With This Ring: March 23, 2018

MARCH 2018 | Issue 22 | FREE 

Honeymoon 

with French Flair in 

New Caledonia 

Idyllic 

Settings for new 

beginnings 

New 

Classic Gowns & 

Bridal Trends 

Design 

Your Day 

at Home or Away 

PLan to 

perfection 

with the latest 

technology

2 With This Ring 

22 

MARCH 2018 | ISSUE 22 | FREE 

PUBLISHER 

Star Media 

Level One, 359 Lincoln Road 

Christchurch 8140 

03 379 7100 

SALES MANAGER 

Mark Sinclair 

021 913 566 

mark.sinclair@starmedia.kiwi 

EDITORIAL 

Wendy Dunlop 

DESIGN 

Emma Smith 

Contents 

3–13 Bridal Trends & Fashions 

14–15 Bridesmaids & Flower girls 

16–19 Hair & Beauty 

20–23 Jewellery 

24–25 Grooms 

26–31 Photography 

32–35 Mother of the Bride 

36–37 Themes & Flowers 

38–39 Planners & Budgets 

5 

76 

68 

40–61 Wedding Venues 

62–64 Ceremonies & Celebrants 

65–66 Invitations & Speeches 

The Christchurch Star Company Ltd is not responsible for any actions taken 

on the information in these articles. The information and views expressed 

in this publication are not necessarily the opinion of The Christchurch 

Star Company Ltd or its editorial contributors. Every effort is made to 

ensure the accuracy of the information within this magazine, however, The 

Christchurch Star Company Ltd can accept no liability for the accuracy of all 

the information. 

67–71 Cakes & Catering 

72–73 Wedding Styling & Décor 

74–75 Wedding Transport 

76–77 Gifts & Entertainment 

78–87 Honeymoons 

88–89 Hens & Bucks 

90–91 Wedding Shows & Expos 

92–100 Weddings in Hanmer Springs 

88 

ON THE COVER 

Photography 

Dolce Wedding Photography 

Bridal Gown 

Brides of Merivale 

Makeup 

Hannah Wilson 

Flowers and Styling 

Kim Chan Events 

Model 

Lily Fletcher from 

Portfolio Model Agency 

14 

48

With This Ring 

3 

...it’s all 

about bridal 

confidence and 

sophistication. 

MODERN MINIMALIST designs are for brides who love understated 

elegance and uncluttered simplicity. To achieve it, the emphasis has 

to be on cut and detail. Current styles feature sleek fitted bodices, the 

flare of a panelled skirt, structured necklines and a single accessory such 

as a metallic belt, a coloured or black contrasting ribbon or a row of 

decorative buttons. 

NOTABLE NECKLINES range from demure to dramatic. With 

backless gowns, décolletage on show or deep Vs plunging to the navel, 

it’s all about bridal confidence and sophistication. But lace is heavily 

featured to embellish, define or disguise showing too much skin. 

SLEEVES AND SHOULDERS make their feminine mark on many 

traditional and contemporary styles. Long fluttering bell-shaped 

sleeves make seasonal sense, lacy or beaded cap sleeves provide elegant 

alternatives to sleeveless and strapless designs, while the horizontal offthe-shoulder 

look is both structured and sassy. 

NEARLY NUDE is the colour sensation for modern brides who want 

to forgo traditional white. From the palest pink to a whisper of blue, 

gold or beige, it is often overlaid with lace, embroidery, applique and 

metallics for genteel yet eye-catching effect. 

BOHEMIAN CHIC is still on the agenda for brides wanting retrorelaxed 

or back to the beach ambience. No-fuss fabrics, crocheted 

lace, flared sleeves and loose floating skirts epitomise the carefree look 

of the 70s. 

NEW CLASSICS 

for Bridal Inspiration in 

2018 

Many of the modern bridal styles 

are a new take on designs that have 

stood the test of time. But the range and variety also allows 

you to personalise the look you love with contemporary 

accessories and embellishments. 

STRAPLESS REINVENTED: with our climate, the strapless gown 

has been a firm favourite for many seasons. But it has been reinvented 

with lace capes, coats and chiffon cloaks that rival veils and trains and 

re-imagined with oversized bows and cap sleeves. 

VICTORIANA INSPIRATION: the recently acclaimed British TV 

series about the young Queen Victoria has been inspiring brides in the 

UK to copy mid-Victorian fashions; off-the-shoulder elegance, the sheen 

of silk, full skirted crinolines, lace shrugs, cameo brooches, pearl drop 

earrings and low coiled hair bound with a braid, bow or flowers. 

Even the bonnet lined with flowers and trailing satin ribbons is finding 

favour with some brides as an alternative to a veil, fascinator, wreath or 

barette. It was Queen Victoria who revolutionised wedding fashions by 

wearing a white tulle dress for her marriage to Prince Albert and setting 

the trend for brides ever since. 

DETACHABLE OVERSKIRT offers two looks in one; the formal long 

skirt for the ceremony and photographs, which is then discarded for 

freedom, comfort and coolness for dancing at the reception. 

ELABORATE VEILS to offset the simplicity of classic bridal gowns, 

veils make a statement this season. Long veils that trail like a train, fall 

from the crown of the head or from the shoulders. Veils are exquisitely 

beaded, embroidered, sparkling with crystals, pearls or diamante, full 

lace or lace edged and may be a delicate floral print on chiffon or tulle if 

you like the idea of colour.


Wedding 

CheCkLISt 

A helpful checklist and step-bY-step guide to plan your big day. 

9-12 MonthS Before 

1 

Month Before 

PLAN Style and budget of the wedding 

SET Date time & place 

VISIT Minister, Priest or Celebrant 

BOOK Venue(s), musicians/disco 

SELECT Caterer 

DISCUSS Wedding flowers with chosen florist 

CHOOSE Your photographer 

ARRANGE Video photography 

ORDER Wedding transport 

LOOK At wedding dress designs 

DECIDE Colour schemes 

6-9 

CHOOSE Your wedding dress 

SELECT Groom’s and attendants’ clothing 

VISIT Minister, Priest or Celebrant 

BAKE/ORDER the wedding cake 

RESERVE honeymoon travel & accommodation 

3-6 

FIT Suits for Groom and Groomsmen 

ESTABLISH Beauty and exercise regime 

FINALISE Wedding invitations 

ORGANISE Accommodation for guests 

MAKE hair and make-up appointments 

LIST Wedding gifts/registry 

2 

SEND Invitations 

SETTLE on reception menu and beverages 

CONFIRM floristry details 

CHECK Passports, travel plan\documents 

CHOOSE Gifts for attendants 

SELECT Wedding rings 

BUY Wedding shoes 

MonthS Before 

MonthS Before 

MonthS Before 

APPLY for Marriage Licence 

PURCHASE thank-you gifts for parents 

ARRANGE reception seating plan 

ATTEND hairdresser with veil/headgear 

ORGANISE wedding rehearsal 

LIAISE with florist, photographer, chauffeur 

and celebrant 

FIT wedding dress 

CONTINUE beauty and exercise regime 

2 

RECONFIRM All bookings, numbers, times 

and details 

WEAR Bridal shoes for wedding day comfort 

ENJOY hen’s night fun or pamper 

FINAL FIT Your dress and attendants’ outfits 

WRAP Gifts for attendants 

PRACTISE Your wedding vows 

1 

PACK for your honeymoon 

CHECK All travel details 

REHEARSE The ceremony 

REST As much as possible 

on the DAY! 

SLEEP Late 

WeekS Before 

Week Before 

EAT Breakfast 

PAMPER Yourself 

LET others do their job 

THANK family and friends 

RELAX Don’t stress over tiny details 

ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY


To ChERISh 

the Complete Bridal Destination 

Start your fairytale wedding journey at To Cherish. It is the complete 

bridal destination where you will be mesmerised by the range of gowns, 

excited by the superb selection of accessories, amazed by the purposebuilt 

premises, pampered by dedicated staff and then dazzled by a range 

of prices you CAN afford! 

Located on a prime Barrington Street 

site, To Cherish is Christchurch’s most 

extensive bridal boutique and offers the 

ultimate “one-stop” for brides, bridesmaids, 

flower girls and mothers of the bride or 

groom. Exuding all the space, grace and 

comfort required for brides to choose 

their gown and accessories without haste, 

they are assured of one of the most special 

experiences of their lives. 

With exceptional facilities, To Cherish 

Bridal Boutique is able to provide 

dedicated departments and specialist 

consultants. As well as an impressive retail 

area to buy your gown right then and there, 

there is a separate designer bridal suite, 

well appointed fitting rooms for brides and 

bridesmaids and amenities for in-house 

alterations and private final fittings. 

With an international range of gowns 

alongside a superb selection of bridesmaid 

and flower girl dresses, complemented with 

veils, jewellery and wedding accessories 

including Trousseau Shoes, To Cherish is 

the place for every new bride to make her 

dream dress a reality. 

Choosing a wedding gown should be 

“pure delight,” says Alison, Director of To 

Cherish. Accordingly she has sourced a 

phenomenal range of gowns comprising 

both retail and designer collections that 

capture every imaginable style, feature 

exquisite fabrics AND are priced between 

$1500 and $4500. Unbelievable. 

Unlike many bridal boutiques, To 

Cherish consultation appointments are 

FREE but do require an appointment 

for selecting a gown from the designer 

collections of Justin Alexander, Fox 

Bridal, Jean Fox, International Couture, 

Zavana Bridal and Cizzy Bridal and 

recently arrived Rembo label from Europe, 

exclusive to To Cherish. 

Alison recommends brides focus on their 

day and what they want rather than listen 

to too many conflicting tastes and opinions 

of others. For this reason she believes 

brides should only invite one or two 

trusted people to share the experience of 

choosing a wedding gown. “If a bride loves 

what she has chosen, she will feel beautiful 

and look radiant,” says Alison. 

Whatever style a bride prefers, Alison 

believes it should always flatter their shape, 

fit to perfection and above all be elegant. 

“When a bride looks back at her photos in 

years to come, wedding gown styles may 

have changed, but the elegance will still 

be apparent and will therefore remain 

timeless.” 

Bridesmaid colours are very varied but 

popular shades include blush pink, navy, 

the re-emergence of red and beautiful 

fabrics ranging from soft floaty chiffons to 

rich patterned brocades. To Cherish has 

also developed a department for fabulous 

formal fashion, alluring accessories and 

exquisite millinery – the perfect place to 

discover your complete mother of the bride 

or wedding guest outfit or choose a special 

occasion or race day ensemble. 

To Cherish aims to make you feel special 

throughout your bridal experience and 

beyond. Light, bright and resplendent with 

mirrors and chandeliers, imagine seeing 

how your gown will look as you glide along 

the elegant catwalk, sharing the magic 

with your beautifully gowned bridesmaids, 

choosing all your accessories under one 

roof and then having your gown expertly 

fitted by the experienced staff at To 

Cherish. What more could you want?


7 

To Cherish 

FOR ThE NEWEST 

BRIDAL TRENDS 

Exciting Trends 

Among other exciting new trends are 

two-piece wedding ensembles, fabulous 

floaty bridal pants, gorgeous “illusion 

pop-over” tops and detachable overskirts 

that incorporate a beautiful train. They 

allow a bride the versatility of two 

different “looks” when worn for the 

wedding ceremony and photographs, then 

discarded for the reception and dance. 

Among the breath-taking selection of gowns at To Cherish, you 

will find the newest bridal trends that re-capture genuine classic 

elegance and feature blush, rum pink and nude tones that are soft 

and very flattering. 

There are gowns that feature wonderful 

textured lace, woven fabrics, exquisite 

tulle and sleek heavy satin. On more 

elaborate gowns, the beading and 

bling is more subtle and styles provide 

exceptional choice from flowing boho 

designs to structured gowns that enhance 

the silhouette. A more sophisticated boho 

style is provided by the arrival of the 

Rembo label designed in Belgium. Jean 

Fox has launched a new special collection, 

while Justin Alexander’s signature gowns 

bring a whole new level of magic to the 

gowns on show at To Cherish. 

Free Bridal Consultations 

by appointment 

Wedding Gowns, 

Bridesmaids, Flowergirls, 

Evening Shoes, Jewellery, 

Vails, Hats, Facinators, 

Handbags. 

Mother of the Bride and 

Special Occasion Wear. 

