Wairarapa Weddings 2018 by Wairarapa Times-Age

2018 WAIRARAPA

WEDDINGS THE

VENUE FOR YOU

PLANNING

PG 11

CHECK LIST PG 24

SETTING THE

SCENE PAGE 20

WEDDING

BUDGET PG 4

G N I R U T A FE

BRIDEE OF THR YEA

Well Suited

The essential guide to getting married in Wairarapa

PG 34

Your locally owned newspaper

Contents Welcome 2 Ceremony & Celebrant 3 Wedding Budget 4 Hair 6 Make-Up 7 Fitness 8 Groomed Men 9 Venue 11 Marquee 14 Catering 15 Cakes 16 Flowers 18 Table Setting 20 Bride 22 Photography 23 Wedding Planner 24 Mother of the Bride 27 Bridal Party 28 Blended Families 29 Traditions 30 Honeymoon 32 Groom 34 Gifts 36 Civil Unions 38 Bride of the Year 41

Welcome to Wairarapa Weddings and Wairarapa Bride of the Year 2018.

for brides to relive their special day and wear their wedding dress in public one more time. Increasing numbers of couples are choosing to have their wedding in Wairarapa, especially those with a personal connection to the region.

Everyone loves a wedding and Wairarapa is a wonderful location to have one. Inside Wairarapa Weddings you will find plenty of ideas to make your Wairarapa wedding special along with a huge variety of local businesses who can provide all the services you will need.

Centrally located, it is a convenient meeting place for couples and guests from New Zealand and overseas.

Wairarapa Weddings also celebrates our annual Wairarapa Bride of the Year competition which is Masterton Plunketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major fundraising event. While it is a competition with great prizes for the winner, it is also a moment

Everything you will need for your wedding is available here from churches, to accommodation, catering, florists, photographers and celebrants. And if guests have the time, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy while they are here. Hopefully, the content of Wairarapa Weddings will contribute in some small way to the success of your wedding.

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Ceremony & Celebrant

The celebrant is the one indispensable element of any wedding. For religious services you are not likely to be able to choose who officiates but in all other cases the choice is yours. Choosing a celebrant should be one of the first things you do as their name needs to be on the marriage licence application to the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. But also because. popular celebrants are often booked out many months in advance.

Celebrants can charge up to $800 or more, depending on where you live, the amount of experience the celebrant has, the length of the ceremony and services you ask for. There are several websites listing registered celebrants, including the Department of Internal Affairs celebrants.dia.govt.nz - and Celebrants Association www.celebrantsassociation.co.nz

of marriage by a registrar is $240. An additional fee of $55 is required for a marriage celebrated by a registrar outside normal hours.

As well, many marriage celebrants advertise online either on their own websites or wedding focused websites. You can try asking your friends and family to recommend someone.

Make a deadline so that you are not writing your vows the day before the wedding. There is nothing wrong in practising your vows beforehand. After you have determined your exact wording make an attractive copy to read at the ceremony.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting married at a registry office you will be married by a Registrar of Marriages so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to find your own celebrant. The Registrar will preside over the ceremony but there is only room for a small number of guests. As of May last year, Department of Internal Affairs fees for marriage-related products have gone up.

Many couples now write their own vows. The first thing to do is to see if this is okay with your officiant. Some faiths may require you to say all or part of the traditional vows.

The wedding ceremony has its own unique musical requirements which can require music for the prelude, bridal procession, signing of documents and recession. This can be recorded music that reflects your personality, but if you have friends or family who sing or play a musical instrument why not ask them to be part of the ceremony?

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Wedding budget

APPAREL ESTIMATE Wedding rings Bridal gown Veil/headpiece Bridal shoes Jewellery Hosiery/garter Groom’s suit/shoes Other TOTAL APPAREL DECORATIONS ESTIMATE Ceremony Reception Other TOTAL DECORATIONS FLOWERS ESTIMATE Bouquets Buttonholes Corsages Ceremony Reception Other TOTAL FLOWERS GIFTS ESTIMATE Attendants Bride and groom Other TOTAL GIFTS PHOTOGRAPHY ESTIMATE Photography Videography Prints/albums Other TOTAL PHOTOGRAPHY RECEPTION ESTIMATE Venue hiring fees Food/drink Extras to hire Cake Favours Other TOTAL RECEPTION TRANSPORTATION ESTIMATE TOTAL TRANSPORTATION STATIONERY ESTIMATE Save the date/invitations Thank-you cards Other TOTAL STATIONERY MUSIC ESTIMATE Ceremony Reception TOTAL MUSIC OTHER EXPENSES ESTIMATE

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES

TOTAL $ 4

ACTUAL

Matching your budget to your wedding According to what one finds on the Internet, the average New Zealand wedding supposedly costs around $30,000 to $35,000. While this sounds like a lot, it is worth remembering that it is the average, which means the figure is lifted by a smaller number of very expensive weddings. The median figure which is the middle sum, is more realistic and likely to be around $20,000. Even then there will be couples who have achieved the wedding they wanted for between $5000 and $10,000. Every couple’s idea of their perfect wedding is unique and not every wedding will be as expensive as another. Once you have a clear vision for the sort of wedding you want, sit down with your partner and work out how much money you have for your wedding, including any contributions from parents and others.Your parents might prefer to pay for some specific part of the wedding, and perhaps you can make your reception BYO in lieu of wedding gifts. The further away the wedding day is, the more time you will have to save. It will also give you more time to research and find good deals. Make a priority list of the wedding elements that are important to you and what percentage of your budget you want to spend on each of these.

Talk to friends about their wedding to work out how you might do things better. Don’t be afraid to completely omit elements which aren’t important to you, no matter what they are, or how necessary other people might tell you they are. Whatever your financial position, use a spreadsheet and keep track of spending. Once you have your budget, stick to it. For instance, don’t allow your guest list to blow out. There are lots of ways you can make your budget stretch further without sacrificing quality. Choose an attractive location so less

money needs be spent on decorations. Keep the service, reception, photo location etc close together to save on the cost of transport, photographer, celebrant and catering. An all-inclusive wedding package might be more affordable than hiring all the different elements separately. A combined beauty and hair dressing package that includes pre-wedding treatments might cost less than hiring all these services separately.

accommodation as rates are likely to be lower. The devil can be in the detail so take note of fine print about deposits and refunds, GST and so on. Get all quotes, agreements and confirmations in writing and keep them as a record in case of any disputes. Keep an eye out for add-on costs. For instance, marquee hire may require insurance cover or you could be charged overtime by the band.

