favourites. It’s all about looking and feeling great and
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getting creative! Recently we’ve seen a big increase in the number of groomsmen wearing our silver chrome alphabet cufflinks. These add a great personal touch, usually with the first letter of the bride and the groom’s names. E:
How do I choose the right cufflinks for my suit? Should they match my other accessories?
CS: Choosing cufflinks can be difficult. As a whole though, scout out your faves and go from there. Think about what shirts you currently have, and what ties may look good with the cufflinks. Silver cufflinks go with basically everything. It’s more so the coloured and patterned cufflinks that may take an extra moment or two to consider, but when it comes down to it – be unique! Express yourself through cufflinks dependent on your mood, day ahead or even goals and dreams! Such a small accessory can have such a huge impact on your overall look. E:
Any further tips for choosing and wearing cufflinks?
CS: We think we know a thing or two about cufflinks. If you have something in mind but can’t quite find what you’re after – please, let the Cheeki team know and we’ll do our absolute best to satisfy your needs. We have a good idea of what is out there and we even design our own right here in New Zealand! You can find a huge selection of cufflinks at Cheeki Cufflink’s website: www.thecheekishop.co.nz Also, don’t forget that we are currently running a competition where you can be in to win up to five pairs of cufflinks for your bridal party. The competition ends on 7 May so make sure that you get in quick. Competition details on our competition page
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This month we are fortunate to have Greta from Vela Images (www.velaimages.com) showcasing three of her favourtie weddings. Her images stand out from the rest with lovely tones and amazing spontaneity. Although previously based in Mt Maunganui, Greta is moving to the big smoke so Auckland has gained another great photographer! Enjoy! 31
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nadia couture Redefining bridesmaids. nadia couture is Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier bridesmaid shop. Timeless design, quality fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship for the bride and your bridesmaids needs. nadiacouture garments range from soft silk chiffon to elegant formal satin, available in a wide range of colours and sizes. To compliment the dresses, nadia couture has exquisite jewellery and beautiful evening bags, guaranteeing nadia remains a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must-seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; destination for your entire bridal party and every evening occasion.
271a Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland customerservices@nadiacouture.co.nz
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Phone: 09 361 1205 www.nadiacouture.co.nz
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Stunning freeze dried Rose and Hydrangea petals in 25 colours and blends
Exquisite bouquets for brides and bridesmaids
Personalized petal cones
Beautiful table centerpieces
Gorgeous flower girl petal pails
Complimentary consultation and design
www.foreverpetals.co.nz
Leonie Fisher Mobile Make-up Artist
Coco a Berry invitation by design p
fishyleo@orcon.net.nz 021 389423
WEDDING STATIONERY
Save the date Invitations RSVP Menus Order of service Thank You cards and more www.cocoaberry.co.nz 021 2636 147 info@cocoaberry.co.nz
Create your own unique jewellery. Custom designs with delight. Beads for embellishment. www.beadsgloriousbeads.com 6 Kingsland Tce, Kingsland, Auckland - Phone: 09 815 1177
BEADS
JEWELLERY
CLASSES
Mob: 021 458 687 diana@outside-the-square.co.nz
Through the Lens
Showcasing Photographic Excellence
Photograph by VisionWorks Photography
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Amy Schulz Photography
Website: www.amyschulz.co.nz Email: AmySchulzPhotography@gmail.com Mobile: 0211556071 Wellington and Nationwide
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Emma Hughes Photography Website: www.emmahughes.co.nz www.weddingsonwaiheke.co.nz Email: emma@emmahughes.co.nz Phone: 09 372 8729 Mobile: 021 051 3292 Waiheke and Auckland Master NZ Institute of Professional Photography
Amanda Wignell Photography Website: www.awp.co.nz Email: amanda@awp.co.nz Phone: 09 426 2647 Mobile: 027 615 3078 Associate Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland and Northland
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Photography by Marijke Website: www.photographybym.co.nz Email: mail@photographybym.co.nz Phone: 07 572 4085 Mobile: 021 560 509 Bay of Plenty and Nationwide
Victoria Vincent Photography Website: www.victoriavincent.com Mobile: 021 213 5759 Wellington, Nelson, Nationwide
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Website: www.velaimages.com
Vela Images
Email: greta@velaimages.com Phone: 021 376 663 Auckland and Nationwide
VisionWorks Photography
Website: www.visionworks.co.nz Email: tim@visionworks.co.nz Phone: 09 845 5925 Mobile: 021 44 88 17 Auckland
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Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography Website: www.uniquevisions.co.nz Email: brett@uniquevisions.co.nz Phone: 09 817 7014 Mobile: 0274 913 061 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland
Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Website: www.janmareeart.co.nz Email: jan@janmareeart.co.nz Phone: 09 236 8553 Mobile: 027 281 5921 Auckland, Franklin, Hamilton
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Where The Heart Is Photography
Website: www.wheretheheartis.co.nz Email: info@wheretheheartis.co.nz Phone: 07 8547933 Mobile: 021 235 7976 Auckland, Waikato, King Country & Bay of Plenty
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Parker Swannell Photography Email: parkerswannell@gmail.com Phone: 09 817 2678 Mobile: 021 257 5355 Auckland
New Regent Studios Website: www.photos.co.nz Email: info@photos.co.nz Phone: 03 355 4448 Mobile: 027 229 2329 Christchurch
