Engaged Wedding Magazine - May 2012

TRUE BEAUTY PHOTO SPREAD KEEPING IT GREEN

05/ 2012

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ALTERNATIVE BOUQUETS SINGAPORE HONEYMOON

WIN A $2000 WEDDING GOWN!

...your wonderful wedding on the cliff tops 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 designing your wonderful wedding!

Castaways Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku, Auckland Ph 09 236 5161 Email weddings@castaways.co.nz Web www.castaways.co.nz * Specials Season at Castaways * April to November is Specials Season at Castaways. No minimum spends and no minimum numbers are required.

Simply your wedding, your way.

“We want to thank you again for our absolutely amazing wedding. Some guests said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to!”

(Castaways Bride & Groom, 2011)

~ unique ~

~ memorable ~

~ affordable ~

Notes from the Editors...

Cover Credits: Photographer: Owen Behan Model: Kat Glass @ Odd Management Makeup Artist: Michelle Brindle using MAC Hair: Marianne Wilkie Dress: Ella 5530 by Felicitys Bridal One-Off Crystal Necklace by Natalie Chan

Advertising Enquiries: Contact: Tim Hamilton Email: info@engaged.co.nz Phone: 021 448817 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 some of you are soon to find out, winter weddings are fabulous.

However, they do pose different issues than the traditional summer wedding and often necessitate thinking out of the box. It is this that often results in the spectacular ideas that make weddings really special and unique.

A great example of having something a little different is the alternative bouquets that we have featured in our inspiration section this month. These amazing creations are a fantastic alternative to the traditional bouquet.

This month we also have a gorgeous spread showcasing some beautiful gowns and accessories from Natalie Chan and Felicitys Bridal. Feast your eyes!

Happy planning!

Tim (& Gabrielle)

table of HONEYMOONING IN SINGAPORE

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ECO-FRIENDLY

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ALTERNATIVE BOUQUETS

TRUE BEAUTY

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New New Look at A La Robe A La Robe has launched their new website, which features an online boutique letting you buy the gorgeous garments and accessories from the comfort of your own home!

View the new website at www.alarobe.com

WEDDING SHOWS Taranaki Wedding & Events Expo

Saturday 5 May 2012 10am-4pm Quality Hotel Plymouth International

Bride & Groom Show

Sunday 6 May 2012 Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland http://www.brideandgroomshow.co.nz

Nelson Wedding Show

Sunday 6 May 2012 10am - 3pm Trafalgar Centre, Nelson http://www.nelsonweddingshow.co.nz/

Elegant Wedding Show

Sunday 20 May 2012 10:30am - 3pm Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill http://www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz/

WEDDING PERKS We are really excited to announce a partnership with Perks to offer you some of the best wedding perks around. These arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your half price sandwich type of deals. No, we are only interested in good quality offers from retailers and brands that you know and love.

To receive these Perks, you just need to be signed up to the Weddings.co.nz newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Most of the deals are open for a week to give you a chance to go and look at the products or services over the weekend (although some Perks have limited numbers so you might need to get in quick).

At the moment, we are offering Perks from Auckland-based businesses. However, soon those of you out of Auckland will have your chance to grab a Perk so keep an eye out!

Here are a few examples of some of the recent Perks that we have got for you: Save $375 on your wedding flowers from Blush by Kelly Amundsen Save $100 off Rocket Kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top No 1 selling wedding cake $100 off Exclusive Suit Hire Rental $500 off your couture John Zimmermann Wedding Gown Save $1250 of a Tony Banks Diamond Photography Wedding Package 100 personalised handmade chocolate wedding favours for only $95 save $50!

Sign up here to receive your Wedding Perks

Different Alternative Bouquets

Custom

m Colour Button Bridal Bouquet

Buy This Here

Custom Colour Button Bridal Bouquet

Buy This Here

Ivory and Champagne Brooch Wedding Bouquet

Buy This Here

The Little Heather Wedding Bouquet

Buy This Here

Vintage Sunshine Jewellery Bouquet

Buy This Here

The Camille Bouquet - Felt Flower

Buy This Here

Brooch Bouquet

by Amanda Jane

Buy This Here

WIN a City Bridal Couture Gown to the value of $2000!

Click here for details on how to enter

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Beauty True

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Fleur Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amour Silk & Tulle Wedding Gown by Natalie Chan 19

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This month we have an amazing shoot showcasing gorgeous gowns and accessories from Natalie Chan and Felicitys Bridal.

Enjoy!