Choose a time of year when there is less demand for venues and

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Hair rules to adhere to Always book a trial appointment, whether you have had the same stylist for years, or they are someone new. This is especially important if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying out a new style. Choose your dress before you choose your hair style. You will want a style that complements the dress. Have your dress fitting the same day as your hair trial. You will be able to see how the two go together well before your wedding day. Be cautious about going for an extreme cut or colour change, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t choose

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something completely out of character, unless you are happy to take the additional risk. Take lots of photos to your hair trial to help the stylist get a good idea of what you have in mind. They will be able to tailor the look to your own features to make it work even better. Decide whether you want to have your hair done in a salon or if the hairdresser needs to come to the venue. There will be an extra charge for this but it is more convenient and less stressful. Make sure you schedule plenty of time for hair and make-up. If you are going to colour hair before the wedding do it at least a week before so the colour (especially if there is a toner used) has time to soften. If curling hair, do not wash it the same morning. For optimum curls and hold, hair should be not squeaky clean but not oily.

Break down on make-up

Make-up begins with the skin and you want to ensure yours is ready for the big day by having a thorough day and night skincare routine three to six months ahead. Your make-up trial should be five to three weeks before the wedding, and allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for make-up application on your wedding day.

under fluorescent lights.

At your make-up trial, wear jewellery and a t-shirt similar to the colour of your wedding dress so the artist can create an holistic look. Bring some images on your smart phone to help communicate your ideas.

It always best to use a make-up artist. They use quality products, know how to make you look your best and know how to make the make-up last the long day, while you get to relax and be pampered.

If you are going to have a fake tan, have a tan before your make-up trial so your artist can see what colour your skin will be on the day. Have your make-up done in natural light during the day if the trial is at your home, and never have it done

Carry a powder, lipstick, concealer and small buffing brush or sponge in your bag, or have one of your bridesmaids carry one. These are quick touch-up products to ensure you are looking your best all day.

If you are going to do your own make-up, all of the above rules still apply. Bear in mind that make-up for a white wedding will need to be a couple of shades brighter. Make sure you use the best quality products and do lots of research on the subject before you trial it.

Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Are you fit to wed? Not surprisingly, brides often feel an incredible amount of pressure to look their physical best on their wedding day. Not only do they have to worry about fitting into their wedding dress, there are the photos and a whole day of being in the spotlight. This pressure may be impossible to escape but a balanced and moderate approach to exercise and diet work best.

The earlier you start your healthy new regime, the easier and more effective it will be. It will also give you stamina to get through the day and still have energy to dance all night. Commit to exercising around four times a week for about 30 to 60 minutes at an intensity level you feel comfortable with. Your body will need a rest every third day. Variety is the spice of life and also more effective, so vary the type, intensity and duration of your workout. While strength training is excellent for burning fat and toning muscles, you also need stretching and breathing exercises which yoga or Pilates can provide. Do exercises you enjoy as you will be more likely to keep

them up. Many brides will go on an extreme diet to shed weight - don’t! Your body needs adequate energy for all this exercising. If you do want to lose some weight, go for superfoods that are highly nutritional as your body will get everything it needs and nothing it doesn’t. Be realistic about what your ideal weight and body shape should be. Ask the opinion of friends you trust as you don’t see your body as they do and they are likely to be less hard on your body, than you are. Remember, the aim of this exercise and diet is to have a beautifully toned and shaped body, rather than simply lose weight. A healthy bride is a shining bride.

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A well

Groomed man From the moment you get engaged, start washing your face properly, using a good cleanser and weekly exfoliator to add an extra shine to your complexion. Start drinking eight glasses of water a day too, as this works wonders on your skin. If your wedding is in summer, start wearing sunscreen and if it is a winter one, start using moisturiser. If you are thinking about carrying a bit of stubble, trial different lengths of growth to see which looks best. If you have a moustache or beard, trim it weekly up to the day so it is in perfect shape. Invest in some good beard product such as oil, soap or conditioner to keep it groomed and glossy. A straight razor gives the cleanest shave so get a get a professional lather from your barber. But if you are going to use a commercial disposable razor, these give the cleanest shave on the

second day of use. Book a visit to a beauty clinic to remove any unwanted hair from the brows, ears, nose, back or anywhere else you would rather not have them. Get a professional manicure so your hands are looking great for photos, and throw in a pedicure so your new wife sees some nice toes on her wedding night. If your teeth are discoloured get your dentist to do a bit of light cosmetic work, and if you have persistent bad breath you may need to visit your dental hygienist. Book these both well in advance. If you plan to wear a cologne on your wedding day, spend some time exploring the different scents in store and ask your partner what she finds appealing.

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Wairarapaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only locally owned and operated marquee & event hire specialists. Contact the friendly team today to find out how we can help you for your special day. www.festivalhire.co.nz hireit@festivalhire.co.nz Showroom: 21 Queen Street, Masterton 06 378 9537

The venue for you There’s no wedding without a venue and next to your celebrant, it is one of the most essential elements of the day. When choosing a venue you have to consider two things - does it align with the overall theme and style of your wedding, and does it fulfil all your practical requirements. Wairarapa has a huge variety of venues available.

The ceremony can be in a country garden, historic church, or leafy vineyard, and there are just as many choices as to reception venues, from charming old country halls, to historic homesteads, to stylish restaurants. Wairarapa also has many stunning locations in public spaces for wedding ceremonies - and even receptions. None of Wairarapa’s three councils nor the Department of Conservation is against having weddings in the parks, reserves and beaches they manage. But for the benefit of wedding parties as well as the protecting these areas, they all advise to make enquiries first. This is not just to let the council or DOC know what is going on. They will be able to tell you if any special events are planned for the day you want to have your ceremony there. If it’s an outdoor location, do you have

any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent? One of the first thing to do is to work out how many guests you will be having at your wedding as this will immediately remove any venues that are too small, but also venues that perhaps are too large as well. Many couples underestimate their guest numbers so get this nailed down before starting your quest. When considering your venue think about how well it synergises with all the other aspects of your wedding. You want it to fit in with the overall character of your wedding. Many couples, even if they don’t follow a Christian faith, like to have their ceremony in a church. Whether they can or not, depends on the faith. Some faiths expect couples to be members of their faith.

Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Wairarapa has many lovely old country churches where a nondenominational ceremony may be allowed. Distances need to be considered. For instance, is a venue in a convenient location for guests to travel to from Wellington or Palmerston North and further afield. Is the location a long way for the photographer and other services providers such as florists to travel to, as this will add to the cost. Is there accommodation nearby? Usually, in Wairarapa there is, from

hotels and motels to motorcamps. Some venues such as hotels, will have accommodation on site. Sometimes there will only be enough for perhaps the elderly immediate family, while others can accommodate hundreds. Venues provide different levels of service from just the location to complete wedding packages. If the venue has no inhouse catering, it will still need a kitchen for the caterers to work from, for instance a community hall. If the venue provides its own inhouse caterers, you will have to decide if you like them enough to want to use them. Where will you take photographs? Is there a park, beach, or rural environment nearby. Some venues have specific onsite locations for photographs such as a garden.

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What other facilities does the venue have. For instance, are tables, linen, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided, or will you have to rent them yourself? Even if they do have these, are they up to the standard or style for your wedding. You might be paying for tables and chairs that you don’t want to use. Does the venue, such as a hotel, have separate areas for the ceremony and reception? Sometimes while the guests are at the cocktail hour, the caterers will transform the ceremony room into the dining room and/or dance floor. How long does this take? Speaking of dance, does the venue have its own sound system and if the answer is yes, is it up to the standard of what you want. Does the venue offer entertainment options? In most cases you will likely have to

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organise your own entertainment but the venue team may be able to recommend entertainers to you. One of the basic things to find out about a venue, is whether it is available on the day you are planning to hold your wedding. Obviously, the sooner you start looking, the more chance there is that you won’t be disappointed. If you are thinking of holding your wedding in winter and/or during the week, you may find the rates are cheaper. You should also check their deposit and cancellation policies. Some venues may refund most of the deposit if enough notice is given. Is expertise part of the service? Some hotels offer wedding planners as a complementary part of their packages. They will be able to assist with finding florists, photographers and so on which may be a big help if, say, you

are returning to Wairarapa for your wedding after living in Australia for the past 10 years. What bar services does it offer. Does it allow BYO. Is there a corkage fee? A venue with its own bar service is convenient, but some couples may be asking their guests to BYO to make their wedding more affordable. How long will the space be reserved for? In a busy hotel this will likely be limited to the exact time you have booked but for a country hall, for example, there is likely to be more

leeway. From what time can the wedding be set up and deliveries made? This is particularly important if you are organising most aspects of the wedding yourself. Is there parking on-site? The vast majority of Wairarapa venues will have on-site parking but it never hurts to check. How many restrooms are there? This should be straight forward but maybe you need to find out where are they so guests don’t get lost looking for them.

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

A marquee wedding Holding your wedding and reception under a big tent in a special location always makes for a memorable day, whether it is a vineyard, country or beach setting, or a family property with great views. But there are a few things you need to think about. THE SITE Things to consider include power, is it a flat area, how exposed is it to the wind. CATERERS Are there kitchen facilities on site, or will your caterers require a separate catering tent where they can do all the preparation and cooking. LIGHTING The three most popular choices of lighting are fairy lights under the ceiling silks, exposed lanterns, or exposed chandeliers. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to consider lighting for the catering tent, and a splash of colour on the dance floor.

SILK LININGS You may choose to decorate just the ceiling or go for a full option where all the walls have white silks. THEMES The world is your oyster from flowers to balloons to colour. This is what makes a marquee wedding so unique. BATHROOM FACILITIES You should have a minimum of two bathrooms, either in a nearby building or portaloos. FURNISHINGS A range of options are available locally from fold-up wooden chairs, to white cafĂŠ style seating, to round tables and trestle tables dressed in black or white linen. Always read the terms and conditions. Marquees are valuable and their owners like them treated with respect.

Taste, presentation & service all crucial

Catering concerns Food and beverages are a crucial part of any wedding. They are one of the biggest costs and leave a lasting impression. Before you book your caterer, you will have decided on a date and venue and also the theme or general presentation of your wedding. When you start contacting potential caterers, first of all find out if they are available. The size of your budget should be taken into account, so get an early indication of the cost of different formats such as a set menu or buffet.

for your wedding and be able to assist you to achieve it. When selecting your caterer donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just think about taste but also presentation and service. Around the same time, when you send out the invitations, it is worth adding a line to your RSVP cards to ask for any dietary restrictions. When it comes to the beverages, once again work out your budget first and make sure you include the essentials with a selection of white and red wine as well as other options such as beer and nonalcoholic drinks. Unless you are an expert, a great way to choose suitable wines is to invite trusted friends and family to a blind wine tasting. You may find the wines they like are not necessarily the most expensive.

The caterer should understand your vision

Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Shaggy cake stories “The most dangerous food is wedding cake” - American Proverb The wedding cake of today hardly resembles that of yesteryear. A quick perusal of the Internet reveals that some of the hot trends for 2018 are cakes that drip, shaggy cakes, graffiti cakes, botanical cakes, brush stroke cakes, hand painted cakes, ruffled cakes, geometric cakes, monogrammed cakes, laced cakes, woodland cakes, illustrated cakes, ombre cakes, black cakes, and white on white cakes! There is no longer the expectation that it should be a rich fruit cake. Common flavours these days include carrot, chocolate, lemon, spice and vanilla or a combination. When selecting a wedding cake, couples often look to the location, theme and season of their celebration as a guide. A simple affair on the beach in

the middle of summer might not call for the same type of cake as a formal evening affair in the winter. Whatever type you choose, you will want to show it off. It should serve as a focal point at your reception, so place it in a prominent position and decorate the area around it. Dedicate a special table for the cake so that it can be photographed easily and guests can see it as well as taste it. Depending on the size, height and shape of the cake, display it on a plinth, platter, board, tray or special cake stand. If it is to go on a table, look at

the size and shape of the table when setting it for the cake. A big table can make the cake look small or it gets swamped with flowers, glasses, candles and other embellishments used to fill the oversized table space. Choose the table linen carefully so that it sets off the cake to perfection. A white cake on a white cloth looks bland, so add some colour and background with a coloured custom cloth. Look at the background to ensure it’s not too light beside a window or overly dark. Consider some form of lighting to enhance it, such as fairly lights or spotlights, and ensure the backdrop wall colour or pattern will not detract from the beauty of the cake.

