Engaged Wedding Magazine - January 2011

01/ 2011

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REAL WEDDINGS SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT-LOSS WHO DOES WHAT? WEDDING INVITATIONS

... 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)

~ unique ~

~ memorable ~

~ affordable ~

Notes from the Editors...

Happy New Year!

Here at Engaged, we hope that you have had a fantastic holiday season and are enjoying the lovely weather that we have been having,

Cover Credits: Photography: Visionworks Photography www.visionworks.co.nz Couple: Angela and Richard

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.

As we start the New Year, we tend to resolve to ‘improve’ our lives, whether it be working less, eating better, or heading to the gym more often. For those planning a wedding, a good resolution can be to stop stressing, take a step back and really enjoy planning your wedding. We often get caught up in the little aspects of wedding planning and forget that in the grand scheme of things, most of the little bits and pieces don’t really matter - as long as you can share your day with your friends and family, nothing else really matters. So, if you can’t find the right shoes, or one of your bridesmaids isn’t helping as much as you think or the seating plan is becoming a nightmare, just step back and remember that, no matter what happens, you will be marrying the most special person in the world and that is all that matters!

Tim & Gabrielle

table of WEDDING ROLES - WHO DOES WHAT

32 REAL WEDDINGS

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WIN! 4

contents

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE

SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS

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YOU’RE INVITED!

Engaged’s guide to wedding invitations

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CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Karlie Morton who has won last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beads Glorious Beads competition.

Karlie has won a $100 gift voucher from Beads Glorious Beads

WIN A GILLETTE VENUS SPA BREEZE! Venus Spa Breeze is the newest version of the 2-in-1 razor with built-in shave gel bars, which provide a skin-loving, light lather for a smooth shave without the need for shaving cream.

The shave gel bars flex and respond to fit intricate curves, fitting into even the most difficult areas, like knees and ankles, revealing smooth beautiful skin. Simply wet the razor to release the soothing white tea scent.

We have one Gillette Venus Spa Breeze to give away to one luck reader.

To enter, click here and enter your details!

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WIN 4 PAIRS OF CUFFLINKS (PLUS A LEATHER CUFFLINKS CASE!)

The Cheeki Shop have generously given us a leather cufflinks case (RRP $64) plus 4 pairs of cufflinks inside the case (up to a total value of $170) of the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice from thecheekishop.co.nz!

Click here to enter!

SPECIALS

&

GIVEAWAYS 7

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Mangapapa Wedding Affair Sunday 23 January 2011 - 10am - 5pm Mangapapa Petit Hotel, 466 Napier Road, Havelock North, Hawkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay www.weddingaffair.co.nz

North City Wedding & Bridal Expo Sunday 30 January 2011 - 10am - 5pm Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua City, Wellington $50,000 in prizes to be won! www.northcityweddingexpo.co.nz

WEDDING SHOWS

Elegant Wedding Show

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Sunday, 3 April 2011 - 11am - 3pm Edgar Centre, Dunedin www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz

The Grand Wedding Show

Sunday, 17 April 2011 - 9am - 4pm Level 5, Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland www.weddingshow.co.nz

Bride & Groom Show Sunday, 1 May 2011 - 9am - 5pm Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland www.brideandgroomshow.co.nz

Elegant Wedding Show Sunday, 1 May 2011 - 11am - 3pm Millbrook Resort, Queenstown www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz

Elegant Wedding Show Sunday, 29 May 2011 - 11am - 3pm Ascot Park Hotel, Dunedin www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz 8

YOU HAVE SPOKEN YES = 94% NO = 6% Last month, we got you to vote whether Philip Bailey, a part time wedding photographer based in Christchurch, should make the leap and go full time. Well, you voted and here are the results!

Also, here are some of the comments that people gave about Phil and his photos: Gorgeous photos Phil!! Keep up the good work.

Amazing work - you have captured the love that all these couples share give up your day job for sure

Amazing artist !!

Beautiful work :)

You have produced some awesome photos keep up the great work !!!

I love your photos Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen they all look fun and natural, not one photo looks over posed.