Photographer: Owen Behan - www.owenbehan.com Model: Kat Glass @ Odd Management Makeup Artist: Michelle Brindle using MAC www.michellebrindle.com Hair: Marianne Wilkie Wardrobe: Thank you to Felicitys Bridal (www.felicitysbridal.co.nz) and Natalie Chan (www.nataliechan.co.nz)

Opposite: Dress: Ella 5554 $1,995.00â&#x20AC;? By Felicitys Bridal One-off Black Crystal Necklace by Natalie Chan

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Dress: Allure C176 $3,999.00 by Felicitys Bridal

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Ruffled Eternity One-off headpiece by Natalie Chan.

Peal Necklace by Natalie Chan Grecian Romance One-Off Lace Dress by Natalie Chan

Dress: Allure 8764 (ivory lace) by Felicitys Bridal

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Dress: Venus VN6697 by Felicitys Bridal

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Dress: Allure 8764 (ivory lace) by Felicitys Bridal

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Dress: Ella 5530 by Felicitys Bridal One-Off Crystal Necklace by Natalie Chan

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Belle of the Day One-Off Silk Wedding Gown by Natalie Chan Bons Reves Bridal Silk Flower on Veil by Natalie Chan

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- Made to Measure - From $500 - Free delivery - Wide Selection - High Quality Click below to visit us now!

www.donnazuri.com 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

Through the Lens

Showcasing Photographic Excellence

Photograph by VisionWorks Photography

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Vanilla Images

Website: www.vanillaimages.co.nz Email: chris@vanillaimages.co.nz Mobile: 021 023 94008 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland and Northland

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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

Dilworth Photography Website: www.dilworthphotography.co.nz Email: dilworthphotography@gmail.com Phone: 027 468 1865 Auckland

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)

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography Website: www.uniquevisions.co.nz Email: brett@uniquevisions.co.nz Phone: 09 8133 519 Mobile: 0274 913 061 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland

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Jodie C Photography Website: www.jodiecphotography.co.nz

Email: info@jodiecphotography.co.nz Phone: 021 323 829 Auckland & Nationwide

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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Amy Schulz Photography

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

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Mike Hill Photography

Website: www.mikehillphotography.co.nz Email: info@mikehillphotography.co.nz Phone: 07 863 1180 Mobile: 021 507 537 Waihi, Nationwide & International Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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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Backyard Studio

Web: www.backyardstudio.co.nz Phone: 021 143 7289 Christchurch

Email: info@backyardstudio.co.nz

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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Jessica Photography

Website: www.jessicaphotography.co.nz Email: info@jessicaphotography.co.nz Phone: 09 537 5533 Mobile: 027 658 8831 Auckland Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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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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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

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

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TRAVEL

SINGAPORE engaged

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All images courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board

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ith Jetstar recently offering $247 fares to Singapore, we thought that it was time to remind you all about this fabulous city and all that it has to offer.

It is a firm favourite of ours and is an easy way to get an introduction to Asia.

As soon as you step out of Changi airport, you just know that Singapore is going to be easy to get along with. It might be a bit hot and humid, but the taxis ranks are well organised, the taxis are clean and the drivers even seem to know where they are going. Things are even easier due to the fact that, even though this is definitely an Asian city, english is an official language and is widely spoken. This is sort of a running theme for Singapore: it lets you enjoy a distinctly Asian experience with less of the difficulty experienced in many other Asian cities.

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Getting Around Getting around Singapore is dead easy.

There is a brilliant rail system (the MRT) which, as well as being tremendously clean, is super efficient and can get you to the main parts of the island. You can purchase single fare tickets (with fares for as little as $1) although, if you are going to be in Singapore for more than a week, it might be worth getting one of the EZ-Link cards which you can just top up when you need to.

The other main way of getting around is by taxi. Taxis are pretty cheap and can be found at all of the shopping centres and hotels (of which there are thousands) so there is normally one nearby. They also have the advantage of taking you from air-conditioned door to air-conditioned door (which when it gets really muggy is definitely worth its weight in gold, especially when you have loads of shopping to carry!).

Accommodation It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really matter too much which area within the main part of the city you stay in as it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that big and it is easy to get around. Due to there being loads of hotels, there are normally some great deals to be had and will be something to

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fit every budget. When we were there, we stayed at the Parkroyal which had everything that you would ever need for $170 per night.

Even if you are on a tight budget, make sure that your hotel has a pool. At the end of the day, there is nothing quite like going for a quick dip to cool off!