246 Barrington Street, 

Christchurch 

Phone (03) 337 0787 

www.tocherish.co.nz 

Like us on Facebook


THE DRESS 

of Your Dreams 

Every bride wants that “once in a lifetime” 

dress! Finding it may take you on a search 

of many different options, whether you 

buy, hire, make, borrow, inherit or have it 

designed. Sometimes the gown a bride has 

always imagined wearing is not the one 

she eventually chooses. It’s a wise bride 

who goes looking with an open mind to 

find the style and shade that suits her 

to perfection. 

Borrowed or Found 

There may be a vintage or heirloom gown 

belonging to family or friends that you could 

wear. Borrowed or inherited, such gowns 

provide special magic on your wedding day 

and are becoming very sought after. Care must 

be taken when handling a vintage dress as the 

fabric becomes fragile with age and requires 

expert cleaning and storage. 

Expensive and exquisite dresses are often 

to be found in the “for sale” columns, or on 

Trade Me. Many have been purchased or 

imported from overseas and you may 

discover a genuine designer bridal gown 

at a fraction of the original cost. You 

can always have it re-fitted or altered 

with beading, add a sparkly belt or 

trim to your personal taste. 

Top Shelf 

Beautiful wedding dresses are available “off the peg” at specialist 

bridal shops. As well as New Zealand designs, many are imported, 

so be sure to allow adequate time for the dress you select to be 

ordered from overseas. With a wonderful range of styles to “try 

before you buy”, your dream dress might be right there on the 

rack! Once chosen, your gown can be expertly fitted and altered if 

necessary. Bridal shops have an impressive selection of accessories 

and attendants’ dresses to complement your gown. 

Designed & Made 

Having a gown designed and made just for you is the ultimate in 

individuality, but naturally it will cost you more than a readymade 

dress. Your designer will want to discuss prospective ideas 

and styles with you, as well as what suits both you and your 

personality. Bringing an illustration, a piece of lace or item of 

jewellery is helpful for inspiration. The designer will have access 

to a range of fabrics and trimmings to create the dress you have 

chosen. While white is the obvious choice for bridal gowns, ivory, 

parchment, magnolia, silver, champagne, gold or blush can be 

even more flattering on some brides. 

Choose a pattern and some stunning bridal fabric and let a 

skilled dressmaker create an exquisite gown for you. With an 

inspiring selection of silk, satin, lace, brocade and voile, there 

won’t be another gown exactly like yours, and it won’t be as 

costly as a designer dress either. Be sure to choose a reputable 

dressmaker and always ask to see examples of 

their work before you decide. 

Alternatives 

Your wedding gown need not be a 

traditional bridal style, colour or price. 

Look at ball gowns, cocktail outfits 

and maxi dresses. Try summer sales at 

designer boutiques as well as chain store 

racks and mail order companies. With 

style and imagination, a simple dress 

can always be beautifully and uniquely 

enhanced with classy accessories.


9 

Trousseau 

SHOES 

Trousseau Shoes Limited is the New 

Zealand distributor for the London 

Paradox brand of high fashion bridal 

and special occasion footwear. Since 

its establishment 30 years ago, Paradox 

London’s award-winning “Pink” label 

is regarded as one of the leading bridal 

and occasion footwear specialists in the 

world and has outlets in 35 countries 

including New Zealand. 

shoes 

Visit our online store at 

www.trousseaushoes.co.nz 

Ph: 03 3370 781


FINE FABRIC 

Brocade 

Brocade is a rich woven fabric 

characterised by raised designs 

of the same or contrasting 

colours. 

The name brocade is derived from the Italian “broccato” 

meaning “embossed”. Dating back to the Middle Ages, 

the shuttle-weaving technique creates the fabric from 

the usual warp and weft threads, but an additional 

supplementary weft gives the appearance of an 

embroidered pattern on top. 

Brocade made of silk was one of the few luxury fabrics 

worn by nobility throughout China, India, Japan and 

Persia. In the Renaissance, trade between Italy and other 

European countries with the east, brought both the silk 

and brocade techniques to the west. 

The complexity of the silk weaving looms and the 

resulting quality of the silk made Italy the manufacturer 

of the finest fabrics in Europe by the 16th century. The 

fashions of the day paired perfectly with the luxury and 

elegance of brocade, damask and other jacquard patterns. 

Motifs initially remained Oriental, but over time Italy 

developed its own designs that were further embellished 

with precious stones and silver and gold thread. 

Modern brocades can still be silk, but are now 

predominantly manmade fibres that are less expensive to 

make and to buy. Brocade fabrics are mostly produced for 

upholstery and draperies and used for stage and theatre 

costumes that require lustre. However, the use of brocade 

for evening and formal clothing has been at the mercy of 

fashion changes for centuries. 

Brocade was extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s 

for luxurious-looking wedding dresses and formal 

ballgowns, complementing the classic styles of the day to 

perfection. The resurgence of these retro styles has revived 

interest in elegant fabrics like damask and brocade for 

weddings, including waistcoats for the groom.

Davis Bridal 

BNZ Centre, 111 Cashel Street, Christchurch | Ph 343 3652 

Davis Bridal Christchurch | www.davisbridal.co.nz

Exhibitor Website Products and Services 

Alyssandra Striking Stationary 

Terrace Downs 

www.strikingstationary.com 

www.terracedowns.co.nz 

Invitations, Wedding Day Stationary and 

Thank you Cards 

Wedding Venue, Food & Beverage, Accommodation 

& Activities 

The Arena www.airsoftcombatguns.co.nz Entertainment, Sporting Goods 

Tandem Photography www.tandemphotography.co.nz Photography 

Photo Booth Fun www.photoboothfun.co.nz Photography, Entertainment 

Crème de la Rose www.cremedelarose.co.nz Floral Designer 

Mariessa Waddington www.mariessa.co.nz European Makeup artist & Stylist 

Selwyn Wedding Car www.selwynweddingcarhire.co.nz Transportation 

Christchurch Weddings www.christchurchweddings.co Wedding Directory, Blog, Planning 

Davis Bridal www.davisbridal.co.nz Wedding Gowns 

White Tie Catering & 

The Catering Department 

www.whitetiecatering.co.nz / 

www.cateringdept.co.nz 

Catering & Event Management 

Hanmer Springs Retreat www.hsretreat.co.nz Accommodation, Wedding & Conference venue 

VR Hotels www.vrrotorua.co.nz Accommodation, Wedding & Conference venue 

Ilam Homestead www.ilamhomestead.co.nz Venue Hire 

DJ Chick www.djchick.co.nz Entertainment, Karaoke, Disco 

The Tannery www.thetannery.co.nz Venue, Planning Services & Catering 

Larnach Castle www.larnachcastle.co.nz Wedding Venue 

Continental Catering www.continental.co.nz Catering 

The George www.thegeorge.com Hotel, Venue 

Garden Hotel www.gardenhotel.co.nz Functions, Venue & Catering 

Dean Norrie Photography www.deannorrie.com Photography 

Caci www.caci.co.nz Beauty & appearance Medicine 

Hanmer Springs & Huruni District 

www.hanmersprings.co.nz 

Venues, Food & Beverage, Wedding Planner, Bridal Party, 

Accommodation, Celebrant, Photography, Activities 

Plantation Island Resort www.plantationisland.com Venue 

Heritage Hanmer Sprigs www.heritagehotels.co.nz Accommodation & Wedding Functions 

G & T Catering & Larcomb Vineyard www.larcombvineyard.co.nz Wedding Venue, Catering, Planning 

Chateau on the Park Christchurch a Double 

Tree by Hilton 

www.hiltonasiaweddings.com Full Wedding Venue & Accommodation 

Black Shadow Project www.blackshadowproject.nz Car Hire, Birthdays, Wedding Celebrant, Promotions, Charities 

Bourbon Rose Florist www.bourbonrose.co.nz Florist 

Kelly Sheppard Hairstylist www.kellysheppard.co.nz Hairdressing 

Select Braemar Lodge www.selectbraemarlodge.com Wedding Venue 

To Cherish Bridal www.tocherish.co.nz Bridal Wear & Accessories 

Something Borrowed Something New www.sbsn.co.nz Hire, Events, Styling 

Chch Coach Charters www.chchcoachcharter.co.nz Taxi & Bus Transport 

Brides of Merivale www.bridesofmerivale.co.nz Bridal Wear & Accessories 

Dolce Wedding Photograpghy www.dolceweddingphotography.co.nz Photography 

Hyde Park Hire www.hydeparkhire.co.nz Marquee & Party Hire 

Tricia Warwick-Naziris 

www.triciawarwick-naziriscelebrant. 

co.nz 

Marriage Celebrant 

Hotshots Photobooth www.hotshotsphotobooth.co.nz Photobooth Hire 

Verve Real Food Catering www.vervecatering.co.nz Catering Company 

The Vines Club www.thevinesclub.co.nz Wedding Venue 

Corporate Cabs www.corporatecabs.co.nz Limousines, Wedding Cars 

Spit Roast Company www.spitroast.com Catering 

Rosebank Estate www.rosebank.co.nz Venue & Catering 

Polished Diamonds www.polisheddiamonds.co.nz Wedding Rings & Jewellery

Bridalshow 

26th August 2018 

Tickets $20pp 

10am – 3pm 

Air Force Museum of NZ


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

MAIDS are 

MESMERISING 

Whether you decide to have your BFF as your only bridesmaid 

or a cluster of the closest from your clans, you will want them 

looking fabulous in the most exciting styles and flattering shades 

on show this wedding season. 

A variety of current trends feature short, long, lacy, patterned, sleek, full 

flared, demure or sophisticated as well as unusual and inspired by every era 

from Victorian to Bohemian! So here are 10 new leads, looks and likes to 

follow a trend or break with tradition while guaranteeing all your maids are 

mesmerising! 

FLORALS make their colourful way down the aisle this summer. Hot house 

blooms, delicate florals or bold tropical prints provide exciting choice to 

match your wedding theme and style. Not only do they add a whole new 

dimension to your photos, but your bridesmaids can wear them again after 

your big day. But keep accessories minimalist, team with strappy summer 

sandals and simple toning bouquets to avoid a fussy look in the photos. 

COLOUR SENSATIONS of the 2018 season are nude and navy, copper is 

the metallic of the moment, lilac is favoured for vintage vibe and cinnamon 

enriches country and rustic themed weddings. 

SEPARATES return to favour and make a bridesmaid statement that can 

suit all shapes and sizes. For formal elegance try a structured skirt with an 

off-the-shoulder cropped top, for serious romance try a tulle maxi skirt and 

loosely tucked cami or for stop press newness – add black to the ensemble 

whether the top or the skirt. 

CULOTTES & JUMPSUITS are re-introduced for formal occasions, 

including weddings. Choose a tapered leg teamed with killer heels or wide 

fluid flares with a cami style top, V neck or cap-sleeved crop. Complement 

the sophisticated urban look with bling or a belt or both. 

SHIMMER & SHINE are big news for 2018 bridesmaids. Either demure and 

pretty with soft pink flowers and nude heels or the razzle dazzle glamour of 

sequins, strappy metallic shoes and sparkly Art Deco wreaths or barettes in 

their hair. 

RED CARPET: steal inspiration from Academy Award fashion. Think 

3D florals, second-skin metallics, knife-edged pleats, ballerina midis, 40s 

Hollywood satin and silk, necklines that plung, reveal or conceal and chic 

minimalist sheaths with a movie-star cape. 

LACE & DRAPE offer a relaxed vibe for your girls as they float down 

the aisle in soft sheer fabrics. Lace shrugs and capes equate with elegant 

formality or Bohemian style, while low draped backs and off-the-shoulder 

styles suit beach ceremonies and classic country weddings. 

LENGTHS OR LAYERS: soft floaty layers create different lengths for the 

girls’ gowns. From a mini to a maxi, small girls and tall girls can wear the 

length that suits them best. But to bring the look together, go for gowns in 

the same fabric and team with matching shoes and bouquets. 

MODERN & MISMATCHED: be subtle with bridesmaids in a colour 

spectrum from light to dark, or be bold with a rainbow of different colours 

chosen to suit each individual bridesmaid. Avoid a disjointed look by 

choosing single-toned flowers to unify the colour range. 

10 

Classic Corsages 

are revived as the ideal accessory for 

your bridesmaids. Worn in the hair, 

pinned to the gown or entwined 

on the wrist they create a “pop” of 

colour, delightful fragrance and 

hands-free convenience for both the 

ceremony and reception.