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YOU’RE

Engaged’s Guide to

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INVITED!

o Wedding Invitations

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our wedding invitations are often the first glimpse your guests will have of the theme for your wedding.

The invites let them know, not only the important details of where and when, but also whether your wedding will be formal or informal, beach or garden, church or otherwise. They set the style and increase your guests’ excitement about the event.

Who to Invite?

One of the biggest political problems facing brides and grooms is the question of who to invite to the wedding? This will, of course, be influenced by a number of factors: your budget, the number of family members on each side, and the number of people your venue will hold.

Invitation lists generally start with family members (brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins), then close friends of the bride and groom, family friends who have watched your grow up, work colleagues, and close family friends of the bride and groom’s parent.

Both sides of the family should have the opportunity to invite an equal number of guests, however don’t feel like you have to stick to this if you come from a family of eight brothers and sisters and your beloved is an only child!

The ‘B’ list So, is it okay to have a ‘B’ list? It would be great if you could afford to invite everyone to your wedding, but unfortunately most budgets won’t stretch to this and certain friends and family will have to be excluded from the invite list. If you do get your

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invitations out early and receive a number of replies from people that are unable to attend, you may be able to invite people who didn’t make the first cut. However, make sure you handle this delicately as no one likes to think they are second-choice!

After-Party If you find that cutting down the invitation list just becomes too hard, you can try alternatives such as just inviting some guests to come party after the reception meal.

Those Little Things Traditionally, formal invitations are also sent to your attendants and their partners (or parents for the little ones). If the bride’s parents are hosting the wedding, an invitation is sent to the groom’s parents, or if the couple is hosting the wedding, then formal invitations could go to both sets of parents as a record of the occasion.

It is also customary to invite the priest or minister and spouse to the reception.

When?

Generally invitations are sent out about two months before your wedding. However, if many of your quests are from overseas or you are being married during a holiday period, you may need to send them out earlier to inform guests of the date and to allow them to make accommodation plans. An alternative to this is to send a ‘save the date’ card (or even fancy email), letting your friends and family know the proposed date in advance of sending out the invitation. By doing this, you might also find out

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which people won’t be able to make that date, leaving you the opportunity to invite people from your ‘B-list’

Who? As you will see from our article on roles at weddings, it is traditional for the bride’s mother to write, post and record replies to the wedding. She may be helped out by the bridesmaids or the bride herself. Both mothers may be called on to chase up any late replies.

These days however it is often the bride and groom who do all of the sending of invitations, checking RSVPs and following up late replies.

What?

So apart from decisions on the theme of your wedding and how this can be reflected in your wedding stationary, you need to know what types of invitations are available. You have a few choices: • custom printed invitations from a printer including all details of the wedding, with space for the guests names; • pre-printed invitations from a stationery shop with spaces for the hosts’ and guests’ names, the name of the bride and groom, the venue (ceremony and reception) and the date and time; • customised invitations created on your PC including all details of the wedding, along with the guests names; • hand written invitations, which are a lovely personal touch for

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a small wedding, but if you’re having more than 25 guests the task might overwhelm you.

Whatever your choice, make sure you get a few extra invitations to allow for mistakes and to keep as momentos.

All You Need…

All invitations should include the date, time and place of the wedding, as per the examples shown.

Also helpful are suggestions for dress, including footwear (stilettos on the beach aren’t fun, unless you kick them off and go barefoot!); maps and directions on how to reach the venue, including your back-up location if it is raining; information about your wedding registry; details on accommodation options for out-of-town guests. Having said that, rather than including all of that information in the invitation, you can just include a link to a webpage which has all of this information for your guests to view online.

Postponement and Cancellation If your wedding has to be postponed or cancelled, you need to advise your guests as soon as possible. If time doesn’t allow a written card, then all the guests will have to be e-mailed or telephoned.

Wording On the next page, we have a selection of invitation wording.

Of course, these are suggestions only and you will need to play around with them to fit your specific situation.