If you really want an experience though, you can always treat yourselves to a night at the famous Raffles Hotel. This is an all-suite hotel and was rated

by Conde Naste Traveller as one of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Places to Stay. You do however pay handsomely for the privilege - approximately $600 per night!

The Food Being in the centre of main trading routes throughout the region, Singapore has developed a diverse population. The majority of the population are ethnic Chinese (75 percent), with approximately 14 percent Malay and 10 percent Indian. This has resulted in there being available a huge variety of cuisines,all with a bit of Singaporean twist to them.

We always love eating from one of the many food markets. This is where you get the amazing flavours that the cosmopolitan society has created. One of our favourites is Newton Circus (sometimes known as the Newton Food Centre). It is full of food stalls that run from midday to 2am and is always bustling with

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both locals and tourists. The smells as you wander around are just amazing and, if you werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hungry before you got there, you definitely will be once you have been there for a minute or two! One thing to note is that the vendors can get a bit excited if you pay too much attention to them, so if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want something, it is best just to walk on by without making eye contact. Our favourites were the satay, the chili crab and the yummy fried bananas .

If you want something a little easier, you can always head to the air-conditioned comfort of one of the many franchise joints or you can even go and visit the ever-popular Hard Rock Cafe (which does great ribs!).

For a more sophisticated meal out, there are plenty of top quality restaurants to choose from, offering some of the best cuisine in the world.

The fine-dining restaurants do however tend to be quite pricey by New Zealand standards so be prepared to open your wallet.

Touristy things No matter what you are in to, there is loads to keep you busy in Singapore. If you are interested in Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, head to one of the heritage centres on the island, such as the Chinatown Heritage Centre

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which is housed within the walls of three restored shophouses and gives you a glimpse into the lives of Chinatown’s early residents.

For those into something a bit more lively, there is Sentosa Island. This is home to a theme park, wildlife reserves, adventure rides as well as a boat load of restaurants, bars and clubs and even three beaches!

It is definitely worth checking out and it is easy to spend a whole day exploring.

Another famous attraction is the Night Safari which is the world’s first wildlife night park. You can walk around the walking tracks or alternatively, you can catch the tram (departing at 7:30pm) which guides you around the night safari allowing you to witness some of the 115 species contained in the park.

Another ‘must-do’ is to head to the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling. Even though the current Singapore Sling is a modified version of the origial (first created by a bartender at the bar sometime prior to 1915), it is worth the visit to experience the atmosphere of the historic Long Bar.

Shopping Ten years ago, people would come home from holidaying in Singapore with fantastic electronics that they had purchased for bargain prices. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as competitive now as it used to be, however, there are still deals to be had.

What it lacks in bargain basement prices, it makes up for with selection. There are hundreds of malls catering to every shopping need. If you are after clothes, you can

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wander down Orchid Road and find anything you want, from Prada and Louis Vuitton, to the more mainstream labels.

If it is silk, handicrafts, jade or jewellery you are after, Chinatown is the place to start. It also has a night market where over 200 stalls line the streets. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, it is worth going just for the experience.

For electronics, the Funan Digital Mall is the place to go. It positions itself as Asia’s leading IT shopping mall and you will find all of the gadgets you could dream of. It is however best to know what you want (and how much you can get it in New Zealand for) before going there as it is very easy to get caught up in the impressive sales techniques of the shop assistants. With so many shops selling the same goods, make sure that you compare prices and don’t be afraid to bargain.

Singapore is a great place to spend your honeymoon. On the face of it, it might not have the excitement of somewhere like Hong Kong, but it has the advantage of offering a brilliant Asian experience while being an easy place to travel to.

Soaking up the vibrant Singaporean culture, sampling the amazing foods, dabbling in a spot of shopping - it would definitely be one of our top honeymoon destinations!

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Going

Green

Tips for a more environmentally-friendly wedding

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hose of you who have followed Engaged from the very start (forty-four issues ago!), will remember that in our first issue we did a list of tips for having an environmentally-friendly wedding. Well, that was more than two years ago now and we thought it about time that we updated the list. So here it is!

If you have any other great tips, email them to us (info@engaged. co.nz) and we’ll put them on the website!

Wedding Magazines •

Cut down on paper usage by reading online magazine such as Engaged.

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Recycle your old paper magazines by passing them on to other brides.

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Buy local magazines - they haven’t been flown half way across the world and they also advertise local businesses (which is where you should be trying to source everything from).

Clothing •

Buy or use a second-hand dress. www.weddings.co.nz have a substantial list of pre-loved gowns for sale. These can be altered to suit your body shape or personal style if necessary.