With This Ring 15 

Small 

WONDERS 

There’s nothing more adorable than cute kids in your wedding 

party. For little girls it’s the ultimate opportunity to be a princess 

for the day and they get a thrill from the frills. For little boys you 

sometimes have to work harder to make the idea appeal! 

GIFTS 

Gifts for Your 

AdorAble flower Girl 

• a music box 

• a novelty money box 

• a charm bracelet 

• a collector’s doll 

• a favourite book 

• a pretty picture frame 

• a wedding photo 

• a jewelled purse 

• a picture for her bedroom 

• an heirloom jewellery box 

Gifts for Your 

HAndsome PAGe boY 

• a watch 

• a wedding photo 

• a collector’s model car 

• a favourite book 

• a money box 

• greenstone pendant 

• a picture for his bedroom 

• a wallet 

• sport supporter’s clothing 

• decorative box for all his “stuff” 

Outfits 

You’ll want them looking gorgeous, but they’ll want to 

feel comfortable. So whatever you choose make sure the 

outfits are not too hot, too cold or too tight, that they 

are the right length, suitable size and definitely aren’t 

scratchy. 

Make Buy or Hire 

Flower girl dresses can be purchased at bridal and ballet 

shops or made at the same time as your own gown. For 

a less expensive option, find a simple white or cream 

dress in children’s wear shops or department stores and 

trim with your own choice of embellishments. Little 

lad’s suits can be purchased at some department stores 

or bridal shops, but as they may not have many other 

occasions to wear a suit again, hiring is often a sensible 

option for your page boy. 

For Her 

Keep the dress simple and match a detail from your 

gown such as a lace bolero, an overlay, a rosette or 

appliqué or crystal beads that shimmer and shine just 

like yours. Have her dress made in the same fabric, 

but in a little girl style or in a shade that fits with your 

wedding party colour scheme. 

For Him 

Little boys don’t much like the constriction of a formal 

style suit and tie. If you MUST do the suit, let him 

discard the jacket later or wear a waistcoat instead. If 

you plan to be less formal, your page boy can still look 

adorable in a cotton shirt and casual trousers. 

Colour Coordination 

Add colour with accessories; a sash, a petticoat, posy of 

flowers or hair ribbons for her and a button-hole, vest, 

coloured tie and funky socks for him. If it’s chilly, keep 

your adorable flower girl warm with a colourful bolero, 

cardigan, wrap or Victorian-style coat and a bright 

lined jacket and cool dude hat for your page boy. 

Tops and Toes 

Keep hairstyles, hair decorations or hats as easy to 

wear as possible and make sure their shoes fit properly 

without slipping or rubbing. Don’t expect them to enjoy 

hours of fussing to get them ready and don’t get them 

dressed too early on the day or you risk creases and 

stains on their clothes! 

Practice Makes Perfect 

Practice makes perfect so include your small fry in a 

wedding rehearsal so they aren’t overwhelmed on the 

day. Don’t give them too many instructions, provide 

treats, drinks and toilet breaks, expect that they WILL 

get tired, so keep it fun and don’t get cross.


THINKING 

About Ink 

Tattoos are a popular personal decoration and New Zealanders 

are among the most “inked” in the world. Tattoos range from 

distinctive patterns of cultural significance, a small discreet motif 

or an elaborate blend of colours and shapes that is meaningful to you. 

While tattoos are generally an accepted style of personal expression and 

decoration, when it comes to weddings, they can be quite controversial and 

confronting for families and guests. Although you shouldn’t let the opinions 

of others determine your preferences at your own wedding, brides often face a 

dilemma as to whether to show them or hide them. 

Hiding Them 

If you decide to hide your ink for your wedding you can either choose a 

gown design that covers them or invest in a make-up like “derma-blend”. The 

cosmetic was developed to cover scars and skin discolourations like birth 

marks, but its high-coverage ability has also made it popular among those with 

tattoos they wish to disguise. 

Like almost any trend, fashions come and go, so it is probable that tattoos 

will too. Your wedding photos will be looked at for years to come and by 

future generations. Consider whether you would later regret either showing 

them or hiding them before you make the choice. You can also compromise 

if you are unsure whether to show or hide your ink, by covering them for the 

ceremony and in some of the photos, then revealing them at the reception. 

Adding to Them 

If both you and your partner are “ink 

lovers” then an event like a wedding is often 

an opportunity to mark the occasion with 

a “his and hers” tattoo. It may be the date 

of the marriage, you could have tattooed 

wedding rings as a permanent reminder, or 

a larger scale design with significance for 

you both. 

Showing Them 

Your tattoos are already an accessory, often 

a bold one, so it is important to choose a 

gown that won’t clash and become visually 

distracting. Consider a custom-made gown 

that is designed to show it off with attention 

to necklines, sleeves, etc. Choose a fabric 

with solid colour and avoid too many 

textures and embellishments on the dress so 

that the tattoos are the focus. 

Don’t be afraid to veer away from 

traditional bridal colours or styles, perhaps 

pick a dress colour that tones with something 

in your tattoo design. A white gown is often 

too stark against coloured tattoos, while 

black or dark ink designs can look dirty 

against bright white and in the photos. If 

you do want to display your tattoos to best 

advantage in your photos, put a light layer 

of Vaseline on them before the ceremony so 

their colours look clear and bright in 

the images. 

New Zealand’s skin 

and appearance experts 

- Appearance Medicine - Laser Hair Removal 

- Skin Treatments - Beauty Therapy 

- Free Consultations - Payment Plans 

- 232 Papanui Rd, Merivale - 170 Clarence St, Riccarton 

- 39 Rolleston Sq, Rolleston - 383 Colombo St, Sydenham 

0800 458 458 caci.co.nz


17 

MAKING 

MAKE-UP Last 

Your wedding make-up needs to last from firstlook 

dressing, to dewy-eyed ceremony, to onlocation 

photo shoot, right through to dining, 

dancing and departing the reception. Therefore, 

you will want to use everything at your disposal 

to prevent shine, fade or frequent fix ups. 

• Start with skin that is cool to the touch – cold water, 

ice pack or cooling gel. 

• Prep your skin with pore-tightening products that 

will keep make-up application smooth. 

• Thick make-up can cause more problems than light 

coverage because it’s more obvious. 

• Use an oil-free primer and less moisturiser to stop your 

make-up “slipping”. 

• Avoid make-up products that run, smear, flake or clump. 

• Waterproof and tear-proof mascara is essential. 

• Invest in a setting spray that is designed to “hold” your 

make-up in place. 

• For long-lasting lippy apply a lip primer first. 

• Blot if it’s hot – a quick and easy way to remedy shine 

or perspiration during the day. 

• The simpler your make-up regime the easier it is to 

touch-up quickly. 

UP DOS & Fringes 

Among all the ways we coax our hair into different 

shapes and styles to beautify, cute-ify and specify 

our particular look, the “up do” still has pride of 

place for formal occasions and weddings. 

An “up do” adds elegance, is usually more elaborate than an 

everyday style and offers plenty of choice in finding a style 

that suits your hair’s texture and the shape of your face. 

Dressed high on the head or low near the nape of the neck, 

there are simple ponytails, braids, or a combination of both; 

buns can be ballerina sleek or high fashion messy, there are 

smooth chignons and pleats as well as loose coils and curls. 

For brides especially, when the hair is up, your face is more 

visible and there is more emphasis on the design of the dress, 

particularly around the neck and shoulders. An up do stays 

in place for the wedding and the reception, is impervious to 

the wind for photographs and doesn’t need extra attention 

during the proceedings. 

But if you want to add a bit more “sass”, join the fringe 

revival! The big textured fringe is back, resting just below 

the eyebrows or layered to the level of the cheekbones at the 

sides. A fringe softens the drama of the up do and provides 

both elegant or casual style for formal weddings or beach 

bride ceremonies. However, a big fringe doesn’t suit every 

face so think carefully before you make the chop or go for a 

lighter, wispier forehead fringe. 

Love is 

in the hair 

KELLY SHEPPARD HAIRSTYLIST 

Phone/TexT 027 424 9853 

www.kellyshePPard.co.nz 

Follow me on Facebook 

Phone 03 377 8883 or 021 427 433 

www.angelaminson.co.nz


LACY 

Lingerie 

For a bridal gown to fit perfectly, it is important to 

choose the best underwear to enhance the style of 

the dress, support the body shape of the wearer and 

combine comfort with luxurious wedding day fabrics. 

If you want to be a bride with that gorgeous 

golden glow, but without exposure to the 

harmful rays of the sun, it has never been 

easier to fake it and make it look real! 

INSTANT TANNING – has really come of age since 

the first streaky results appeared on the market and 

on your skin. Most instant tan products offer you 

immediate colour which develops into a deeper tone 

over the next few hours. Containing both a tint and 

a moisturiser, your skin appears smooth, nourished 

and natural. 

SELF-TANNING – is a DIY approach that you 

can use in the privacy of your own home to create 

a natural looking tan over a period of time. With a 

milder perfume and smoother application than in 

the past, the new green-based products produce a 

more authentic tan to complement individual 

skin tone. 

GRADUAL TANNING – is achieved 

with a moisturiser containing a mild selftanning 

tint. A subtle change of colour 

occurs gradualIy and particularly suits 

fair skin or application in winter without 

looking fake or unseasonal. 

BRONZE-TANNING – can be used 

beyond the face to provide depth of 

colour on the body too. Avoid bronzers 

with too much shimmer or it will look 

fake, apply only to areas that are going to 

be showing (shoulders, décolletage and 

arms) and use a large powder brush to 

get effective coverage. 

SPRAY-TANNING – can be ultraeffective, 

especially when applied 

professionally and can last from 7-10 

days. So, head for your tanning salon and 

let an expert provide you with a seamless 

tan from top to toe. Exfoliate beforehand 

and avoid moisturisers and deodorants 

on the day as they affect the tanning 

product. Don’t go for too dark a tan that 

looks fake or too stark against the white 

of your bridal gown and in your photos. 

FAUX AGLOW 

Once the dress style has been chosen, even if the gown has 

not been made, you can purchase your underwear. But always 

purchase it before the second fitting of the wedding dress in case 

alterations need to be made. 

For the ultimate fit beneath their beautiful gown, brides 

should arrange a consultation with a lingerie specialist. Research 

shows almost 50% of women buy the wrong bra size, but with so 

many underwear styles and shapes available it’s understandable, 

especially as sizing can often vary from brand to brand. 

Traditional light shades of white, cream and champagne are still 

the most sought after lingerie colours for brides. Strapless styles 

that work well under wedding gowns with open necklines are 

always in demand and many ranges of bridal lingerie are designed 

without seams to give a smoother shape under the dress. 

However the current popularity of wedding dresses from bygone 

eras has fostered a noticeable trend to vintage-inspired underwear 

and accessories including garters and parasols. White, ivory or 

nude stockings are “in” as well as the 40’s styles 

that have back seams. But corselets still top 

the list, they are elegant and slimming 

and those with suspender 

belts are currently very 

popular. 

As well as providing the 

ideal fit for the gown, a 

bride’s underwear should 

also be comfortable. So 

don’t wear your wedding 

lingerie for the first time on 

the day, instead, hand wash 

items beforehand to remove 

any unnecessary stiffness. 

While soft, pale tones in silk 

and lace are an obvious choice for 

the big day, honeymoon lingerie 

is often colourful, racy and lacy! 

Brides may have chosen classic white 

for the wedding day, but they often 

want something a little sexy for the 

honeymoon or wedding night.


MAKE YOUR OWN 

Sugar Scrub 

Making your own anything is usually pretty 

satisfying, but an all-natural sugar scrub for face, 

hands and feet is easy, effective and the least 

fattening use of sugar imaginable! Combining simple 

home ingredients, you will produce a unique beauty 

product in minutes that will leave your skin silky 

smooth. 

INGREDIENTS 

½ cup of sugar (either white or brown) 

½ cup of oil (olive, coconut or almond) 

1 tsp of essential oil of your choice 

Optional essence or spice 

(cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla) 

2 drops of food colouring if desired 

METHOD 

Combine the oil and sugar and mix well. 

Stir in the essential oil(s) of your choice. 

Add optional spice or food colouring. 

Store in an airtight container or screw top jar. 