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with flexible spaces, indooroutdoor flow, veranda, and open fires, all of which are yours for the day. Being home to a spa, make-up and beauty treatments can be enjoyed on-site, with perhaps a bit of pre- and post-wedding pampering thrown in as well. Brackenridge’s Wedding Consultant will work with you throughout the planning phase and a Functions Manager will be dedicated to your day.

produce, they will work with you to create a menu that is unique and reflects you as a couple. Located two minutes out of Martinborough, Brackenridge is an easy drive from Wellington, and centrally located for guests from further afield. With accommodation in eight studios, as well as eight fully

self-contained, two-bedroom cottages and two fully selfcontained, four- bedroom cottages, they’ve got all elements of your wedding covered. The team at Brackenridge welcome enquiries for weddings in all four seasons from 2019 onwards.

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Brides everywhere are

Connecting to nature Couples are getting back to nature with their flower arrangements in 2018. Perhaps this reflects a growing awareness of the fragility of our natural environment or a yearning for a more nature-filled life. But then, mother nature and wedding rites have always been deeply interwoven. Maybe you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be holding your ceremony in an enchanted woodland but many brides are harking back to green man of old England with floral displays full of foliage and sometimes only greenery. Flower fragrances and herbal scents

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are in abundance and adding another dimension to floral displays. Soft, vintage pastels will always be popular, but are being paired with opposing colours - pinks and creams punctuated with rich deep hues to add warmth and depth. Ultraviolet seems to be colour de jour, including roses, orchids and hydrangeas. Coloured candles have caught on, adding an extra touch of originality. Living walls of greenery and flowers started appearing last year and this trend looks set to continue, with brides using them as a brilliant backdrop for photos, the wedding cake, and gift tables. If you have a limited budget, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to flood the ceremony and reception with flowers. Instead go for fewer but more daring floral designs, adding one or two key statement arrangements around the reception area for guests to admire. Succulents are making an appearance at weddings, either being presented on their own or as an extra element in floral blooms. As a bonus, they will carry on

being beautiful long after the wedding day. They make great wedding favours, or can simply be a reminder of the wedding day by living on in the newlyweds’ home. Flower crowns have been popular for a few years now, but the brides of 2018 are taking things another step further with floral necklaces, floral tiaras, and floral bracelets. Whatever your taste, the sooner you find your florist, the better. It is important to pick a florist whose work you admire, and who can relate to you. Tell your florist where your wedding is, who is involved and listen to their suggestions. Be upfront about your budget from the very first meeting. Bring them an invitation sample and some fabric swatches. This will give the florist an idea of your preferred colour palette and any potential themes. Talk about the mood you want to create but let the florist have some creative licence. Seasons can play a big part in the type of flowers you can have. Do some research to find out if your preferred flowers will be in season for your wedding date. This doesn’t mean you can’t get the colour palette and style you want, just that you have to keep an open mind and be flexible.

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Setting the scene Table settings are a hugely important aspect of any wedding. Obviously, they serve a practical purpose in seating guests and providing them with the utensils to eat their meal. But table settings go well beyond that. They set the theme and create the mood and should fit in with the season and the food, all blending into a complete whole.

Aesthetics come into every aspect of them, and they influence who guests socialise with.

or oval shape will fit better with a classic wedding, while a rectangular long table will give more of a banquet character.

Start with the table shape. Round is the classic choice with guests able to easily chat with everyone at their table. On the downside, they aren’t the most efficient use of space which can be an issue if this is at a premium.

If you are going for a rustic look or have beautiful tables, no table cloth is needed, but otherwise, consider your linens the blank canvas upon which you will create your design.

Guests can easily talk to each other at square tables too and these are a more efficient use of space. However, you will need more tables than for other shapes which is an added cost. With rectangular tables, guests will struggle to talk to anyone who isn’t immediately in front or to the side of them. And there is more walking around the tables to get to the buffet, toilet or dance floor. Aesthetics are important to the shape of table you choose. For instance, a round

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You can use a white cloth and then build up your design from there, or make the cloth part of the design by picking one with texture, patterns and/or colour. If you do the latter, then less will be more with the elements that sit upon it. A fabric like lace will be ideal for a vintage wedding or a Euro country look. If you are hiring your dinnerware and cutlery, there will probably be limited options but where choices are available, consider which look sits most comfortably with the style or theme of the wedding.

Creativity and imagination is the key to successful table decorations. They don’t have to be grandiose unless that is your style. Instead go for thought and simplicity. If you are going to have table runners, explore the wide range of possibilities in your local haberdashery store or go even more creative with your own designs on paper or cloth. If you are setting people at specific tables you will need name cards. It’s worth putting some thought into these as they are a personal touch. You might want to handwrite them yourself, or choose a lovely card to put their names on. Fairy lights, small lanterns and small floral arrangements help create a lovely atmosphere. Centrepiece decorations such as large floral arrangements can create a dramatic look but be careful where you place them so that they aren’t

a barrier to people making conversation. Think about having conversation starters on the tables. This is where wedding favours come into their own. These are small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation to guests. Traditionally, in some cultures like Italy, these are almonds coated with sugar - the bitterness of the almond and the sweetness of the coated candy exemplifying the bitter sweetness of a marriage. Today’s bridal couples can be as creative as they like with favours but something sweet to eat is certain to please without being overly expensive for instance, a single exquisite chocolate. Or make the favour even more personal with a homemade sweet or cookie.

the first favours were bonbonniere, a small trinket box made of crystal and precious stones containing sugar cubes or confectionary shared amongst aristocrats. So perhaps a small beautiful crystal for each guest would be appropriate, and they would certainly provide a life-time memento. Whatever you have as your favours, presentation is important. You can personalise your favours by decorating the box, paper or fabric in which they are contained.

Favours don’t have to be edible. Other ideas are a candle, soap, or photo of the couple. According to Wikipedia,

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Playfulness is in the details While there are certain rules to follow for the traditional bridal gown, this year’s trends are showing that is the details that can give the wow factor. For instance, stand-alone sleeves are adding playfulness, while bows are streaming down the shoulder to the elbow and beyond. High-low hemlines have been around since the early 1990s but are appearing in fresh styles in 2018. Also back are bottom bows - making a return from the 1980s accentuating the waist. Going even deeper into the vaults, wedding dress designers are reinventing the “Watteau-back” from the eighteenth century. For the modern bride who doesn’t want a cathedral-length veil or heavy train, the Watteau-back can still trail behind them down the aisle and in many cases is removable for the reception. Traditional veils are being given a modern twist with additions, from quartz crystals and Swarovski crystals to gold leaf and embroidered flora. The bridal capes is another old style that is deserving its comeback, adding an air of fairytale drama.

sleeves and high necks. Brides-to-be are showing more interest in embroidered bridal gowns, and chorded laces are giving a crisp look for summer weddings. Speaking of summer, warm days are encouraging anything blouson, empire-waisted and oversized - girly and very comfortable. Ivory, white and alabaster will also be the foundation of bridal wear but more brides are taking a risk on colour, choosing soft and pastel hues from pink to butter yellow, soft blue and pistachio greens. If you are thinking of stepping right outside the box, context is everything. Something boho will feel comfortable in a natural setting like the beach or countryside, and if your wedding ceremony and reception is based around a passion of yours like Lord of the Rings then your trad wedding dress might look out of place. Second weddings, blended families, and older brides might also feel more inclined toward a non-traditional gown. Here, the only rules are to wear something smart that makes you look and feel like a bride on your wedding day.