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nes Mr & Mrs Paul Jo and ith Mr & Mrs Eric Sm asure of request the ple f the company o [ names of the

Catherine Jon es and John Smith request the ple asure of the company of

guests here ]

of their children at the marriage s Catherine Jone and John Smith rch at St Paul’s Chu Ellerslie 27 Short Street, 9 December 200 0 1 y a rd tu Sa n o at 4pm ption t a garden rece a s rd a rw e ft a d an ncing at followed by da tel The Excelsior Ho Ellerslie 29 Short Street,

[ names of the guests here ] at their marr iage at St Paul’s Ch urch 27 Short Stree t, Ellerslie on Saturday 10 December 200 9 at 4pm and afterwar ds at a garden reception followed by da ncing at The Excelsior Hotel 29 Short Stree t, Ellerslie

RSVP ad, Superbia Ro 33 City l.co.nz someone@mai 09 123 4567

RSVP 33 City Road, Superbia someone@mai l.co.nz 09 123 4567

Owing to the recent illness of Mrs Jones’ father, Catherine to the wedding of her daughter Mr John Smith e at at St Paul’s Church, Ellersli 9 at 4pm on Saturday 10 December 200 will not now take place. vately The marriage will be held pri at a date to be arranged.

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Mr & Mrs Paul Jones and Mr & Mrs Eric Smith request the pleasure of the company of

Catherine Jones and John Smith

[ names of the guests here ]

request the pleasure of the company of

at a dance to be held at The Excelsior Hotel 29 Short Street, Ellerslie on Saturday 10 December 2009 at 8pm to celebrate the marriage of their children Catherine Jones and John Smith

[ names of the gues

ts here ]

at a garden recept ion to be held at The Excelsior Hotel 29 Short Street, Elle rslie on Saturday 10 Dec ember 2009 at 8pm to celebrate their m arriage

RSVP 33 City Road, Supe rbia someone@mail.co.n z 09 123 4567

RSVP 33 City Road, Superbia someone@mail.co.nz 09 123 4567

ness of e recent ill Owing to th father, Mrs Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ughter g of her da in d d e w e th Smith to Mr John Catherine h, Ellerslie ulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Churc at at St Pa mber 2009 y 10 Dece on Saturda at 4pm until postponed has been .

010 at 4pm February 2 0 1 y a rd Satu

................................................... (space for guests to write their names) accept with pleasure decline with regret your kind invitation for Saturday 10 December 2009 Number of guests ..........

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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 fishyleo@orcon.net.nz 021 389423

Mob: 021 458 687 diana@outside-the-square.co.nz

Through the Lens

Showcasing Photographic Excellence

Photograph by VisionWorks Photography

Page 19 : engaged : May 2009

Amy Schulz Photography

Website: www.amyschulz.co.nz Email: AmySchulzPhotography@gmail.com Mobile: 0211556071 Wellington and Nationwide

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Suzanne McNatty - Photography by Design

Website: www.photographybydesign.co.nz Email: mcnatty@ihug.co.nz Mobile: 027 567 5990 Associate Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Southland

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projectShot images

Award-winning wedding photography & video production Website: www.projectshot.com

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Email: info@projectshot.com Mobile: 021 685 871 Auckland

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

Greenapple Photo & Video Studio Website: www.greenapple.co.nz Mobile: 021 119 5567 Auckland

Email: wearegreenapple@gmail.com

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Amanda Wignell Photography Website: www.awp.co.nz Email: amanda@awp.co.nz Phone: 09 426 2647 Mobile: 027 615 3078 NZIPP Master of Photography Auckland and Northland (NZ Institute of Professional Photography)

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

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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

Victoria Vincent Photography Website: www.victoriavincent.com Mobile: 021 213 5759 Wellington, Nelson, Nationwide

Email: victoria@victoriavincent.com

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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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Vela Images

Website: www.velaimages.com Phone: 021 376 663 Auckland and Nationwide

Email: greta@velaimages.com

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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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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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 Website: www.vickybroadbent.co.nz Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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Email: broadbent@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 633 404 Coromandel and Auckland

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

Phone: 09 361 1205 www.nadiacouture.co.nz

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FEATURE

WHO DOES

WHAT

Your guide to who does what in the lead up to and on the day of the wedding

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W

ith a number of people being involved in the planning of any wedding, it is important at the outset to determine what everyone’s role is. This way, everybody will know what is expected of them and where their responsibilities lie and, with any luck, the wedding will run like clockwork.