Lasts 2-3 months 

CHOICE OF ESSENTIAL OILS 

As well as selecting your favourite essential oil for its 

fragrance, also consider its particular 

therapeutic qualities: 

LEMON & LEMONGRASS – fresh and invigorating 

GRAPEFRUIT, ORANGE OR LIME – tangy and 

refreshing 

PEPPERMINT – cool and soothing 

TEA TREE – cleansing and purifying 

EUCALYPTUS – medicinal and healing 

PATCHOULI – earthy and relaxing 

LAVENDER – calming and rejuvenating 

BERGAMOT – gentle and uplifting 

GOOD TO GO OR GIFT FOR THE GIRLS 

Try your homemade sugar scrub on your hands first 

using 1 tablespoon rubbed in then rinsed – so good, 

so soft, so simple! But pimp the jar and make some 

fancy labels and you have a gorgeous gift for your 

girls as well. 

Weddings are hard on the feet – especially for brides, 

bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and the groom. 

To manage several hours of standing, walking and 

dancing in your elegant heels or strappy shoes try the 

“On Your Feet” wedding day guide! 

Choosing the Shoes 

You may wish to select shoes of a particular style to 

complete your wedding outfit. Choose your shoes after your 

outfit is confirmed so that the style and colour are exactly 

right whether you favour a court, pump or platform sole. 

Remember sparkly sandals and sassy heels make you look 

taller and your legs look more shapely! Shoes can also be 

coloured or covered as required by professional shoe dying 

services, matching them to the fabric of your outfit. 

Compatible and Comfortable 

Choose them well in advance, but while you’re looking for 

shoes to die for, look for comfort, comfort, comfort! Your feet 

swell in summer heat and during the course of any day, so 

choose a half size larger than usual and buy your shoes in the 

afternoon. For extra comfort you can try gel inserts – great 

for added “danceability”! Consider the height of the heels, 

especially if you’re having a garden or beach wedding and 

look for footwear that is appropriate for the season. If the 

wedding is outdoors choose thicker heels that won’t sink into 

the grass. 

Walk and Wear 

Best advice is to wear them in before you wear them out 

anywhere. Pop on a thin pair of socks and wear your wedding 

shoes round the house often, to allow them to stretch and 

soften. If the heels are higher than you are used to, practice 

frequently so that your walk down the aisle is confident and 

effortless. 

Pedicures and Pampering 

Elegant shoes deserve elegant feet inside them! Have a 

professional pedicure or purchase a home pedicure kit for 

well presented toenails – especially for open-toed shoes! 

Indulge in regular heavenly foot spas at home to soften 

and remove hard or calloused skin. Nourish and 

massage daily with soothing peppermint 

foot lotion. 

BACK ON YOUR FEET


RING IN A 

Rainbow 

One of the new style trends in engagement rings, 

is the return of coloured stones. 

Combined with the sparkle and purity of diamonds, multistone 

designs can include your favourite shade of gemstone 

or your birthstone. While sapphires, rubies and emeralds are 

the “big 3” that always spring to mind, there are other stones 

representing all the colours of the rainbow that will make 

you an engagement ring of value and unusual individuality. 

RED - Garnet 

The name garnet comes from the old English “gernet” 

meaning “dark red”. Garnets have a crystal structure and 

range in colour from mid to dark red and from transparent 

to opaque. They are less valuable than rubies but an 

affordable and popular gemstone as well as being the January 

birthstone. Garnets are mined in many parts of the world but 

particularly India, USA, Australia and China. 

ORANGE - Tourmaline 

Tourmaline is a semi-precious hexagonal crystal gem that 

can be of various colours including the unusual “chrome 

tourmaline” which is orange. Produced in Zambia, India, Sri 

Lanka and USA, the stone varies from transparent to opaque. 

However, the rarest and most recently discovered variety of 

tourmaline is the Paraiba which was found in Brazil in 1989 

and has become sought after for its quality and value. 

YELLOW - Topaz 

Topaz is a rare combination of brilliance, hardness and 

colour, with yellow topaz being more unusual and valuable 

than blue. Meaning “fire” in the Sanskrit language, the 

golden colour of yellow topaz has fascinated people 

since ancient times and been associated with the 

earth, harvest and fertility. It is mentioned in the 

bible as one of the 12 gems worn by High Priests. 

In modern times it has been adopted as the 

November birthstone. 

BLUE - Aquamarine 

Known as “the gem of the sea” and chosen as the March 

birthstone, aquamarine is derived from the Beryl mineral. 

Aquamarine is favoured for its glorious blue-green colours 

but the best quality gems combine high clarity with ice blue 

colour. Because of the light colour that shows any flaws, it is 

important to cut the stone carefully in order to maximise its 

brilliance. The best aquamarine is sourced from Brazil, East 

Africa, Australia and India. 

INDIGO - Tanzanite 

This blue-violet toned gemstone is a variety of the mineral 

zolsite and changes colour when illuminated, becoming 

bright blue under fluorescent light. It was only discovered 

in 1967 and has become particularly sought after as it is 

only found in a very small area of Tanzania, hence its name. 

Renowned international jeweller Tiffany’s uses the rare 

tanzanite in a luxury selection of jewellery for wealthy 

clients from all over the world. 

VIOLET - Amethyst 

Amethysts are violet-hued quartz stones named from the 

Greek “amethystos” meaning “intoxicate”. The value of an 

amethyst is primarily in its colour, ranging from violet to 

deep purple – the darker the better. Purple was a colour 

associated with royalty, so amethysts have always been 

accorded status despite being widely available. The best 

quality amethysts are found in Russia, Sri Lanka and Brazil. 

GREEN - Peridot 

The peridot is a pale green silicote 

mineral gemstone. It is the August 

birthstone, but was called the “gem 

of the sun” by the Egyptians. The 

intensity of the peridot’s colour 

depends on the level of iron in the 

stone and varies from pale leaf 

green to olive. Peridots were first 

found in ancient times on an 

island in the Red Sea, but recent 

findings of flawless crystals 

Myannmar and Pakistan have 

created new interest in the stone.


21 

CANTERBURy jEWELLERS 

Proven Quality & Craftsmanship 

Canterbury Jewellers has earned a 

reputation for fine craftsmanship and 

honesty in a trade where the client relies 

on information that is true and the quality 

of workmanship is high. Providing these 

two key attributes has allowed Canterbury 

Jewellers to be one of Christchurch’s leading 

repair, alteration and handcrafted jewellery 

manufacturer since the company was 

started 35 years ago. 

Some people may find their perfect 

engagement ring already made, sitting in a 

showroom waiting for them. Others aren’t 

so fortunate, having to trawl through 100s 

or even 1000s of designs. Some will decide 

to start from scratch and have their ideal 

ring sketched and then handmade. 

Finding your ideal ring is a bit like looking 

for a home, you know it’s just right when 

you see it. But unlike buying a home, having 

exactly what you want in a ring needn’t 

require a visit to the bank manager. “A 

common misconception is that hand-crafted 

pieces are an unaffordable luxury for most 

people. However you may be pleasantly 

surprised how they stack up against the 

average mass-produced rings pricewise”, says 

Jason Baylis of Canterbury Jewellers. 

Responding to an increasing desire 

from clients for a more personalized look, 

Canterbury Jewellers are fully equipped 

to create something incredibly unique. It 

may traditional with lots of fine detail, or 

bold and modern. With their experienced 

and fully-qualified team of on-site artisans, 

clients are invited to contribute to the 

creative process as little or as much as they 

like and are encouraged to visit at various 

stages of manufacture. 

“We see some amazing engagement rings 

that need a wedding ring. But finding a 

wedding ring to fit around these elaborate 

rings can be impossible, so generally a 

custom wedding ring is the only solution”, 

notes Jason. 

Ideally 

engagement 

and wedding 

rings should 

be made at 

the same time 

to ensure a 

complementary 

style and perfect 

fit. But for those 

who already have an 

engagement ring that 

doesn’t lend itself well 

to any of the readymade 

wedding rings, Canterbury 

Jewellers can always make 

one to suit. 

For sparkle that will last a lifetime, call 

Canterbury Jewellers on 03 366 7737. 

Leading the way in design, manufacture 

and repair of exquisite jewellery 

Unit 8, 73 Peterborough Street, 

Central City, Christchurch 

P. 366 7737 E: enquiries@canterburyjewellers.co.nz


4Cs FOR 

Diamond Dazzle 

While diamonds are dazzlingly beautiful, valuable 

and the most sought-after jewel for engagement 

and wedding rings, they are also the hardest 

substance on earth and will therefore last a lifetime. 

All over the world, jewellers and gem experts rate diamonds 

according the 4 Cs of Cut, Carat, Clarity and Colour. 

CUT makes the diamond dazzle according to number of 

surfaces or facets that reflect the light. Most diamonds are 

cut with over 50 facets and geometric angles. These act as 

mirrors and reflect the light from one to the other before 

dispersing through the top of the stone. If the cut is too deep 

or too shallow, light escapes and the sparkle is reduced. 

CARAT refers to the weight rather than the size of the 

diamond. Originally calculated on scales against carob seeds 

that weighted 0.2g each, modern metric measurements define 

a “carat” as 200mg. Each carat is further divided into 100 

points thus allowing precise categorising of diamond value. 

CLARITY relates to the brilliance of the stone and is 

graded according to the combinations of mineral traces, 

imperfections or visible fractures within it. Completely 

flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore extremely 

valuable as they offer the most natural brilliance. 

COLOUR is also related to the diamond’s ability to reflect 

light. While we think of diamonds as white, the colour varies 

from white to yellowish. Jewellers grade a diamond’s colour 

on a scale from D (colourless) to Z which can contribute or 

detract from its overall value. 

Your Diamond Investment 

For future proofing your investment, buy the best diamond 

you can afford. To stay within your budget you can 

compromise on size, colour and clarity of the diamonds, 

but don’t compromise on the cut. But be sure to choose 

your diamond and rings from a reputable jeweller who will 

provide you with a valuation certificate for insurance and 

proof of purchase. 

For Her: 

The unbroken shape of the ring has traditionally 

symbolised the enduring vows of marriage and is a 

custom of many cultures, especially in the western world. 

Although wedding rings are still predominantly made 

of gold, the use of other metals can provide modern and 

creative alternatives. 

Yellow gold in 18 carat or 9 carat is often chosen for its 

longevity and its association with quality and riches. Since 

12th century royal wedding rings have been traditionally 

made of Welsh gold. Yellow gold keeps its bright golden 

appearance, looks good with most precious stones and will 

usually last a lifetime if the design is not too delicate. 

White gold, either 18 or 9 carat depending on the amount 

of alloy added, is a popular alternative and is well suited to 

diamonds and ornate settings. You will sometimes see “bimetal” 

wedding rings featuring both white and yellow gold 

in the design. Rose gold is a combination of yellow gold 

and the addition of copper to produce a reddish metal. 

Platinum’s silvery look is currently in vogue for wedding 

rings. It is also the strongest of metals and will last a 

lifetime. Special skill is required to work with platinum 

consequently it is also the most expensive wedding band 

option. 

The wedding ring should always match and fit with the 

engagement ring in style, shape and colour of the 

metal. They are often designed as a set and 

can be purchased together, or the 

wedding band put on “layby” until 

nearer the date of the wedding. 

For Him: 

Modern chunky bling has really caught on for wedding 

rings that are masculine statements of style and 

engineering! Shunning shiny gold for their wedding rings, 

many bridegrooms are choosing innovative designs in 

black, silver and steel. 

The popular, weighty industrial look of steel 

can be polished, engraved or set with stones 

for bling that’s rock-star bold! Tungsten is 

often chosen for its strength and longevity 

– it’s scratch resistant, hypo allergenic and 

won’t tarnish. But it does have a down side – 

you can’t cut a tungsten ring if your fingers or 

hand are injured! 

Platinum and white gold rings are often 

more traditional, but the “beaten” look is 

more contemporary and may also complement 

the bride’s rings without losing ruggedness of 

style. Traditionally the wedding ring is worn 

on the third finger of the left hand, based on a 

Greek legend that a nerve from this finger led 

directly to the heart. 

Ensure you buy your precious rings from a 

reputable jeweller. If they are members of a 

recognised jewellers association, standards of 

design and codes of ethics can be guaranteed. 

On purchase a valuation certificate should be 

issued to make sure that the ring is 

adequately insured. 