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Jeremy Hill Photography Website: www.jeremyhill.co.nz Email: enquiries@jeremyhill.co.nz Phone: (09) 8263394 Mobile: 021 2279196 Auckland
Vicky Broadbent VisionWorks Photography
Website:Website: www.vickybroadbent.co.nz broadbent@xtra.co.nz www.studioname.co.nzEmail: Email: info@studioname.co.nz Phone: 09 123 4567 Phone: Mobile:021 021633 123404 4567 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Coromandel and Auckland Auckland
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FEATURE
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o what do you do if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the kind of people who are into big formal sit down meals. Or perhaps the thought of trying to create a seating plan that will accommodate your separated parents is keeping you awake at night. Well, maybe rather than having a full on sit down meal at your reception you should have a fabulous cocktail party! A cocktail party can be the epitome of sophistication; gorgeous champagne flowing throughout the evening together with delicious nibbles to keep your guests satisfied. So not only do you have a decadent evening of amazing food and drink but you also get to mix and mingle with everyone throughout the whole evening, rather than being stuck at the table. So what do you need to consider when planning your cocktail function reception?
Theme First and foremost, you should decide if you are going to have a theme for your evening. This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that everyone needs to dress up as cowboys - no, we were thinking something a bit more subtle than that! It could be that you want to have a vintage theme to your evening with cocktails to match. Or perhaps a really modern sophisticated theme, or a more relaxed beach theme... the options are endless. If you choose a theme it will help decide other aspects
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of the evening including the venue and the food and drink you decide to serve. One of the advantages of having a cocktail function instead of a more traditional sit down meal is that you normally have more flexibility regarding your choice of location. Given that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to have a set number of seats and tables, you can be more relaxed when deciding on the number of people you are inviting; a great solution for inviting the 20 cousins or 50 extras your mother wants to add to the list! As well as the size of the venue you can also be more flexible with the type of venue that you choose. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily need to go for one of the traditional wedding venues instead you can think outside the box and have something a little quirky.
Venue Ideas A cool bar in the centre of town The front lawn at a historic house The foyer Gallery
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Your backyard The deck of a boat The local lawn-bowls club (your guest can partake in some lawn-bowls while you are having your photos taken!)
Food & Drink Once you have your venue sorted, you then need to decide what food
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and drink to have. While you may not be having a full on meal, you need to ensure that there is plenty of food for your guests. You don’t want them drinking on an empty stomach. Providing food for your guests doesn’t need to be too tricky though. By having nibbles, it is easy to self-cater and get family to help make it. Check out the ideas on the right. There are also some fantastic companies who can look after the catering for you. This can be a great option if you don’t want to have to look after things yourself. They will also be able to provide great insight into how much food you should provide per guest. Try contacting caterers and getting quotes, often a good place to start is a recommendation from friends or family.
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Drinks are the next thing to work out. The style of drink that you offer your guests may depend on the theme that you have chosen. If you are going for a real cocktail party theme then you may want to roll out a selection of cocktails. If you are doing something more traditional, you may just decide to choose wine or Champagne. If you are able to self- cater, it can be a great way of keeping the costs down, especially with some of the huge wine sales that the supermarkets often have these days. Alternatively, try your local wine shops. One advantage of these is that they often let you return unused bottles which means that you can buy a bit more than you are likely to use to make sure that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run out. Just because you are having a cocktail party doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to miss out on the wedding traditions that you want. There is nothing to prevent you having a cake cutting or doing a first dance you will just need to organise a space for it and get the MC to annouce it to the guests.
Recipe Ideas Pumpkin, Pinenut & Ricotta Pastries Regal Marlborough Salmon & Lemon Sandwiches Cheese Straws with a selection of dips Caramelised Onion Goats Cheese And Rosemary Tarts Lemon Strawberry Tarts Recipes for all of these dishes can be found on our favourite food website www.foodlovers.co.nz
Other tips for the perfect cocktail function • Make sure that there is some seating around, especially for elderly guests who don’t want to stand on their feet the whole night. • Given that people will be standing, you will want to make sure that the speeches aren’t too long. There is nothing worse than having to stand through a number of forty five minute speeches! • Make sure there is plenty of food! People tend to drink more when they are standing up so you need to also make sure that that they have plenty of food to soak up all that alcohol. • Offer non alcoholic drinks and have water jugs available. • Order lots of glasses. You know people are going to put their glass down and then need to get a new one and you don’t want to run short. • Make sure the music isn’t too loud as people are going to be circulating a lot more.