Hair accessories are on trend this year, including 1920s inspired feathers, flowers and combs. Stacking rings are taking the wedding band up a notch - or three or four - with any number of combinations being possible. Skin is in with backless wedding dresses making their way down the aisle while, conversely, modest silhouettes are also gaining popularity with long

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Finding your

Photographic match The photographer will have one of the most important jobs at your wedding. So you need to choose a photographer who specialises in weddings.

chosen package includes. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to ask for a price list, especially if you have a limited budget.

Sometimes couples ask a friend who takes photos to be their official photographer but we have all met someone given this role who wished they had been able to simply enjoy the wedding as a guest. And wedding photos may not be their strong suit.

Include a back-up plan if the photographer is sick. Maybe your photographer friend could come in handy as your back up?

As soon as you have your date set, start looking for the best photographer for you. You will spend a lot of time on the day with your photographer so choose someone you feel comfortable with. When meeting a prospective photographer ask about their wedding experience, discuss the venue and any challenges with it, such as lighting. Ask to look at examples of their work. Agree on a contract that stipulates what your

Decide what style of wedding photography you prefer. Every photographer has their own unique style. Wedding photography is about editing as well as shooting. Make sure the package includes basic editing such as colour correction, exposure adjustment and retouching where necessary. Most photographers do some basic lighting and colour adjustments but some are much more creative in their effects. It is worth exploring this side of their work with them.

Photojournalism has become quite popular. Couples want to see the story of their wedding unfold from what goes on behind the scenes in the dressing rooms to the connections made at the reception. Portrait photographs remain an essential part of most weddings. These days, however, many are choosing to have their portraits taken in a relaxed and fashionable style rather than very formal. Let your photographer know in advance all the details of your wedding so they have an idea of when great photo opportunities are going to happen. There are many superb Wairarapa landscapes to feature in your wedding photos, wherever it is to be held. Ask your photographer what picturesque spots they have up their sleeves.

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Wedding planner Help stay on track for your big day, with our countdown wedding planner

 Settle on your budget  Pick the date  Order/purchase your wedding gown

 Reserve your venue  Start gathering names and addresses for your guest list  Begin your search for a band, venue, photographer, florist & caterer  Book your officiant

 Set up an appointment with a florist, photographer. Come prepared with your basic budget and ideas

 Begin shopping for wedding dresses

 Book your venues and catering company

12 4

 Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venue

Months before

 Select and order the cake  Send your guest list to the host of your hen’s and stag parties  Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fitting  Schedule hair and make up trial

 Order hair accessories and jewellery  Meet the caterers  Finalise your guest list.  Book your band or DJ

 Book your hair and make-up specialists

 Select and purchase invitations. Addressing cards can be time-consuming  Mail out your Save-the-Dates  Start planning your honeymoon. Make sure your passports are up-to-date

 Contact your preferred rental company for any rentals you’ll need, including toilets for outdoor events, extra chairs, lighting components etc

 Arrange transportation

 Start composing a timeline for your wedding day

9 1

6 2

5 1

 Enter RSVPs and phone people who have not responded

 Purchase gifts for bridal party

 Finalise the flowers

 Touch base again with all the vendors to make sure any questions are answered

 Reconfirm arrival times with vendors

 Book accommodation for your wedding night

 Get your marriage licence sorted

 Visit the dress maker for your final fitting.

 Order favours

 Send out invitations

 Purchase the rings

 Meet with photographer

 Send out as many final payments as you can

 Send your event schedule to the vendors

 Review the playlist with the band or DJ

 Pick your wedding party

 Start looking for wedding jewellery

11 3

10 2

 Finalise the menu

Months before

 Make a list of people giving toasts

Months before

Month before

 Do a seating plan  Write vows, if necessary  Get your hair cut and coloured, if desired

Months before

Weeks before

 Give drivers of transport vehicles directions  Send a timeline to the bridal party

Months before

Week before

 Delegate small wedding day tasks  Pick up your dress  Book a spa treatment  Send the final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding related events  Pack for your honeymoon

Wairarapa Weddings 2018

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The art of standing out - but not too much! The mother of the bride will have a special role at your wedding and deserves a special outfit. She will be part of many special moments on the wedding day, such as when she walks into the ceremony, is announced at the reception, and in the official wedding photos. Traditionally, the mother of the bride’s dress should complement the wedding party’s colours, although not necessarily match them. However, there is no set rule that the outfits must co-ordinate. But it is important that her outfit does not clash with the overall palette. Communication is always key, so the bride-to-be should talk to her mother about her vision for the wedding - how formal it is going to be, the overall style, and colour palette.

Usually, the bride chooses her gown and the bridal party’s attire first. The sooner this is done, the more time your mother will have to find an outfit she really loves and have any alterations made. Traditionally, the mother of the bride picks her outfit before the mother of the groom, but these days that doesn’t matter as much and both are free to make their own choices. But it will help if each has an idea of what the other is planning to wear so their outfits don’t clash, or even worse, be almost identical. Traditionally, the mother of the bride avoids dressing in white, ivory, and champagne colours for obvious reasons, but if the wedding isn’t going to have a traditional character, this isn’t so important.

choose a hue more interesting and subtle than fire engine red. The style of outfit is open to interpretation and can be anything from a cocktail dress to classic suit. Google “mother of the bride dress” and you will find lots of exciting looks to share with your mother. Whatever she chooses, your mother should feel comfortable in her outfit and it should express her personality. But even if your mother prefers casual wear, she will need to dress up to a level that is appropriate to the style of the wedding. Help her find an outfit that matches her spirt but is easy and elegant.