Over the next few pages, we have outlined the traditional roles of each of the participants in a wedding (although we have omitted the Bride and Groom as their roles are pretty obvious!). These roles are by no means set in stone as each wedding will be different. When determining each person’s responsibilites, we advise following these simple guidelines: Play to people’s strengths: If a family member has certain talents, assign them a task that utilises those abilities even if it is not traditionally their role (for example, if your mother-in-law used to be a florist, then let her assist with the flower selection).

Provide people with jobs even if you don’t need help: Many parents dream of helping organise to their child’s wedding. Even if you want to do all of the planning yourself, we advise assigning a role to parents.

This will give them something to focus on and will make them feel part of the wedding. This may sound a bit crazy, but by doing this you are less likely to end up with tension from a family member feeling left out of the wedding.

Communicate: Things are far more likely to go smoothly if everyone is completely clear on what is expected of them and why you chose them to do (or not to do) something.

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Father of the Bride • Support. Keep your little girl calm on the day.

• Drive. Accompany the bride to the ceremony venue in the wedding car.

• Give away. Walk your daughter down the aisle and hand her to the waiting Groom. Don’t forget to lift her veil and give her that symbolic goodbye kiss!

• Dance. After the Bride and Groom have their first dance, you should be the next person to dance with the new wife.

• Speak. The father of the Bride traditionally speaks at the reception. You should thank everyone for coming and welcome the Groom into your family.

• Host. During the reception make sure the guests are enjoying themselves.

Father of the Groom • Budget. Talk to your son and future daughter-in-law about whether you intend to help them out with the wedding costs.

• Host. Help your wife host the rehearsal dinner.

• Support. Be there for moral support at all times.

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Mother of the Bride (MOB) • Shop! You should help the bride find her perfect wedding dress and accessories. Be fair and honest in your opinion, remembering your daughter’s own sense of style and personality, rather than what you would wear if it was you getting married again!

• More shopping! Choose your mother-of-the-bride dress, trying to coordinate with the colours the Bride has chosen for the Bridesmaids’ dresses. Let the mother-of-the-groom know as soon as possible, so that she can pick an outfit that complements yours.

• Budget. Okay, it’s not as fun as shopping but it is always good for everyone to have a clear picture of what you and your husband are willing to pay for.

• Invites. Let your daughter and future son-in-law know who you would like at the wedding. Help your daughter address and send the invites, and if necessary, chase up anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d by the due date.

• Search. Help look for wedding and reception locations, particularly if the wedding is taking place in your home town. If need be, reserve accommodation for out-of-town guests.

• Socialise. If you haven’t already met the Groom’s parents, arrange to meet them. Attend the wedding shower and rehearsal dinner.

• Shop again. Unfortunately this time it’s not about you shopping. Help other guests by spreading the word about where the couple have their gift registry.

• Host. Act as hostess at the wedding and reception, making sure guests are comfortable. This also includes standing in the receiving line, sitting at the parents’ table, and making sure the Bride has greeted all her guests.

• Help. Assist your daughter will any other details she asks you to!

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Mother of the Groom • Host. Arrange and host the rehearsal dinner for the Bride and Groom, attendants, mother and father of the bride, and you and your husband. It is also nice to invite any out of town guests.

• Invite. Draw up the guest list for the Groom’s side after finding out how many guests you are allowed to invite. Call any of your guests who are late in RSVPing.

• Socialise. Attend the bridal shower, and bring a gift.

• Dance. Dance with your son at the wedding.

• Help. Offer to assist anyway you can: help research wedding venues if you live in the same town; help with decorations, invitations, flowers or anything that needs extra hands; provide assistance with seating charts, letting the MOB know who on your side of the guest list should (or shouldn’t!) sit with who.

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Maid / Matron of Honour (MOH) • Shop. You get to go dress and accessory shopping with the Bride-to-be.

Give her your honest opinion (in the nicest possible way!).

• Party. Organise and act as hostess for the hens’ night.

• Invite. Help the Bride to write out and address invitations, place cards and any other handwritten stationary.

