WEDDING DRESSES

Western wedding dresses have focused on white colours and lace ever since Queen Victoria got married in 1840. In the East, however, red is the preferred colour, which signifies luck. In ancient Rome, brides wore long veils of deep yellow described as the colour of flame: the brides were like torches, bringing light and warmth to their husbands’ homes. Ancient Athenian brides wore long violet or light reddish robes.

Over the last couple of hundred years, a bride’s wedding dress has represented the end of a woman’s identity as an individual and a move to being a dependent wife. It also reflected the family’s image and how wealthy they were. Today, your wedding dress is more likely to signify something different - the end of singlehood accompanied by a new commitment and partnership.

Your dress is also an opportunity to dress up and look great. Your wedding gown is your own little piece of history. You can choose one that reflects you as a person and lets your personality shine through. You want your guests to remember you as a happy bride and groom.

You might want to pick out and order your dress about nine months before the wedding or union. But if your weight changes before the big day, have a seamstress in mind for any alterations. Carolanz in Masterton can alter your dress or even make you one from scratch.

There are some wonderful wedding dress businesses in the lower North Island but, equally, ordering something online can be just as successful and often cheaper. Two of the brides featured in this magazine have done just that.

• Anti wrinkle

• Dermal filler

• Fat dissolver

• Mesotherapy

• Cryotherapy

• Bio stimulating threads

HEN’S DOS & STAG NIGHTS

Hen’s parties are designed for the bride and her friends to have a fun time together prior to the wedding. A hen’s do could range from a night of drinking to a meal at a classy restaurant, or even a week-long destination vacation. There are, however, many other options. Tea parties, spa sessions, creative classes with a glass of wine, or something like a bike or walk, are all hen’s do options in Wairarapa.

Brackenridge Country Retreat and Spa offers a range of packages that might be perfect for your hen’s do. How about all having a facial, pedicure, manicure, or head and shoulder massage? Or maybe all of the above? What a lovely way to relax and share time with friends, followed by a glass of champagne.

If you’re an active bunch, you might want to check out the Rahui Coastal Loop, an e-biking trip over three days and two nights. The trip starts at 4pm on day one, leaving from the Woolshed in Tinui Valley Road and involving a 10km ride. Day two is a 34km ride which takes you from The Sow’s Ear to Castlepoint. And day three is a 21km ride back to the Woolshed by lunchtime. E-bikes are for hire, or you can provide your own.

Ventana Creative Collective can help you throw a hen’s do that the bride will never forget. Ventana in Martinborough offers fun activities like flower crown-making, painting, and clay sculpting. Your party can come to the Ventana Studio or Ventana can bring the party to where you are staying. Let your creativity run wild and make some unforgettable memories together.

Stag nights. The groom and his mates traditionally get to let their hair down before the day of the wedding or union. Wairarapa is packed with wonderful eateries and bars. If it’s physical activity options you’re after, however, you could go fishing, golf, hiking, or biking. You could get creative and set up a poker night or simply chill out over a BBQ and beer. Whatever you decide, have fun.