Black is a classic colour but perhaps avoid anything that is overly formal. Instead, go for a design with a bit more pizzazz. Red dresses are striking but

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

It’s the thought that counts Being a bridesmaid or groomsman is both an honour and duty and should never be taken for granted by the marrying couple. They happily and freely give their time for the duties that come with their roles but it is still a demand on their time and a responsibility they have to fulfil.

and ring bearer gifts at the rehearsal dinner, but this is flexible, depending on circumstances. There are no rules as to what are appropriate gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Feel free to use your imagination and wisdom to choose. Something that displays thought is more valuable than the price.

So it is always important to show that you appreciate them being there by giving them a small gift as a way of saying thank you. If the gift is something you want them to wear during the wedding day - like jewellery or cuff links - present it to them while you are getting ready.

If you know them well, you will probably know what their passions and interests are and gifts that reflect that will always be appreciated. Something inexpensive but of quality will always go down a treat such a lovely soap or tasty food item.

If it’s not something they are meant to wear or have at the wedding, give it to them at the rehearsal. Or you could also have a special meal together a few days before the wedding and give your gifts then. It’s common to give your flower girl

One way to personalise your gifts is to put their names on them. Examples of these are beer glasses and t-shirts. Ladies might appreciate personalised cosmetic bags. For young children, games, toys and books will please them but also entertain them while the adults are busy at the rehearsal.

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Blended families These days, families where one or both partners have children from a previous relationship are common.Usually, by the time the couple decide to get married, everyone has adjusted to the new dynamic. Still, some delicacy is required in presenting the news. Some argue that your children should be the first to be told that you are getting married.

But this has to be weighed against the fact that some former partners may not enjoy hearing the news second hand, in which case it may be advisable to tell them first and the children quickly after. When you do tell your children, it is normally more comfortable coming from the parent rather than their partner. Young children need to have things explained to them and reassured that whatever changes there are will not impact on their day-to-day life, or their relationship with the parents in a way that they would not want. Hopefully former partners and former in-laws take the news well, and it has not been unknown for either or both to attend the wedding. However, no one wants awkward moments at their wedding so it is probably best to veer on the side of caution, although young children might

want their other parent to be there. If your children are especially young, you may want to invite their other parent to be there. Something that is becoming more common is to include children in a second wedding. There are numerous age-appropriate ways to do this such as flower girl, ring bearer or perhaps they would like to read something during the ceremony. Quite often the children will be teenagers or even mature adults, in which case they may be able to contribute to the wedding in other ways such as playing a musical instrument or singing during the ceremony. Whatever you choose to do, a happy wedding is likely to strengthen the connections within the family and children. And remember, children do believe in happy endings!

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

New takes on old traditions If we are to be honest, most modern weddings break with tradition in one way or another. We live in a Post-Modern world of fragmented lifestyles and individual tastes so it is inevitable that most couples will want their wedding to reflect their real lives. Which doesn’t mean they want to throw every tradition out the window. But they will make a conscious choice about what traditional elements they want to keep, update it to the 21st century. Some couples are keeping their bridal party’s intimate. They may feel that small is beautiful, or prefer just their closest friends or relatives. Symmetry seems to be the rule of thumb for the traditional wedding party, but more couples are mixing things up, from uneven number of bridesmaids and grooms, to individual bouquets to mixing up the colours of the jackets

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and trousers of the grooms. Sometimes women are getting their closest male friend to be their “bridesman” and vice versa. Small guest lists are another modern trend. Once again this saves money but it might also simply be a personal preference. Not surprisingly, technology is playing a big part in modern weddings. Websites, Facebook, iPads, iPhones, smart phones, texting, video cameras and a myriad of apps are all present. Using their mobile, guests can access information on the wedding activities, transportation and accommodation, RSVP and use GPS to find their way to the venue. The wedding day can be live streamed to “guests” who can’t be there and guests can upload video and photos from their smart phones to the bridal website. Newlyweds are using social media during the big day with hashtags and filters, with Snapchat on the rise. Cute save-the-date videos are a new trend. However, couples are also starting to ask their guests not to use their smart phones during the ceremony to keep a sense of intimacy and decorum - and to turn their cell phones off so the ceremony

Now, couples are thinking more laterally by blowing bubbles, throwing popcorn and waving ribbon wands. Most couple don’t give too much thought to their first dance, and with no training, simply shuffle around the dance floor. You can add a touch of professionalism to the first dance by having it choreographed, really wowing the guests.

isn’t interrupted by the ringing of phones. Something that has been around for so long that it can probably be called a new tradition are couples choosing their own music for the wedding ceremony. This might be putting together a memory stick of your favourite songs for different parts of the ceremony or having live music played by musicians from your ancestors’ cultures. The classic white wedding dress will be around for long while yet as many women’s dream

wedding is one in white. But some brides prefer a look that is more reflective of their personality and style. Likewise veils are not finding favour with everyone although in most cases brides like to adorn their head with something special, whether a flower crown or sparkling hair clips. Traditionally, rice was thrown over couples as they left the ceremony but in New Zealand paper confetti has been more common.

Traditional vows have been getting a wedding make-over with many couples adding their own elements, or even just tweaking the traditional wording. They are also including non-traditional readings from alternative texts that they find inspiring. Traditionally wedding ceremonies took place in religious institutions but these days many couples don’t belong any specific denomination. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t want a spiritually or emotionally significant location for their ceremony such as at the beach or their own home garden. Gone is the rule that the wedding registry should consist of presents for the couple’s new home. Many couples already live together or may be of an age where they already have most of what they need in this. Modern gift registers can be specific for what sorts of presents the couple would appreciate and may focus on a specific goal such as their honeymoon.

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Honeymoon The origins of the “honeymoon” are lost in the mists of time. Centuries ago, it probably denoted that fleeting period of time after the wedding when a couple got to know each other intimately before life and pregnancies took over.

practical side of things needs to be taken into account, such as the size of your budget, work commitments, and possibly children from a blended family.

The honeymoon as we know it today, is probably a relatively modern invention that arrived with the middle classes.

If you are short on time, or have limited funds, an alternative is to have a short break straight after the wedding, maybe splashing out on luxury accommodation for the weekend, and then taking a longer honeymoon later on.

Today, most couples will have to know each other well before their wedding, and it is possible that the first vacation they took together would match the description of the honeymoon experience of our great-grandparents.

It continues to be a period of time where the bride and groom get to have some alone time, to fully share in each’s love, in a location to match the mood.

Overseas holidays tend to be the norm, but some couples choose instead to spend time in some other part of New Zealand. While a relaxing holiday sounds idyllic, there’s nothing to stop the honeymoon being more adventurous or including something the two of you are passionate about, whether it be drag racing in the United States or the Glastonbury music festival in Britain.