• Pamper. Accompany the Bride to her hair and make-up trials.

• Dress. Help the Bride to dress before the wedding. Make sure the dress and veil are sitting correctly throughout the ceremony and reception.

• Walk. Walk down the aisle before the bride. Sometimes the MOH goes first, sometimes just before the bride, so check with your bride about what she wants. Follow the Bride and Groom down the aisle after the ceremony, on the arm of the Best Man. • Lend a hand. Hold the Bride’s flowers during the ceremony, for example, during the exchange of rings. You may need to pass your bouquet to the other Bridesmaid whilst you hold the Bride’s flowers.

• Witness. Sign the wedding certificate.

• Dance. Dance with the Best Man at the wedding reception.

• Socialise. Be sure to talk to as many guests as you can, making them feel warmly welcomed.

• Speak. If you’re up to it, give a speech during the reception and remind the Bride why you’re besties!

• Help. Offer to help the Bride with researching locations, florists, caterers and any other little thing she may need doing. Advise on decorations, favours, flowers, music and so on – but only when asked!

• Be a best friend. Offer your friend all the moral support you can muster.

Remind her that you are there to support her in any way and keep her calm.

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Bridesmaids • Party. Make sure you attend the hens’ night! Help the MOH organise it.

• Walk. Walk down the aisle before the Bride. After the ceremony, you should follow the Bride and Groom back down the aisle, on the arm of your corresponding Groomsmen.

• Dance. Dance with the Groomsmen after the Bride and Groom have had their first dance.

• Host. Mingle with the wedding guests, making sure they are having a good time.

Flowergirl • Walk. The Flower Girl will usually walk down the aisle first, either carrying a basket of flowers during the processional or scattering petals on the ground as she walks down the aisle.

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Best Man • Organise. Plan and execute the bucks’ night. Don’t lead the Groom too far astray!

• Dress. Help the Groom with his suit before the wedding, making sure it is sitting correctly.

• Drive. Be responsible for getting the Groom to the ceremony and to any other wedding-related event.

• Stand by. Wait next to the Groom and other Groomsmen at the front of the ceremony venue as the Bride and Bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

• Hold. Look after the rings until they are ready to be exchanged. Don’t forget to bring them to the ceremony!

• Witness. Sign the wedding certificate at the ceremony.

• Speak. Toast the Bride and Groom during the reception. For tips on your speech, see the advice column in this issue.

• Dance. Dance with the MOH after the couple have had their first dance.

• Socialise. Make sure the guests are having a good time.

• Return. Make sure the suits are returned to the rental store after the ceremony.

• Transport. Make sure the Bride and Groom have transport to their hotel, the airport, or their honeymoon destination.

Page Boy or Ring Bearer • Carry. The Page Boy walks down the aisle with, just before, or just after the Flower Girl, carrying the rings on a pillow.

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Groomsmen • Party. Try not to play up too much at the bucks’ night! Help the Best Man plan the party.

• Escort. Seat wedding guests if there are no ushers.

• Wait. Wait at the front of the church with the Groom as the Bride and her attendants walk down the aisle.

• Walk. Follow the Bride and Groom down the aisle after the ceremony, with your corresponding Bridesmaid on your arm.

• Dance. Dance with the Bridesmaids.

• Socialise. Mingle with the wedding guests after the ceremony and at the reception, making sure everyone is comfortable.

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Successful Weight-Loss for your Big Day...

N

alisha Patel from HealthMastery Mobile Personal Training tells us how to eliminate simple mistakes so you can shape up for your wedding day: Sometimes the journey to our ideal weight and healthy lifestyle is derailed by small and simple mistakes. If you are not seeing results from all your hard work, do not give up! We look at six common weight-loss blunders people make and what to do about them to get back on track in time for your big day!

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1. Expecting to lose weight like everyone else Who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a friend that started a weight-loss program with you and they lost weight at a rapid pace, while the dial stayed stuck on your scales? It is very common for some people to lose weight immediately upon starting a weight loss program and for others to start gaining momentum after 4-5 weeks to get the same results.

This can be very frustrating and demoralising if you see others succeeding before you. Just know that if you are doing everything right; i.e. eating well and exercising consistently then you will eventually get results.