RING TONES

Perfection Made Possible 

Custom Wedding Rings 

Nestled among the boutiques on New Regent Street, Polished Diamonds provides a 

unique experience allowing you to personally design the wedding ring of your dreams. 

We realise that putting on a wedding can be an expensive task, which is why at 

Polished Diamonds we aim to provide you with excellent value. 

Advanced technology promises precision that ensures ultimate perfection. Laser engraving, 

3D printing and virtual CAD modelling produce flawless symmetry and ensures the stone 

and setting fit seamlessly together, as well as fit perfectly around other rings. 

We can size and measure your existing engagement ring and create your wedding ring 

to form a perfect set. 

Each ‘haute couture’ item comes with a lifetime guarantee and the factory direct value 

is simply exceptional – why go anywhere else? 

• Lifetime Guarantee 

• Made to Match Existing 

Rings 

• Platinum, Gold, Palladium 

• Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire 

• Gents Titanium, Platinum 

• Custom Made – CAD Engineered 

• Satisfaction Guaranteed 

• Best Value Price Check 

JEWELLER OF DISTINCTION 

30 New Regent St, Christchurch CBD. 0800 233 299 www.polisheddiamonds.co.nz


SUIT-ABLE Wedding 

For grooms and male guests, fashion etiquette for a wedding can be confusing in this day and age! In the past 

there were clear guidelines for formal or semi-formal attire when weddings were held in churches and chapels. 

But with modern weddings at secular venues, in gardens or on beaches, there’s a change in the style of clothes 

that are now considered “wedding-suitable.” 

Formal 

– as dressed up as you can ever be! 

TRADITIONAL A top hat and tailcoat 

with pinstriped striped grey trousers, 

white gloves, a white vest, shirt and bow 

tie OR a black dinner suit worn with a 

white shirt, cummerbund and matching 

tie. 

CONTEMPORARY Any suit with shirt 

and tie is now considered formal. It can be 

any colour, any cut and almost any cloth. 

For most seasons suits may be grey, black 

or navy but suits for summer weddings 

favour lighter shades, fine stripes or 

checks, shirts may be pastel rather than 

white, but ties are bold and bright. 

Semi Formal 

– as dressed up as you want to be! 

TRADITIONAL A two or three 

piece suit, plain coloured shirt and a 

coordinating tie OR a tuxedo with 

coloured jacket or cummerbund and 

matching bow tie. 

CONTEMPORARY A suit jacket, sports 

coat or blazer teamed with tailored pants, 

chinos or khakis, but not denim. Add an 

open neck or button down shirt that’s 

worn without a tie and finish the look 

with swanky lace up shoes in leather or 

suede. 

Smart Casual 

– as confusing as it gets! 

TRADITIONAL Two piece suit or 

tailored pants with a blazer or sports coat, 

shirt and tie. 

CONTEMPORARY Because “smart” 

doesn’t always equate to casual and vice 

versa this dress guide causes more agro 

than anything else. Your best guess is semi 

formal minus the jacket, but it still doesn’t 

mean jeans! 

Casual Beach 

TRADITIONAL Rarely applicable, 

but for those who did have low-key 

weddings it was still a suit or at the very least 

a waistcoat with shirt and tie. 

CONTEMPORARY A cool short-sleeved shirt 

over chinos, linen pants or tailored shorts. Boat 

shoes, clean canvas sneakers or sandals are 

preferable to jandals and a hat is great for 

the sun – a fedora or straw panama is way 

better style than a baseball cap. If the 

wedding is island-themed you can 

be more flamboyant with 

the shirt!

STYLISH SHIRT ACCESSORIES 

Shirt accessories are back in style! Once you have 

selected your wedding shirt for its style, fabric and 

formality, you can choose the ideal shirt accessories 

for yourself and/or your groomsmen; tie tacks, 

pins or bars, collar tips or cufflinks. 

Tie Tacks and Bars 

The tie “tack” was worn by wealthy gents to secure the folds of 

cravats which were worn in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Commonly made of silk, satin, lace, lawn and brocade, the tack 

held the expensive slippery fabric in place. By the end of the 

19th century tie pins were worn more widely as cravats became 

favoured sporting attire at golf, tennis, cycling and riding. 

Tie tacks and pins used pearls and other gemstones together 

with gold, silver and other metals, but were also custom 

designed with initials and family crests and later with sporting 

club emblems and logos. When the Windsor knotted tie became 

an integral part of menswear and school uniforms for both boys 

and girls, the tie “bar” also had the purpose of holding the tie in 

place, but was attached to the placket of the shirt front. 

Collar Tips 

Collars required stiffening to allow the pointed ends of the 

collar to either stand-up (like the winged collar) or sit neatly 

against the waistcoat front or lapels of a jacket. Accordingly, 

small whale-boned “collar tips” were inserted into the 

pointed collar via a tiny hemmed slit, which allowed 

them to be removed for washing. 

Cufflinks 

Traditionally used to secure the buttonless 

cuffs of mens’ shirts, post-war mass 

production of shirts included machine sewn 

buttons, so the use of cufflinks declined. However they have 

recently made a comeback as a distinctive fashion statement 

and feature anything from antique to ultra-contemporary 

designs. 

Dress etiquette once demanded gold cufflinks be worn by day, 

silver in the evening and pearl for white tie occasions. There are 

two main styles of cufflinks; double panels linked by a bar or 

chain and a single panel with a swivel toggle to secure the cuff. 

The decorative style of cufflinks often included inlays and 

gemstones and featured family emblems, monograms and logos, 

while today’s designs are colourful, frequently quirky and still 

an acceptable gift for the groom and his wedding party. 


BEARD 

BASICS 

In the same way that hairstyles change 

with seasons and fashion trends, so do 

beards. While it is usually appealing for 

guys to enjoy time out from the daily 

shave, but women either love beards on 

their man, or hate them! 

Many beards develop over a summer holiday 

when there is sufficient time to grow one beyond 

the stubble stage. However, while keeping one 

eliminates the daily “razor abrazer,” a beard still 

requires some grooming to keep it looking tidy 

and trendy. 

Just like the hair on your head, the skin beneath 

the beard needs to be healthy so there’s no itch or 

scaliness. So buy some beard balm to condition 

the skin while the beard thickens, then invest in 

some Beard Oil to keep the hair itself moisturised. 

Trimming and shaping the beard is a matter of 

preference, but the style can change the shape of 

the face and enhance other features like eyes and 

teeth. Ideally it is best to visit a local barber to 

establish the shape and style of the beard first, so 

that you only have to trim it yourself from time 

to time. 

For grooms who want to sport a beard for their 

wedding, be sure your bride is in favour of the 

idea and if so, be fastidious about the length and 

the longevity of the look in your photographs! 

BUT if the beard has to go for clean-shaven 

nuptials, remove the growth a week before the 

big day so your skin has time to heal from any 

irritation that results from clippers or blades. Use 

a healing balm to moisturise the skin and SPF 

protection if removing the beard leaves your skin 

at increased risk of sun burn.


In Awe of VIDEOS 

Having your wedding captured on film is not only a 

keepsake for you, but provides future generations with a 

unique record of family members, friends, fashions, 

food and the traditions at one of life’s greatest milestones. 

Surprisingly many couples entrust the recording of this 

milestone to an amateur videographer rather than a professional 

with the experience and technology to make your wedding into 

a story rather than a potentially disjointed sequence of events. 

Good videographers are booked well in advance so checkout 

costs, styles and packages early in your wedding planning. Ask 

to see examples of their work including colour quality, picture 

clarity, sound levels and special effects. 

Discuss what is required to get the style and length of film you 

envisage; how long they need to be at the wedding, how many 

cameras they use, whether they have all the digital equipment to 

cope with low light and bright sunlight, add music and special 

effects and edit the film seamlessly. 

Discuss the terms and conditions of any contract, ensure the 

videographer is available for the date, time and location of the 

wedding and negotiate the fee for both filming and finishing. 

Check whether your venue has any restrictions on videography 

then provide the videographer with the order of events at the 

wedding. List the special guests and important moments you 

especially want them to record and get them to liaise with your 

photographer so that they don’t impede one another’s work 

on the day. 

PRICELESS PICTURES 

Because a photographer only gets one chance 

to capture the magic of a wedding you need 

to know they are up to the task. 

Rather than simply taking photos, the photographer’s 

job is to record a family event for generations to come. 

Staying within your budget is always important when 

planning a wedding. But because your photographs 

are literally priceless, cost should not be the sole 

consideration. If you have a limited budget, you can 

always book the photographer for a shorter period 

of time. 

A few stunning professional images are better 

value than a host of unremarkable ones by amateur 

friends or family. Alternatively you could suggest a 

contribution towards photography, album or prints as 

a wedding present or gift registry item. 

It is important to find a photographer whose style 

you like, so look at the work of several different 

professionals before you decide. Do their portfolios or 

online examples provide a range of formal images as 

well as fun, creative and spontaneous shots and is the 

quality of colour and clarity consistent throughout? 

Also find out if the photographer has studio facilities 

and “Plan B” in the event of bad weather! 

Ideally choose a photographer who is a member of the 

New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers 

(NZIPP) which requires high standards of professional 

ethic and expertise. Members are listed under “Find a 

Photographer” link on www.nzipp.org.nz


Promotion: 

Book your wedding with us 

before: 31st August 2018 

and receive 2 complementary 

6" parent albums with all 

wedding album packages 

- conditions apply. 

Testimonials 

“A wedding day comes and goes so very fast, many months 

of planning pass in the blink of an eye. The photographer 

is the most important presence on that day as the photos 

taken are the memory of that special day, capturing all 

the moments that in time can easily be forgotten. We 

chose you as we both felt right from the start, very at ease 

with you and after viewing your portfolio we were certain 

you would do a great job. I am not even sure how to say 

thank you as it seems to short change you somehow, the 

images you took of our wedding day left us amazed, the 

way you used light, angles and color, was truly beautiful, 

you were very gracious to our family and guests and your 

presence was unobtrusive. We would be more than happy 

to personally recommend you to anyone who is looking 

for a first-class photographer with a warm and friendly 

manner”. Tina-Marie & Brendon Wright 

“Thank you very much for the great job you did with 

our photos, we were thrilled with them. We both had a 

fabulous wedding day and have lots of special memories. 

Thanks again! ” Annabel & Craig 

DeAn nOrrIe 

Photographer 

International award-winning celebrity photographer 

Dean norrie has photographed some of the world’s 

most famous people including; Johnny Depp, Jean 

Claude Van Damme, Kylie Minogue, Harry Connick Jr, 

Madonna, George Clooney, Bear Grylls, rachel Hunter, 

Michael Schumacher, Kelly Slater and the best rugby 

player in the world, richie McCaw, to name a few! 

My uniQue experience: 

Dean Norrie, one-eyed Cantabrian studied professional 

photography in Christchurch in 1991, since than he has travelled 

extensively and photographed in over 70 countries from 1993 

to 2006. After 12 years living and working abroad he finally 

returned to his mother country to set up business, buy a slice 

of paradise, get married and start a family. Experiences include; 

fashion photography internationally, working for London’s 

largest night clubs (Hippodrome) shooting events, four years 

at sea managing the photographic department on board some 

of the world’s largest cruise ships. It has photographed over 500 

weddings around the world from Miami and London to Sydney 

and Christchurch. 

Why book DeAn: 

• Photographed over 500 Weddings internationally 

• Confident managing people and directing large groups 

• Friendly, assertive and relaxed personality 

• Specialises in wedding photography 

• 27 years professional wedding photography experience 

• Creative eye for truly beautiful imagery 

• Professional photographic member of the SWPP 

• Creative wedding album design included in all wedding 

photography services 

• “I cherish getting to know you personally, and the special 

details of your big day to capture images to truly reflect you.” 

• Offers affordable photography packages from $1600 

DeAn's proMise to you: 

“It would be an absolute privilege to get the opportunity to tell 

your unique love story, I will bring my refined technical ability, 

creative, candid and unobtrusive approach to your wedding 

photography. My passion for story telling through authentic, 

intimate and romantic imagery and my relaxed style of taking 

photos will excite you. I will maximize your time creatively 

breathing life into your images for you to cherish.” 

DeAns tip for the big DAy: 

“The day goes by so fast! make sure to take the time to smell 

the roses, delegating the management of the day to your MC 

and others. Also make sure to book an experienced professional 

wedding photographer early! you only get one shot at it.”