But before any of this happens the

If you need financial help, a honeymoon

Nevertheless, the honeymoon remains a symbolic milestone.

makes a great wedding gift registry, which a travel agency can arrange. Couples can use the site to communicate all of their wedding details and reveal what their ideal honeymoon destination is, their target budget, and keep a running tally. When you are on your honeymoon, don’t be afraid to tell people, as you may enjoy free hotel upgrades, champagne on arrival, or candlelit dinners. If you are going overseas, a good first port of call is www.safetravel.govt.nz, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade site that provides information for having a safe honeymoon. Another good website to check out is www.flysmart.govt.nz which informs international airline passengers about security measures in place and provides advice on how best to prepare for international air travel.

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In praise of the suit The challenge for grooms in 2018 is to look classically sartorial while expressing their own personal style.

what about two tone with different colours for the jacket and trousers?

If one is wondering what this means, just have a look at the sort of outfits men are wearing when they appear on the Graham Norton Show. Nine times out of ten they will be wearing a suit.

What colour will your socks be? Do you want them to stand out or recess back into the background to quietly complement the outfit.

Sounds a bit limited? - not at all. There are a huge number of choices that have to be made, starting with whether you are going to wear a two or three piece. A waistcoat will always give a more formal look. But at any time of the day you can bump the formality down a notch by taking off the jacket and just wearing the waste coat and trousers, or you can go the other way and take the look to another level of formality with a bow tie, or alternatively go full tux. Then you have the lines of the suit - are you going with a traditional straight line in the trouser leg, subtle flare, or even stove pipes? Next there is the the fabric. Will it have patterns such as checks or herringbone, or be a simple homogenous weave? And we have only just arrived at colour. Do you want a more traditional colour like black, grey or navy blue, or something more original? Alternatively,

We have only just arrived at the shirt, where decisions have to be made about the cut, pattern and colour. Will you have it buttoned up with a tie or bow tie, or open to reveal the top of the chest. You can’t think about the suit trousers without thinking about what is at the bottom - your socks and shoes.

And then there are the shoes - that’s another whole story in itself. There are so many styles and colours. Subtle dress shoes or a more hardcore look with boots? At the other end of the body, you have the facial hair and haircut. In all likelihood, your mates are going to wear a variety of styles, but this doesn’t matter as it is a chance for them to express their individual personalities. They may range from clean shaven to beards, carefully crafted coif to long hair favoured by youth to the bald look favoured by older men losing theirs. Then there are the accessories that can unify the overall look or make a statement such as belts, braces, cufflinks and ties. Whatever choices you make, the suit is both a foundation and guide to steer you in the right direction.

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LIGHT JACKETS A more relaxed vibe that complements soft and romantic colour schemes, ideal for summer weddings. CHECKS Extrovert and characterful, perfect for a country wedding. PATTERNS Fun, bold patterns are taking classic solid suit styles in new directions. BURGUNDY The ‘It” colour for grooms who feel comfortable in their own skin and aren’t afraid to stand out. BRIGHT BLUES A youthful alternative to dark navy and black, adding something new to the traditional look. MIX AND MATCH Black and blues for a sophisticated and formal look, or other combinations for something a bit more unique.

Trending groom hotness

THE BLACK TIE The black tie is having a real moment in the wedding world - suave, sophisticated and cool, all at the same time.

TEXTURE Velvet, corduroy and other textures are giving suits, neckties and other menswear pieces are creating a fresh vibe.

Wairarapa Weddings 2018

The delicate art of

Choosing a wedding gift In the homes of couples in their eighties and nineties, you can still sometimes discover a set of glasses or a piece of furniture that were given to them by older relatives on their wedding day.

wedding gift within a month or two of receiving the wedding invitation, even if you are not planning to go to the wedding. In that case, just be sure you send the gift with the RSVP card.

It would be nice to think that the wedding gift you give will be cherished as long, but in reality we live in a completely different world where people go through many changes in their lives, we have a surfeit of stuff, and lifestyles are different and diverse. A set of glasses may be the last thing a couple need or want.

If you receive a wedding invite but can’t make it, it is appropriate but not a requirement to send a gift.

If you think the couple would prefer a monetary gift, you can go that route, too. Simply write them cheque and present it in a lovely card.

Before you step foot into any shop, read the invitation thoroughly. The couple may have requested no gifts.

While traditional in other cultures, money to many New Zealanders seems impersonal or uncreative.

If you cannot resist giving something, consider making a donation to charity in their names or buying them something small but tasteful.

But in fact, it may be very helpful to a cash-strapped couple. Online gift registries can ask for a cash contribution towards a specific goal.

Couples accepting wedding gifts may have registered for gifts at various places and noted that on the invitation. This should make it easy for you to find out what they would like as a wedding gift.

The downside is that whereas a comparatively small cash outlay will get a cool wedding present, the same amount presented as cash may seem pretty paltry.

In other words, the more relevant your wedding present is to the recipients, the better - and they will thank you for it. Tradition says that you have up to a year after a wedding to send a gift. However, who wants to put off purchasing a wedding gift that long. That’s like giving a birthday present six months later. Start shopping for a

A bridal or wedding registry is not a new concept, having been first used by Chicago department store Marshall Field back in 1924. Most brides register for gifts ahead of time. By referring to a registry, the gift giver knows they have given the couple something they want, and just as importantly, saved them from giving something they don’t want.

It Started with a Kiss

If there is nothing listed on the invitation about a gift registry, then you may want to contact someone close to the couple and find out if they have set up one.

If you are giving a large cash gift, you can include a more personal inexpensive gift as well. Wedding gifts don’t have to be a physical object, and in fact, in many instances this will not be suitable for a couple’s personal circumstances. They might move to a cramped apartment in Singapore or Denmark, or live in a small home with a growing family.

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A bit of lateral thinking can come up with all sorts of exciting gift ideas that won’t clutter up their living room, from tickets to the opera or a rock concert, to a tandem parachute jump, or some sort of environmental adventure. Anything that is a couples activity is perfect, for example, dinner for two at an expensive restaurant, or a his and her spa massage treatment. A trend these days is for couples to ask guests to consider donating to a cause they support. If you want to be certain, a voucher is often the safest way to go. To really touch their hearts, give them something you have made yourself. If possible, send the gift before the wedding to the bride’s home. That way, you won’t have to lug it to the reception and the couple won’t have to worry about getting it home before they leave for their honeymoon.