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R O M A N T I C A L B E RTO N A lovely centrally-located historic Auckland venue for weddings, civil unions, wedding photos and functions. Indoor and outdoor options available. web: www.alberton.co.nz email: alberton@historic.org.nz phone: +64 9 846 7367
Are you looking for a professional hairdresser and makeup artist who can come to you on your wedding day? With over 10 years in the industry, Natalie is working extensively in Fashion, Advertising and Film, as well as creating stunning results for bridal parties. Natalie's work is both versatile and innovative, offering her customers the complete package without compromise. Please go to my website www.natalieshields.com to view my work and prices.
www.natalieshields.com
FEATURE
Kids: engaged
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ith there being a growing trend for couples to get married later in life, more and more couples are tying the knot after they have children. This bring rise to the question of how to include your kids in the wedding while at the same time ensuring that both you and the kids have a great time.
The planning For most children, the thought of a wedding is very exciting (even if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know what a wedding is!). A party of any sort is a good thing, right? Getting them involved in the planning of the wedding is a great way to keep that interest going in the lead up to, and on, the big day. It can be as easy as looking through wedding magazines with them and getting them to point out the dresses, cakes and other bits and pieces that they like. With slightly older children, you might be able to get them to help with the wedding invitations or favours. Kids love to be involved and this is a fantastic way to get them invested in your day.
The day itself Your wedding day is undoubtedly going to be hectic and having your kids around when you are getting ready may make it even more so. It is a great idea to ensure that you have someone else to look after any children throughout the whole day, whether it be a relative or friend. That way, you can relax and look after yourself (well, as much as you can ever relax on your wedding day!). The wedding day is going to be a hive of excitement and this can result in children getting a bit too over-excited. This can especially be a problem for younger kids who may need a daytime sleep,
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but are too wound up to have one. This lack of sleep may result in dire consequences later in the day! However, by having a relative or friend look after the child, they can take them for some quiet time in a hope that they will calm down enough to have a sleep before the proceedings get going. It can also be useful to explain to them at the beginning of the day what the plan is, such as when they will need to go to sleep and what exciting things they will be able to do if they have a good sleep. As with most kids, the chances of them keeping a good outfit clean for more than a few minutes is pretty slim. Accordingly, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
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best not to get them dressed in their good clothes until the last minute. That way, you have a chance of having them arrive at the ceremony looking respectable!
The Ceremony If your child is old enough, you might want to get them involved in the ceremony. Depending on their age, you may have them as your flower girl or page boy, or even a bridesmaid or groomsman. If they are a flower girl or page boy and are going to be walking up the aisle there are a couple of things to consider. When confronted with a crowd of people staring at them (many of whom they may have never seen before), it can be a bit daunting and there have been countless occasions of stage-fright followed by a refusal to walk down the aisle. Prepare for this eventuality by having the first bridesmaid and groomsmen ready to go down with them. Having a practice the day before can also be helpful as it can make them a bit more confident that they know what to do. Beware however that the bravado at the practice the day before doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always translate into everything going perfectly to plan on the day itself. Another nice way to involve children is to make them the ring bearer. This can be a relatively easy task for a child to perform as they normally only have to walk a short distance with the rings. Make sure, however, that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give them the rings until the very last minute as it is amazing how quickly they can lose things!
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Photos It is a great idea to have some formal photos with your kids as, after all, they are a huge part of your life. However, you need to remember that, by the time the photos are being taken, it has already been a pretty long day and it might not take much to trigger a dose of the grumps. If you think that there is a chance of that they will reach the end of their tether, it is probably best to get the photos with any children over and done with at the very beginning of the photo session. Then have a friend or relative take them back and look after them while you have the remainder of your photos taken. Even if you decide to take them with you for the whole photo shoot, we recommend having someone else there who wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be in the photos to look after them in the event that things go downhill.
Other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children Right, so you might not have any children of your own, but perhaps plenty of your friends do. The question then is whether you want them to bring their kids to your wedding. There is obviously no right answer to that question and it will come down to your personal preference. You might also want to sound out those people who have kids on whether they actually want to bring them. They may consider your wedding to be a perfect excuse to have a night away from the kids! If you decide that you do not want people to bring their kids along, you need to specify that in the invitation. It can be
a nice touch to give them contact details of suitable local baby-sitters who they might be able to use, especially if you have out-of-town guests with children. Guests who have young babies will most likely need to be with them throughout the whole day. In this instance, you might wish to talk to them separately and let them know whether you are happy for them to bring them along. If you are happy for your guests to bring their children, there are a few things that you can do to help ensure that they don’t run riot and distract from your big day. • Have an area set out for them to play in. This way, they know where they are allowed to go and they won’t end up playing tag throughout the whole of the reception venue. • Have an adult in charge of looking after them. If the kids are slightly older, this may just be someone who stops by occasionally to make sure that they are all ok or, for younger children, it might be someone who looks after them for the whole evening. • Make sure that the venue has meals suitable for the kids (and double check that there are no allergies that the kitchen needs to know about). • If there are a number of people there with their kids, try to make sure that you get all of the formalities done as early in the evening as possible. This means that, in the event that the parents have to take their tired children home to bed, they don’t miss out on celebrating the evening with you.