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Recycle your dress by listing it for sale after your wedding.

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Consider renting a dress and/or your bridesmaids’ dresses.

The groom’s and groomsmen’s suits can be hired at any number of great suit hire places, including Working Style, Thomson’s Suits and Kingsway Menswear.

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When buying your dress or bridesmaids’ dresses, choose dresses that can be worn again.

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Think about the fabric used in your wedding dress – organic silk, cotton, hemp or blends of these fabrics are now available.

Jewellery and Accessories •

Borrow accessories to go with your dress and/or your bridesmaids’ dresses.

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Reuse an old piece of family jewellery, either by using it as it is or having the piece reworked.

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Make sure your diamonds are ethically mined – if in doubt, ask your jeweller.

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Consider using New Zealand-mined gold and silver.

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If thinking about a platinum ring, search for recycled platinum.

Flowers •

Use flowers from your own or a friend or family member’s garden.

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Make sure the flowers you use are seasonal and look for locally-grown, pesticide-free flowers. Flowers outside of season will need to be shipped from overseas.

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Think about using plants as table or reception venue decorations. These can be replanted later.

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Re-use ceremony flowers at the reception.

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Consider a flower-free bouquet – check out Boutique Bloom’s ribbon flowers or consider carrying a parasol.

Stationery •

Use 100% recycled paper.

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Or use paper made from bamboo or hemp. These materials are natural and sustainable.

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Investigate the use of printers that use soy or vegetable-based ink.

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Use online wedding invitations, such as those offered by Paperless Wedding (www.paperlesswedding.co.nz). You can set up website so the invites, RSVPs and other information can all be provided online.

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If posting your invites, use postcards for RSVPs. This saves on the extra paper used for envelopes. Or ask your guests to RSVP by phone or email.

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Work out if you really need an Order of Service. If you decide that you do, provide a recycling bin at the ceremony so guests can recycle any order of service programs. Limit the programs to one per couple if possible.

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Email your thank you cards.

Favours •

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and to support local industry.

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Let guests know you have donated to a charity on their behalf instead of giving them favours.

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Give your guests a seedling to plant in their garden.

Confetti •

Consider alternatives to paper confetti: flower petals or bird seed look great. Just make sure your seed is native plant seed – the introduction of non-native or invasive plants can upset the environment!

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Have someone release butterflies or doves instead of throwing confetti.

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If you are using bubbles, use home-made bubbles, as this cuts down on the plastic packaging required for store bought bubbles.

Photography •

Luckily, most of today’s photographers will use digital cameras rather than having to chemically process and print photos.

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Arrange for your photographer to put the pictures on the internet and request that your friends and family only download and print what they need.

Venue •

Limit the number of guests. A smaller ceremony and reception will use fewer resources (stationery, food, transport, and so on).

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Have your ceremony and reception venues near each other to limit travel required.

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Use local venues to support local businesses.

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Choose a practices.

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environmentally-friendly

Food •

When choosing your food, make sure it is made of local, in-season produce if possible. This includes tea, coffee, your cake and alcohol! We have some of the best ingredients grown right here in New Zealand so use them!

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Also choose organic ingredients where feasible.

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Think about the time of day your wedding feast will be served: could you limit your food to canapés instead of a fully-fledged buffet (which often has more wastage)?

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Ask your caterer to donate any extra food to a local food bank and to compost any food waste.

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Think about those serving dishes and plates: crockery and cutlery that can be washed are more environmentally friendly than disposable plates and cutlery. If you do have to use disposable plates, look out for plates made from corn starch, potato or other plant fibre.

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Emphasize to your caterers and the reception staff that everything that can be recycled needs to be recycled.

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Transport •

Encourage guests to purchase carbon credits if they are flying.

Or do it for them.

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Suggest guests car pool to, from, and between the venues or let guests know about Green Cabs, who use hybrid cars. Alternatively you may like to hire a bus to transport guests between venues.

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Arrive at the ceremony the old fashioned way: use a horse and carriage!

Gifts •

Think about if you really need gifts: don’t list items you don’t need on your gift registry.

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If adding appliances to your gift wish list, research which brands or items have the least environmental impact.

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You may like to make a donation to an environmental or charitable organisation one of your gift registry items.

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Ask guests to wrap gifts in recycled paper or use gift bags (which can be recycled by you).

Honeymoon •

Consider honeymooning locally. Not only does it support local businesses but it cuts down on travel miles.

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If flying, buy carbon credits to offset your flight.

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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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