There are no rules as to how much you should spend on a wedding gift. Give whatever you feel is appropriate for your budget and your relationship with the couple.

example, some sort of food or drink.

Think creatively if you can’t spend a lot of money. Items that cost a comparatively small amount can still be considered a luxury because they cost more than the couple might usually spend for that item on themselves, for

The more thought you put into the gift, the more likely it is to reflect that message.

Remember, the gift is supposed to be a symbol of your best wishes to the couple and your support for their union.

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Wairarapa Weddings 2018

Love & sincerity still the requisite for weddings Around two per cent of marriages and civil unions in 2017 were same-sex, according to Statistics New Zealand. Last year 20,202 opposite-sex and 483 same-sex New Zealand couples married or formed a civil union. The number of civil unions celebrated by New Zealand residents decreased dramatically after same-sex marriages were introduced in 2013. From 2005 when civil unions were introduced to 2013, there were on average just under 300 civil unions per year. This dropped to just under 60 from 2014 to 2017.

Masterton’s Gaye Gough was one of the first celebrants appointed to legally perform civil unions of same-sex couples in 2005. Gaye unabashedly played up the appropriateness of her first name when advertising by asking “who better to marry you than Gaye?” She says her criteria for marrying same- sex couples is the same as for other couples - “Do you love each other? Do you want to make it legal in front of family and friends? And do you sincerely promise to love, honour and cherish each other for as long as you live?” After same-sex weddings were first made legal in New Zealand, Gaye received many calls from couples for whom she had performed civil unions, asking if they now needed to get divorced so they could be married. She explained to them that all they

needed to do was to go to the court house, fill out a form, pay the necessary fees and would then receive their official marriage licence. They could then either have a short registry office ceremony or a second marriage ceremony, with many opting for a marriage ceremony with Gaye as their celebrant once more. Gaye used to marry a large number of Australians. However, since same-sex civil unions have become legal in Australia, this number has dropped off. Other than the sexes of the couples, there is little difference between the ceremonies. One of Gaye’s most memorable weddings was for two brides which “absolutely blew me away. To see two gorgeously dressed, beautiful women separated escorted by each of their fathers to marry the woman they loved was a day I will never forget”.

Wairarapa Weddings 2018

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MASTERTON PLUNKET

BRIDE OF THE

YEAR

49TH BRIDE OF THE YEAR CONTEST

8PM FRIDAY AUGUST 31, 2018 AT COPTHORNE SOLWAY PARK WAIRARAPA

Welcome

By Margaret Bourke, Convener of Masterton Plunket It is with great pleasure that Masterton Plunket presents the 2018 Wairarapa Bride of the Year contest. Wairarapa’s brides will wear their beautiful gowns once more, parade before the judges and relive their wedding day memories. We thank them for entering the contest and for their willingness to share their gowns with the audience. We also wish to thank our sponsors, whose generous contributions enable us to stage this unique event, and to present the winners with such valuable prizes. In celebrating the 49th anniversary of the contest this year, we are delighted

at how enduring and popular the event remains. We are indebted to the management of Copthorne Solway Park, Evans’ of Masterton, Wairarapa Times-Age, and our judges, Master of Ceremonies, compere and pianist. The continued support of the Wairarapa community for this annual event enables us to help fulfil Plunket’s vision: ‘In the first 1000 days we make the difference of a lifetime’.

Judges

Tracey Collis Mayor Tararua District Council

Doug Davidson

proudly supported by

Barbara Roydhouse Mark Bridges Chair Aratoi Principal Solway Regional Trust Primary School

Compere

Wendy Morrison

Music

Andre Mendes da Costa Pianist Your locally owned newspaper

Bride of the Year, 2018

MASTERTON PLUNKET

BRIDE

2018 Event

YEAR

This Friday 31 August 2018 at Copthorne Solway Park at 8pm, 21 brides who were married during the past 12 months will once again put on their wedding dresses and parade along the catwalk to relive their special day.

OF THE

49th Bride Of The Year Contest

8PM FRIDAY

AUGUST 31, 2018

at Copthorne Solway Park Wairarapa

The annual Bride of the Year competition has been organised by the Masterton Plunket for the past 49 years and has established its own unique place in the Wairarapa social calendar. The contest is open to brides married between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2018 who were married in Wairarapa, have lived or are living in Wairarapa or whose husband has lived in Wairarapa.

It is generously supported by local businesses, who provide a wide variety of attractive trophies and prizes. Points are awarded for deportment, dress, personality and overall appearance. The judges’ marks will be compiled throughout the evening and the final result announced soon after the judging has finished. Tickets, which are always in great demand, are available from Evans’ on the corner of Bannister and Dixon Streets Masterton for $25 which includes supper (eftpos not available), or from Eventfinda for $26.

Something special about reliving the day 2017 Wairarapa Bride of the Year winner Susana Scott-Te Tau decided to enter the competition after numerous friends suggested the idea. “It really happened by chance. It was just a chance to relive my wedding which was a really awesome day. It’s for a good cause and it was good fun.” Susana married Riki Te Tau on February 11, 2017 at Riversdale Beach where Riki’s family has a bach and the couple had spent a lot of time. “It seemed right to get married on the beach where Riki taught me how to surf.” For the wedding day, Susana wore a Karen Willis Holmes dress she got from Confetti Bridal. “I spent a day in Wellington looking at bridal shops and was quite lucky because it was closing down and I got everything for my outfit on sale.” This beautiful refurbished Hotel and Restaurant is a peaceful, relaxing Place. Either outdoors in the garden bar or inside in the dining room, this is a great place for a Wedding. WANT TO KNOW MORE

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The strapless silk dress with corset top was an almost perfect fit, with added accessories including a ring of Susana’s mother who had passed away, and barefoot sandals. Susana made all the flowers herself including the men’s buttonholes. Riki was supportive of entering and he, family and friends all made the event. “The woman who was preparing us said to just take our time and have fun. I was a bit nervous at first but the first person I set my eyes on when I started walking down the runway was a close friend and after that I just had fun, waving at people and showing off my barefoot sandals to the judges.” Susana recommends other brides enter the competition. “There’s something special about putting your wedding dress on and reliving the day. I’m thinking about wearing my wedding dress every anniversary.”

2017 winner (second from left) Susana Scott-Te Tau.

2018 Bride of the Year Sponsors Masterton Plunket gratefully Winner will receive Clarke’s Fabric Centre Silver acknowledges the sponsors  The Rosebowl (for one year) Sponsored Programme Wairarapa Times-Age