At the start of your weight-loss program you are bound to notice a shift in your sleeping patterns and energy levels for the better. So focus on these positives aspects until you see the change in your dress size and shape.

If you need to, seek help from a professional to ensure you are on the right track.

2. Disheartened by a plateau Most people set out with the intention to lose weight and radically change their lifestyles. After dropping a few kilos, many people expect this to go on indefinitely until they reach their ideal weight. This is just not the case. Realise that everybody eventually reaches a plateau. Consider it a rut for the body. Use this plateau to experiment and mix up your routine to kick-start your results again. A plateau also gives you time to reflect on what you are really doing.

Start a food diary where you track your eating over 5-7 days (always include a weekend) and really look at where you

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may be overindulging. Also assess your workouts. Are you finding your routine boring and unchallenging? The more used to something we are, the more we operate on autopilot which doesn’t deliver results. Try a new sport such as squash or increase the weights you lift and the whole routine.

3. Expecting rapid weight-loss It pays to have realistic expectations when you start any weight-loss plan. Many brides leave losing weight until the last minute and expect to lose ten kilos in six weeks! Give yourself time to reach your weight-loss goals. Aim to drop one kilo per week as this ensures you are more likely to keep it off.

Many TV shows show an unrealistic portrayal of people losing rapid amounts of weight. This is not do-able without a large team of experts and is not to be tried at home!

The general rule of thumb for all good personal trainers is “the slower you lose weight, the longer you will keep it off”.

Allow yourself enough time to lose the recommended one kilo per week to reach your goal weight.

4. Eating less to lose weight This used to be a long held belief which made the most dedicated dieters trip up. Most people are now becoming more aware of the recommended “five small meals a day” rule. It is so important to eat enough kilojoules so your body can run smoothly, your metabolism can stay fuelled and that you take in the right nutrients to have a functioning mind and body.

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Plan a weeks worth of meals in a diary, with five small meals a day (three main meals and two small snacks). Planning really helps to ensure you know exactly what you are going to eat and also stop any unnecessary binging that occurs when we are famished.

Seek out a professional for a more accurate measure of how many kilojoules you should eat a day to reach your goals.

5. Not rewarding yourself Too often we get hung up on what we haven’t achieved and fail to take note of the huge accomplishments we have.

Many clients lose upwards of 8-10 kilos in 12 weeks, yet still feel unsatisfied that they have five kilos to go! When you start a weight-loss plan I really recommend mapping out milestones or measures along the way to your ultimate goal.

When you reach a milestone, go out and celebrate. Most people shouldn’t have food related rewards, so choose something like an afternoon at the movies, a massage (if this suits your budget) or even a new running singlet.

The key is to always acknowledge what you achieved. Yes, you are trying to look fantastic for your big day, but realise these new habits will serve you for life. Aim to make this a new lifestyle.

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking success is a destination! It may already be under your nose and you just have not acknowledged it.

6. Giving up at the first hurdle Expect that along the way of the journey to your weight-loss and health goals you will experience setbacks

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and challenges. Everybody has them. Remember hurdles are designed to be jumped over!

Most people hold the assumption that if, for example, they skip a day of working out or they overeat, then their whole plan is doomed. Just get up, dust yourself off and keep going.

Start again tomorrow or rectify the situation immediately if you can.

Basically plan to fail and you will ensure that any set backs that pop up, will pass without fuss. No matter what, you will always be moving in a positive direction.

Like anything in life, losing weight is a challenge. Hopefully the above tips help you become aware of any mistake you may have been making on your path to better health and wellbeing. Work at your own pace, eat well, move your body and stay excited about what you are doing for yourself and looking good on your big day will be the bonus!

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Susan & Justus engaged

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REAL BRIDES

BEAUTIFUL This month we have Tim Hamilton, our very own editor, showcasing a collection of his favourite weddings.

Enjoy!

www.visionworks.co.nz

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Yann Yann & Tien

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Daisy & Peter engaged

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Angela & Richard

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Andrew & Grace

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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.

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Please go to my website www.natalieshields.com to view my work and prices.

www.natalieshields.com 87 engaged

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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