* Best quality & options. 

* Lifetime of experience. 

* Awesome prices. 

* Packages tailored to suit. 

* Interest free terms. 

* Photography & DJ Combo. 

* No charge for travel. 

* Two person team. 

* Super fast service. 

* Many extras available. 

* We listen to you. 

* Free planning advice.

Garry and Karyn are a sought after Husband and Wife photography, video 

and D.J. music team with many years of wedding industry experience. 

Call them for a no obligation chat about your plans and discover 

how they can help make your wedding day simply perfect. 

Ph: 03 313 8774 - Mob: 0274 330 733 - E-mail: garry-karyn@xtra.co.nz 

Web: www.garrywalls.co.nz


CATWALK 

Confidence 

You should look and feel fabulous on your 

wedding day, so why not show some catwalk 

confidence as you walk down the aisle? 

DON’T RUSH – instead take time to enjoy 

the moment. Take a deep breath, then 

make your entrance with a smile – it makes 

you look happy and confident even if you 

are nervous. Make eye contact with your 

groom, let him see you are ready to begin 

the ceremony. 

BE REGAL – hold your head up high, 

stand straight and tall and make sure your 

shoulders aren’t hunched. Don’t look down 

at your feet, instead, glance at your guests 

and give them a little smile too. Remember 

good posture makes you look taller, more 

confident and shows your beautiful gown 

off to best advantage. 

WALK WELL – don’t stride or shuffle and 

be sure that you aren’t wincing with every 

step because your shoes hurt! Avoid shoes 

with heels that are too high for you to 

manage or throw you off balance. Walking 

in a long gown also takes practice; the 

technique is to use the toe to gently push 

the hem ahead of you as you walk. 

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC as you make 

your way down the aisle. It helps you to 

focus on something other than taking the 

steps and creates the right pace for you 

to reach the altar. Don’t be afraid to use 

something with a beat for timing your 

walk or something you really like so that 

you proceed up the aisle in an unhurried 

manner. 

SMELL THE FLOWERS – literally as 

well as figuratively. Take time to savour 

your own ceremony, but also enjoy the 

fragrance of the flowers you have chosen to 

carry just before you begin your walk down 

the aisle – your senses will remember the 

smell for years to come and you will always 

associate that fragrance with your wedding 

day. The bouquet gives you something to do 

with your hands and disguises any nervous 

shakes! Holding your bouquet at waist 

height looks natural and relaxed. 

DON’T LOOK AT THE 

CAMERA 

– instead 

concentrate on your 

PRACTICE MAKES 

PERFECT – make sure you 

practice at home and in front of 

a full-length mirror to get the 

full effect. Play your music, grab 

some flowers, practice wearing 

a long skirt and break in those 

wedding shoes so they don’t feel 

new, even if they look it! 

groom, family 

and friends 

and trust your 

photographer 

to capture 

your most 

cherished 

moments 

on film in an 

unobtrusive 

way.

A 

DATE 

WITH 

YOUR 

DAD 

It’s a proud day for most 

Dads when their son or 

daughter gets married. 

Traditionally the father of the bride 

has more duties than the father 

of the groom, although modern 

weddings often share responsibilities 

for hosting the occasion. 

Dad’s first main duty is to pay for much 

of the wedding! The groom and his 

family traditionally help with the costs of 

beverages, but they and the bridal family 

may also contribute to other aspects of 

financing the wedding. 

Dads offer love and support and should 

enjoy quality time with his son or his 

daughter in the days or weeks before 

the wedding. So make the most of those 

moments and find some space in your busy 

pre-wedding schedule to let Dad know he is 

still important in your life – enjoy a coffee 

or a quiet drink with just him, take him out 

for breakfast or dinner, play a game of golf 

or go to a movie you would both enjoy. 

Dad is also meant to get his daughter to 

the ceremony on time and look smart for her 

special day. Dad escorts his daughter to the 

ceremony, whether a church or civil occasion 

and traditionally “gives her away” to the 

groom. 

Dad must also give a “father of the bride” 

speech with anecdotes about the bride’s life 

growing up, a welcome to his new son-inlaw 

or life partner and a toast to the newly 

married couple. Dad and the mother of the 

bride are the primary hosts of the wedding, 

mingling, meeting and greeting guests 

throughout the reception 

In modern families there are often Step- 

Dads who may wish to be included in the 

wedding day celebrations. Depending on 

the family relationships and the level of 

diplomacy required, step-parents may jointly 

host the reception, give a speech or a reading 

at the ceremony or simply be among the 

invited guests. 

If your wedding gown, bridesmaid 

dresses or mother of the bride 

outfit is being couturedesigned 

or made by a 

skilled dressmaker from a 

commercial pattern, you 

may be unsure of some of 

the technical terms used 

to describe or create a 

particular design effect. 

DRAFTING is the technical 

process of making a paper pattern 

for the garment, based on the exact 

body measurements of the wearer. 

TOILE is a cotton calico version of the gown 

or garment. It is made first so that a perfect fit is 

achieved before the actual gown is cut from the chosen, 

more expensive fabric. 

FRENCH SEAMS are sewn twice to provide extra 

strength and prevent fraying or unravelling of the fabric. 

Modern sewing methods often use overlocking for the 

edges and a straight seam to join the parts of the garment. 

GODET is a triangular piece of fabric sewn into a dress 

or skirt. It adds extra width and volume to the hem and 

allows the fabric to flare from the waist or hip. 

BIAS CUT is when the pattern is laid across the grain of 

the fabric when the garment is cut out. The bias cut is used 

to achieve a draped effect, particularly with light materials 

such as silk, chiffon and voile. 

STRUCTURED gowns are those that are styled with 

boning, stiffening or extra lining to ensure a firm fit. 

Structure is particularly necessary for strapless dresses or 

designs using heavier weight fabric or embellishments such 

as crystals or beading. 

ILLUSION is a sheer panel of mesh, organza, chiffon 

or lace on the front or back neckline of a gown. It 

provides delicate design detail and is more modest 

than a strapless or backless dress. 

APPLIQUE is the addition of pieces of material 

or lace that are cut out and then stitched onto 

the fabric of a gown to create decorative detail. 

Beading is also stitched to the fabric and is 

sometimes described as applique. 

WEIGHTED HEMS allow the skirt or 

train of a long gown to skim the floor and 

prevent the skirt catching on the shoes or 

heels. Small invisible weights are sewn or 

taped along the hem of the gown. 

RUCHING is when the dress fabric 

is gathered, fluted or pleated for 

trimming or to create a style effect. 

PLEATING refers to folds in the 

fabric which are stitched at the 

top to create fullness for the 

skirt. Pleating styles can 

include inverted, box, 

knife or sunray shapes. 


DECODED 

Couture Jargon


BAGS OF 

Style 

A handbag is the final touch for your 

wedding ensemble. Unlike everyday 

handbags and totes that contain 

absolutely everything, a wedding handbag 

only needs to carry the essentials for a few 

hours. 

Evening bags and clutches are brilliant and 

beautiful; beaded, embroidered, silk, satin, leather 

or metallic, they can be soft or hard sides with 

clips, clasps, domes or zips. 

Fashion fanatics recommend choosing a bag that 

either matches your shoes, or complements an 

outfit in a similar or contrasting colour. But for 

a wedding you also need to consider the size and 

shape of the bag, so that the overall impression is 

balanced. If it is metallic, match the bag to your 

other jewellery and if it’s a clutch bag, look for the 

practicality of a shoulder strap or fine chain to 

keep hands free for greeting guests, clasping a glass 

and managing canapés! 

THE CLUTCH BAG is the overwhelming 

favourite for weddings and evening wear. 

Carried in the hand or under the arm, it can be 

unobtrusively elegant or supremely sassy with 

decorative details. The structure and material 

define the formality of the bag; leather, satin, silk, 

manmade fibre or metal and its modest size forces 

you to de-clutter so that it does not bulge or spill 

out your essentials. For practicality it should close 

securely and fit your cards, keys, phone and lippy 

at the very least. 

THE POMPADOUR BAG is a soft material 

pouch with a drawstring worn round the wrist. 

Originating in medieval times to carry money 

and a sweet-smelling pomander, its popularity 

re-emerged in Jane Austen’s regency era and in the 

1920s when they were made of the same material 

as the flapper girl’s dress and were embellished 

with jet beads, fringing and embroidery. The 

pompadour is a pretty option for 

a flower girl or a way 

of introducing 

vintage style to 

bridal party 

gowns and 

wedding 

outfits. 

In Awe of MUMS 

Mums are special and never more so than on the day you get 

married. She will be so proud of you, so why not pay tribute 

with some thoughtful ideas that say how important your 

Mum(s) is to you. 

INCLUDE HER in your wedding 

planning, choosing a gown, 

bridesmaid pamper sessions, 

hens' night celebration and the 

excitement on the day of getting 

ready together. 

PHOTO CALL and get some 

special images just with you and 

your Mum. In the busy-ness of the 

day it’s a perfect pic opportunity 

that is sometimes overlooked with 

later dismay. 

SOMETHING OLD, NEW, 

BORROWED OR BLUE often has 

extra special meaning if it has come 

from your Mum. So ask her and if 

nothing springs to mind, consider 

replicating her own bridal bouquet 

to represent an older era, new 

flowers, a borrowed design and a 

blue ribbon or blossom! 

PUT IT IN WORDS and invite 

your Mum to do a reading, a speech 

or a toast at your wedding if she is 

agreeable. But don’t forget to thank 

her in your own wedding speeches! 

A NOTE OR MESSAGE of thanks 

is often all she needs. Send her a 

note of thanks on the morning 

of the wedding, present her with 

flowers at the reception or give her 

a little gift the day after. 

ARM IN ARM with your Dad and/ 

or Mum and Dad down the aisle is an 

increasingly popular trend. Or you 

may ask her to be a matron of honour 

– there are no rules, just wishes. 

VIP OR MVP make her a special 

sign, decorate her chair or reserve a 

place at the top table. 

SALUTE her signature specialty 

from the kitchen by including it on 

the reception menu or the wedding 

favours. 

FOCUS ON FAMILY with a table, 

photo board or power point of 

family occasions which also show 

her role in your life growing up. 

NEVER FORGET – even if you 

no longer have a Mum she can still 

be part of your special day – carry 

her photo, wear her gown or her 

jewellery, play her favourite music 

and toast her memory.


35 

CLASSIC or Sassy 

As a mother of the bride or the groom you will want 

to look your absolute best at the wedding but often agonise for 

months over what to wear. 

Like the bride herself, mothers can be 

spoilt for choice and unsure whether 

to have their outfit designed, made or 

bought off the peg. 

But whether you favour classic or 

sassy designs, always aim for a colour 

that suits you, a style that’s ageappropriate 

and feminine and never 

compromise on getting a perfect fit. 

Go shopping with an open mind. 

Have fun trying on styles and colours 

you have never worn before – you 

might be surprised how much you like 

them. 

Be dazzling on the day in a dress, 

jacket or ensemble and if you are 

unsure of the weather you’ll find layers 

are a versatile choice. In a hot climate, 

you can always wrap yourself in a 

luxurious pashmina or gorgeous shrug 

if the evening cools down. 

Unless you are a completely standard 

height and size, choosing an outfit that 

is sold as separate pieces can achieve a 

better overall fit. Although an outfit 

can be altered or shortened, it is 

always less stressful and less expensive 

if alterations are not required. 

Classic or simple pieces look good 

in photos and can be jazzed up with a 

stunning hat, statement jewellery or 

elegant shoes. Quality garments made 

in luxury fabrics also add “special 

occasion glamour” to the simplest of 

designs. You may have a favourite dress 

or style already in your wardrobe that 

can be copied and reinvented for a 

wonderful wedding outfit. 

Select a fabric that breathes, that 

doesn’t crease too much and enhances 

the style of the outfit. Always choose a 

colour range that suits your skin tone 

and hair shade, but avoid white or 

cream – that’s the bride’s prerogative! 

Hats can set off an outfit with 

real style and flair and for mothers 

of the bride or groom, as well as 

guests, hats are back whether the 

wedding is formal or informal. The 

choice of colours, styles and fabrics is 

exhilarating, whether you are choosing 

from a range of ready to wear hats or 

employing the services of a milliner to 

create that special "one off" model. 