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The Checklist Engaged to 9 months before Task
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Announce your engagement, including notices in the newspaper Organise for your families to meet, if they haven’t done so already Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, MC, flower girls, page boys Discuss the type of wedding you want, including budget Compile a draft guest list (this will help determine venue size) Choose venues for the ceremony and reception Set the date and time for the wedding Choose and book the following: • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Caterer • Florist • Transport • Wedding Co-ordinator • Celebrant Start thinking about your dress (you may need to book a dressmaker) Consider purchasing wedding insurance to cover those things that are out of your control which may result in the wedding being postponed or cancelled Have an engagement party
9 months before Task
Order your wedding dress Choose your accessories: veil, jewellery, underwear, shoes and so on Choose the attire for the rest of the wedding party as applicable: • Groom • Bridesmaids • Groomsmen • Flower girls • Page boys Select stationery including: • Invitations
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Task
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• Thank you cards/notes • Place name cards • RSVP cards • Seating plan • Envelopes Book a calligrapher Send out save-the-date cards Contact rental companies to hire equipment, marquees, tables, etc Organise gift registry Start thinking about your honeymoon
6 months before Task
Order bridesmaids’ dresses Order/book the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits Help your mother and mother-in-law with their outfits Discuss your beauty regime with your beauty therapist Book in for marriage preparation course if needed Decide on and order your wedding cake Book your accommodation for the wedding night Investigate accommodation options for out of town guests Choose and purchase your wedding rings Make any honeymoon reservations
4 months before Task
Book hairdresser and make-up artist Order favours Discuss menu options with caterer/venue, including wine selection Organise entertainment if you are having children at the reception Speak with the celebrant or minister and decide on an order of service, responsibilities, speech making, readings, etc. Set your rehearsal date Let people know if they will be making a speech, doing a reading, etc Purchase wedding gifts for each other and the wedding party Organise time off work for your honeymoon Renew passports if necessary!
2 months before Task
Post invitations Write your vows Have your hair and makeup trials (remember to take your veil etc)
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Organise dancing lessons for the first dance Organise your hen’s and buck’s nights with the wedding party Confirm: • Flowers with florist – do they fit with the theme, colours, dresses • Menu with caterer • Accommodation for yourselves and your guests Organise any legal work, for example, pre-nuptial agreements, wills
1 month before Task
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Apply for your marriage licence Confirm and finalise final guest numbers Make a seating plan (allow time for disagreements!) Have your dress fittings Organise bridal party’s final fittings (including accessories) Confirm groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits are ready Write your speech Confirm honeymoon accommodation and flight bookings Organise a house-sitter for while you are on honeymoon
2 weeks before Task
Confirm with everyone that you have booked for your wedding, advise final numbers and provide a emergency contact number to: • Venue • Caterer • Celebrant/Minister • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Florist • Cake maker • Stationery • Car hire company • Hairdresser • Makeup artist • Favours • Hire company Make a list of everything that needs to be set up and/or taken to the ceremony and reception Have your final dress fitting including accessories. Take your chief bridesmaid so she knows how to how to attach your train etc.
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Make sure the bridesmaids have their dresses, footwear and accessories Have your final haircut and colour before the wedding Make sure the groom has his hair cut Finalise seating plan for reception Write place cards Practise walking around in your wedding shoes Have hen’s night and buck’s night
1 week before Task
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Pick up your wedding dress and hang it in a safe place Wedding rehearsal (you may like to give the bridal party their gifts then) Pick up hire items, including groom’s and groomsmen’s attire Confirm honeymoon arrangements Pack for honeymoon Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned Pack an emergency kit for the day Final check on arrangements and plan for the day: • Who has the rings? • Have you paid entertainers etc ahead of time or do you need to take money? • Who is taking the gifts home after the wedding? • Who is dry-cleaning your dress the next day? • Who is returning the suits? • Make sure the bridal party are aware of their roles • Give a list of important contacts to a trusted family member or friend (can be the chief bridesmaid or the mother of the bride)
The day before Task
Relax and spend some quality time on your own! Present each other with gifts and remind each other why you love the other Give wedding bands to the best man and/or chief bridesmaid to hold during the ceremony
The big day Enjoy yourself!
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Next Issue out 1 June
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