The style of your outfit, your height, 

face shape and hairstyle are all factors 

affecting what will suit you. For 

weddings the flattering wide brimmed 

hat is still favoured for its elegance as 

well as the 1920s cloche style. If you 

prefer a smaller style, little cocktail 

hats and fascinators are very popular 

and easy to wear with numerous 

shapes and designs to suit the occasion. 

Also be careful that your hat will not 

hide your face in the photographs. 

But if you aren’t planning on a hat or 

fascinator, experiment with an elegant 

hairdo for the big day. 

Traditionally Mothers of the Bride 

choose their outfits before the Mother 

of the Groom, but there’s nothing 

to stop you discussing your ideas or 

even shopping together to ensure 

the colours and styles you wear 

complement one another. 

magazine 

designer clothing 

Sizes 

10 - 26 

Wedding? 

congratulations 

We have 

fashion for YOU 

Sizes 6 - 22 

Something special for every occasion... 

Windmill Centre, 188 Clarence Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 

Phone 021 686 929 

www.magazineclothing.co.nz 

SMITH & BOSTON 

Shop 6, 573 Springs Road | Prebbleton Village | Christchurch 

Ph: 03 349 5646 | www.smithandboston.co.nz


DREAM IT 

& Theme It 

Themed weddings are very popular overseas, often 

involving guests in a costumed production like a 

Hollywood movie set. While less prevalent in New 

Zealand, the idea of modestly theming your wedding is 

catching on. So try these ideas for size and for fun! 

Bollywood 

Rig up a big screen with a Bollywood movie in the background, 

get dressed in spectacular sari silks, put on an Indian food feast 

and learn some Bollywood dance moves to share with your guests. 

Kiwi Classics 

Enjoy iconic Kiwi bach style or a marquee by the beach. 

Decorate with kiwiana and cook up a barbecued feast 

followed by pavlova, strawberries or hokey pokey ice-cream 

in a cone. Enjoy the best New Zealand wines or keep it 

casual with handles, jandals, beach cricket and the music of 

your favourite Kiwi bands. 

Masked Ball 

Go glitz and glamour with all the fun of a ball. Include 

masks in the dress code and keep your guests guessing, 

provide elegant dance cards for your friends to fill and 

twirl the night away with romantic waltzes and your 

favourite music. Serve canapés and a carvery then unmask at 

midnight with a wicked laced punch. 

Love Boat 

Cruise through your reception with a captain’s table, an elegant 

sit-down dinner and silver service by waiters in crisp nautical 

whites. Decorate walls with posters of gleaming ships and 

stunning destinations, hang bright coloured bunting and dance 

the night away to a big band sound or orchestra. 

Musical Moves 

Choose a well-known musical like Mamma Mia and guests of all 

ages will happily sing for their supper. Do a full 70s retro with 

outrageous fashion and a buffet supper or delight the guys with 

a 50s Jersey Boys theme, diner-style reception and rock around 

the clock until you drop.


37 

COLOUR – traditionally bridal bouquets were often white 

with leafy green foliage. While still a popular choice with 

brides, the trend of using colours that match the shade of 

bridesmaids’ gowns has become more prevalent and is more 

vibrant in the wedding photographs. 

SIZE – the size of your bouquet is a matter of personal 

choice, but florists often advise smaller brides to choose 

a smaller bouquet so they don’t appear overwhelmed or 

hidden by foliage. Fashions in flowers also come and go 

ranging from tight posies to the current popularity of hand 

tied bouquets. 

SHAPE – the style of your gown whether full 

skirted or slimline will dictate the optimum 

shape of your bouquet to achieve balance and 

proportion. Bouquets can be created in many 

different ways, but there are 5 main floral shapes: 

1. POSY – a circular shape using flowers of equal 

size which are grouped in a close, structured 

bunch. Colours can be varied, concentric or 

random and the flowers can be contained within 

a circlet of leaves, lace or ribbon. 

2. TRAIL – uses long stemmed flowers like roses 

or orchids to create a slender shape from top 

to tip, complemented by a wide or narrow trail 

of foliage, ribbons or both. The flowers may be 

wired to maintain the shape. 

3. TEARDROP – combines a round posy-shaped 

top with a trail that narrows down to the tip. The 

flowers are usually wired so they do not droop. 

4. SHEAF – also known as a spray, the sheaf lies 

along the forearm or hangs down from the hand. 

It is formed with stems of even-length flowers 

bound together with ribbon or leaves such as 

flax. 

5. HAND TIED – these bouquets look “just 

picked”. The stems are visible and the flowers are 

unwired to appear the most natural. 

BUT always heed the advice of your professional 

florist who will discuss the best flowers for 

your preferred shape of bouquet and provide 

numerous floral ideas for your bridal party as 

well as eye-catching arrangements for decorating 

your cake, tables, venues and vehicles. 

BRIDAL BOUQUETS 

A beautiful bridal bouquet is a visual work of art, but 

fittingly the French word “bouquet” not only means a 

bunch of flowers, but is also the word for fragrance. 

As one of the most exquisite wedding day accessories, a bouquets 

colours and style should always complement your gown and the season 

of the wedding. 

Historically bridal bouquets featured fragrant herbs and wild flowers 

before becoming more formally arranged with special blooms. The 

Victorians attributed special meanings to particular flower varieties 

such as love, faithfulness and purity, but top of the list then and now, 

are roses. 

Beautiful Flowers for 

Beautiful People 

The Crossing Building, Level 1, Lichfield Street 

Christchurch Central / 03 348 4103 

bourbonrose.co.nz


AMOUNTS 

Accounts 

& Discounts 

Weddings are expensive, but you can trim the expense 

without forgoing style and use a bit of cost-saving savvy 

so you don’t overspend and finish up in debt to start your 

married life. 

Accounts 

Set up a special high-interest savings account as soon as you have set 

the date. Have regular salary deductions paid into it. Pay deposits 

from the account to secure your venue well in advance and then make 

payments for other services and products as you confirm them. Avoid 

credit card purchases but if you do “put it on the plastic” pay the bill 

on time and don’t incur any late payment penalties. 

Discounts 

Can save you hundreds of dollars if you use some financial and 

negotiation skills; buy in bulk, sale or return, end of season sales, 

customer loyalty rewards and discounts for cash. 

SO….. 

• Shop around for everything – you’ll be amazed at the variation 

in price 

• Use the same location for ceremony and reception – it saves extra 

transport costs 

• Marry any day but Saturday – it’s cheaper and you’ll get the venue 

you want 

• Have an off-season wedding – it’s fun and far less expensive 

• Reduce the number in the wedding party – saves on wedding attire 

expense 

• Trim the guest list as much as you can, then trim it again! 

• Buy your own wholesale beverages with return option 

• Cocktail style and finger food is less costly than buffets or banquets 

• Use a single layer wedding cake as your dessert, decorate with fresh 

flowers 

• Dispense with expensive and unnecessary wedding “favours” 

• Serve jugs of water not bottles 

• Make, borrow or hire anything if it helps your budget 

• Use an iPod playlist for reception music 

• Use the skills and expertise of family and friends 

• Enjoy a current wedding style that is “small, chic and classy” 

• Avoid expensive hen/buck celebrations – keep it simple 

• Honeymoon in NZ or look for all-inclusive packages overseas 

• Invite guests to contribute to a money wishing well rather than to gifts 

• Don’t arrange a lavish wedding that will put you in debt 

Amounts 

With a regular savings plan your estimated wedding 

budget will become apparent. You can then allocate 

the percentage of the budget you have available for 

each category of the wedding costs: 

RECEPTION 35% 

FLOWERS 5% 

CLOTHING 20% 

STATIONERY 5% 

PHOTOGRAPHY 15% 

GIFTS 5% 

CEREMONY RINGS 

& LICENCE 7.5% 

TRANSPORT 3% 

MISC COSTS 4.5% 

Rather than over-spend, look for ways to “cut 

according to your cloth” as the old saying goes. It 

means be realistic, find ways to stretch your budget 

and be prepared to compromise on some of your 

plans if they don’t justify the cost. 

Avoid 

credit card 

purchases but if 

you do “put it on the 

plastic” pay the bill on 

time and don’t incur 

any late payment 

penalties.


Professional 

TROUBLE 

SHOOTERS 

If the time and stress of organising your wedding 

is going to create personal panic, help is at hand 

in the form of a professional wedding planner/ 

coordinator/trouble shooter! 

Increasingly, couples are turning to experienced wedding 

planners whose knowledge and contacts are often worth 

their weight in gold. Sometimes over-looked or viewed as an 

unnecessary expense, hiring a professional can often save you 

valuable time and money. 

The Total Event Coordinator 

– will cover all the bases from sourcing products, places and 

options, creating the theme, confirming all the details, budget 

management, liaising with suppliers and celebrants, arranging 

accommodation and styling the day. Many of the most successful 

wedding companies offer a variety of wedding coordination 

packages that take care of the tiniest details from first discussion 

to honeymoon departure! The total event coordinator is 

particularly indispensable if you are planning a ceremony away 

from home or a destination wedding overseas. 

Hiring a 

professional can 

often save you 

valuable time 

and money. 

The Partial Planner 

Many wedding planners offer custom-designed packages allowing 

brides to choose the amount of professional help they need. 

It may simply be during the final week before the wedding, 

allocating a specific task or two that you can’t manage yourself or 

acquiring general hands-on-help on the big day. Planners often 

step in to define and refine plans in the months leading up to 

the wedding especially if there is disagreement or the myriad of 

decisions becomes overwhelming. 

A Wedding Stylist 

While there are many coordinators and planners who can style 

your wedding beautifully, a stylist is a specialist in creativity. 

Focusing on the artistry of a picture-perfect setting, stylists will 

“dress” or “stage” the venues for your ceremony and reception. 

Using flowers, lighting effects, props, furniture and decorations, 

every detail of your design and colour ideas comes to life. 

A Wedding MC 

Your MC may be a trusted family friend or a hired professional 

who keeps the wedding itinerary “on song and on time”. As 

well as ensuring the smooth running of the reception, the MC 

also acts as a toastmaster, introduces the speeches and speech 

makers, controls the line-up for the buffet, conveys important 

information or “housekeeping” details, gets the dancing going and 

makes announcements.


VENUES 

Unlimited 

Although some of Christchurch’s favourite 

wedding venues disappeared after the earthquakes, 

many have re-opened, re-located or 

re-created amenities with much admired 

individuality. Within the city and beyond there’s 

an impressive variety of venues to suit the style, 

size and ambience of your wedding. 

Vineyards & Wineries 

Quiet country settings amid productive vineyards and 

charming local wineries provide wonderful locations for a 

wedding celebration and photo shoot. Some venues provide a 

“one stop” location for the entire wedding from ceremony to 

reception, and even guest accommodation too. Alternatively 

you can have your ceremony elsewhere and your reception 

on the estate. You will probably be expected to purchase the 

vineyard’s own wines, but their buying power and food/wine 

knowledge make for a memorable dining occasion. 

Hotels, Resorts &Event Centres 

Most hotel resorts and event centres have services for weddings 

to be accommodated with style and space, inside or out. Many 

have dedicated wedding and event coordinators to arrange 

your chosen theme, catering, entertainment and ceremony 

and they often have a range of competitively priced wedding 

packages to suit different budgets. 

Marquees 

Mobile and moveable, you can have your wedding almost 

anywhere if you have a marquee. Always popular in summer, 

they can also be adapted all year round to provide unique 

shelter in any weather and are available in a variety of sizes. 

Erected on a field, a farm, a beach, a garden, a hilltop or 

at your place, marquee hire can include silk linings, tables, 

chairs, dance floor, buffet, bar, lighting, sound, heaters and 

decorations! 

Houses 

& Heritage 

Christchurch’s heritage buildings 

have been badly damaged, so those that 

remain are doubly precious and in great 

demand for weddings. Check-out their 

availability for your proposed date. If it’s not 

possible but you have always imagined your 

wedding in a restored Edwardian home or 

at a beautiful church, look beyond the 

city to country houses, B&Bs, and 

the churches of nearby rural 

towns. 

Church Halls & Sports Clubs 

With a little imagination, almost any venue can become an appealing 

place for a wedding supper, reception or dance. Halls can be 

decorated, furniture hired, caterers booked and music made. 

Gardens, Gazebos & DIY 

For a low key alternative, especially in summer, a garden and gazebo 

wedding can be charming and less expensive. Hire, buy, borrow or 

make what you need for an alfresco barbecue, an afternoon picnic or a 

“bring a plate” old time wedding. 

Uniquely Re-Purposed 

Be bold and imaginative; ultra stylish weddings seek art galleries, 

cloisters, atriums, museums, arcades and theatres as wedding venues 

of unique re-purpose, accoustics and ambience.

Your Choice for 

STYLE & ELEGANCE... 

The George is Christchurch’s luxury 

boutique hotel offering style, 

elegance and personalised service. 

Each of the venues and the 53 spacious 

bedrooms and suites are designed with a 

stylish eye for detail. The central location, 

beautifully appointed facilities and tranquil 

surroundings make it a sought-after 

wedding and honeymoon venue. Located 

opposite Hagley Park and the River Avon, 

the hotel offers an exquisite setting for 

your ceremony, photographs, reception and 

accommodation. Your simple solution. 

Wedding facilities at The George include; 

Parkview, which can be configured and 

decorated to accommodate 90 guests for a 

sit-down dinner or high-end buffet, or 150 

To look, to book or 

simply to enquire about 

The George for your 

wedding, contact us 

P: 03 371 0255, 

weddings@thegeorge.com 

www.thegeorge.com 

guests for a cocktail themed event; and The 

Residence, an adjoining heritage property 

with beautiful lawns and gardens for the 

ceremony and a gracious intimate dining 

room for up to 18 guests. 

Multi award winning, The Residence 

offers privacy and elegance and is an 

increasingly popular setting for those 

looking for a boutique wedding experience. 

Its delightful ambience is ideal for intimate 

wedding parties and renewal of vows 

ceremonies. It is also possible to book the 

entire villa and its accommodation rooms 

for your exclusive use. 

The cuisine team from The George provide 

a variety of menu options to suit your 

individual tastes, including fully plated 

two or four course dinners, buffets, or the 


popular and innovative “trio set” of plated 

entrees and desserts complemented by a 

buffet or plated main course. 

Having your wedding at The George 

means personalised service from an 

experienced team. “We take away all the 

stress of organising your special day while 

you enjoy every moment with your guests,” 

says the hotel’s wedding coordinator. 

Couples are encouraged to meet at the 

hotel with the wedding coordinator, to 

discuss the many options available to 

them. It is the ideal opportunity to view 

the accommodation, the different venues 

and examples of various menus and setups, 

so you can create your perfect day 

together. When you meet with the wedding 

coordinator to discuss your special day, you 

will receive a glass of Nautilus on arrival 

(terms & conditions apply). 

With their renowned flair, enthusiasm and 

meticulous attention to detail, you can be 

assured that your wedding at The George 

will be chic, stylish and remarkable. The 

George are hosting a wedding open day on 

Sunday 29 April where you will be able to 

view the venues, meet with the team, ask 

questions, and check availability for your 

preferred wedding date. Mark the date in 

your diaries! 

41 

LOVE 

celebrate 

weddings at the george 

Open Day Sunday 

29 April 2018 from 11am until 4pm 

50 Park Terrace 

P: 03 371 0255 

E: weddings@thegeorge.com 

www.thegeorge.com 

Come and view the venues and rooms at The George, meet our team and 

talk about your plans for your wedding day. 

Plus a range of our favourite wedding suppliers will be on site from cakes 

to flowers, photographers to wedding planners, shoes to jewellers.


A-Z 

of 

Canterbury 

Venues 

With most 

wedding venues 

now repaired or 

rebuilt following 

earthquake 

damage, 

Canterbury can 

offer plenty of 

innovative and exciting 

venues from A to Z. 

Imaginative, original or even quirky locations are 

becoming popular for wedding ceremonies and 

receptions, whether you favour traditional church, 

historic significance, dramatic backdrop, contemporary 

style or a unique place of special appeal. 

Consider the size and style you want for your wedding 

and whether you will have the ceremony and reception 

at two different venues or in the same place. The latter 

is often chosen for appealing continuity, cost and 

convenience. There’s no break in the proceedings, the 

ambience is not interrupted and your guests can relax 

while you have the photos done. 

a Ambience of a small wedding at home 

b Beach at numerous options around the city or peninsula 

Cruise your wedding on the water with Black Cat at Akaroa 

c 

d 

e 

f 

g 

h 

i 

j 

k 

l 

Dedicated wedding centre at Riccarton Park or Pemberton 

Event-managed at a city hotel like The George or Garden Hotel 

Farm friendly at Alpaca Farm’s Valley of Peace Wedding Centre 

Garden setting at Taunton, Hampton Lea or the Botanic Gardens 

Heritage church like St Michaels or St Augustines 

Ice cool wedding at the Antarctic Centre 

Jump aboard a double-decker London bus 

Kiwis witness your wedding at Willowbank Wildlife Park 

Luxury at Terrace Downs, or Hanmer’s Select Braemar Lodge 

m Marquee anywhere you want it 

New owners, Dan Shanks and Jonny Schwass, at ilex Cafe 

n 

o 

p 

q 

r 

s 

t 

u 

v 

Old historic homes like Tangley on Clyde and Otahuna 

Planes to test fly your wedding at Air force Museum of NZ 

Quaint and authentic at Ferrymead Heritage Park 

Restored and resplendent at Mona Vale or Knox Church 

Sports clubrooms Russley, Netball Centre, Cashmere Club 

Themed and theatrical at Auroroa Centre or Isaac Theatre Royal 

Uniquely scenic at Church of the Good Shepherd or Mt Cook 

Vineyards for wining and dining amid the vines 

w Wineries in and around the city – Trents, Langdale or Waipara 

eXtraordinary quarry (Halswell) or outdoor chapel (Gethsemane) 

x 

y 

z 

Yacht Club at Akaroa for indoor-outdoor maritime setting 

Zoo your wedding on safari at Orana Park 

dee@spitroast.com | 021 351 905 

0800 333 666 

SPITROAST.COM 

If you’re looking for delicious food at competitive 

prices, Spitroast.com is the perfect option. 

Our ‘I do’ wedding package menu includes our famous mouthwatering 

meats cooked on the spit and a selection of great Kiwi 

veggies, salads, and dessert favourites. Ideal for large or small 

groups from 40-500 people, we have pick-up/delivery options 

available or we can bring the spit and cook onsite at your 

reception, serving your guests their meal with a smile. Whatever 

your choices and however you roll, Spitroast.com will be a 

popular, welcome addition to 

your wedding party. 0800 333 666

J.Mc J.Mc Photography & & Cinema 

j Jump aboard a double-decker London bus 

k Kiwis witness your wedding at Willowbank Wildlife Park 

l Luxury at Terrace Downs, or Hanmer’s Select Braemar Lodge 

m Marquee anywhere you want it 

n New owners, Dan Shanks and Jonny Schwass, at ilex Cafe 

o Old historic homes like Tangley on Clyde and Otahuna 

With years of 

experience in the wedding 

industry, The Vines Club team 

provide a genuinely warm welcome and 

top-class, professional service. For extra 

peace of mind, one of the crew will be on 

hand throughout to take care of all the details, 

so you can truly relax and enjoy your big day. 

Set in a relaxed, rural environment, The Vines 

Club is close to town and the airport, and has 

ample onsite parking. With beautiful food 

and beautiful surroundings, it really is 

the perfect spot to celebrate and 

create wonderful memories 

to cherish forever. 

J.Mc Photography & Cinema 

a Ambience of a small wedding at home 

b Beach at numerous options around the city or peninsula 

c Cruise your wedding on the water with Black Cat at Akaroa 

d Dedicated wedding centre at Riccarton Park or Pemberton 

e Event-managed at a city hotel like The George or Garden Hotel 

f Farm friendly at Alpaca Farm’s Valley of Peace Wedding Centre 

g Garden setting at Taunton, Hampton Lea or the Botanic Gardens 

h Heritage church like St Michaels or St Augustines 

i Ice cool wedding at the Antarctic Centre 

The 


VINES CLUB 

Tucked away in spacious landscaped grounds down a 

long, tree-lined driveway, The Vines Club is the ideal 

place to celebrate your wedding day. 

An inviting entranceway sets the scene on arrival, with a 

meandering pathway leading you to spacious, well established 

gardens overlooking a miniature vineyard. If you are planning 

an outdoor wedding, our unique wedding dell provides a 

picture perfect spot for you to exchange your vows. 

The beautiful, natural surroundings also provide lots of 

great photo opportunities and, as the venue opens out onto 

a sheltered patio, your guests can relax, mingle and enjoy the 

view while you are having your wedding photographs taken. 

With room for up to 100 people, a marquee on the lawn adds 

extra space and there is plenty of room for dancing the night away. 

Our philosophy is “Your day, your way”. We are flexible in 

our approach, and with various different packages on offer, will 

work together with you to create the setting and feel you want. 

As well as a fabulous venue, we appreciate that good food 

plays an important part in your wedding celebrations. The 

Vines Club offers a range of different catering options from 

delicious, traditional Kiwi food from SpitRoast.com, through 

to sumptuous boutique wedding feasts by Verve Real Food 

Caterers, who will prepare whatever dishes you wish to serve. 

We have a fully licenced bar available and/or you can BYO if 

you prefer. 

43 

With years of 

experience in the wedding 

industry, The Vines Club team 

provide a genuinely warm welcome and 

top-class, professional service. For extra 

peace of mind, one of the crew will be on 

hand throughout to take care of all the details, 

“ Your day, 

your way.” 

extra space and there is plenty of ro 

Our philosophy is “Your day, yo 

An inviting entranceway sets the 

meandering pathway leading you 

gardens overlooking a miniature 

an outdoor wedding, our unique 

picture perfect spot for you to ex 

The beautiful, natural surround 

great photo opportunities and, as 

a sheltered patio, your guests can 

view while you are having your w 

With room for up to 100 people 

651 Pound Road, Christchurch 

Contact: Dee Taylor 

Phone: 021 914 817 

info@thevinesclub.co.nz 

www.thevinesclub.co.nz 

VINES 

Tucked away in spacious lan 

long, tree-lined driveway, Th 

place to celebrate your wedd 

The


TICK LIST 

What to ask your Wedding Suppliers 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

What style of photography do you specialise in? 

May we see a folio of your work? 

What prices and packages can you offer? 

Are you available for our wedding date? 

Are you a member of NZIPP? 

How long will you attend the wedding for? 

When will images from the wedding be available? 

Can you provide a mix of colour and black 

and white? 

When do we need to confirm booking? 

CAKE MAKER 

What size cake do we need for our 

number of guests? 

Can you provide a variety of flavours? 

Do you have photos of cakes you have 

made/decorated? 

Can we have a tasting? 

What prices and packages do you offer? 

When will it be delivered? 

Will you provide a display stand? 

When do we need to confirm and 

pay a deposit? 

VENUE 

Is the venue available for our date? 

Are you licensed for civil ceremonies? 

How many guests will it accommodate? 

What do your packages include? 

What deposit do you require? 

What is the cancellation policy? 

Would we have exclusive use on the day? 

Is there guest accommodation? 

Is it discounted? 

Do you have mandatory suppliers we must use? 

CATERER 

What is the cost range per head? 

Do you offer menu tastings? 

Do you cater for vegetarians and other 

dietary requirements? 

Do you provide crockery, cutlery and glassware? 

Have you worked at our preferred venue before? 

Do you have your own serving staff? 

How many weddings do you cater in one day? 

When do you require confirmation? 

What is your cancellation policy? 

What other catering costs are there? 

Weddings with style, elegance, 

beauty and atmosphere. 

Facilities and catering for your Special day! 

• Beautiful Banquet room complete with wine barrels, 

French trellises 

• The Cabernet Cottage for smaller intimate weddings 

• Beautiful gardens with many special areas like 

a pond to tie the knot 

• Gardens lit up at night to create a great atmosphere 

• Excellent dance area with party lights 

• Weddings large and small (25-250 people) 

• Affordable wine, beer and aother beverages 

• Excellent catering and menus 

• Low venue hire charges for off-peak weddings 

Call 03 323 7353 or 323 9314 to make a booking 

or email: bookings@rosebank.co to discuss the 

arrangements with our Function Manager to make your 

special day, really special. 

www.rosebank.co

GRACIOUS CANTERBURY 

Christchurch is aptly named the Garden City and 

several of its public gardens and parks can be used 

for weddings for free or for a modest fee. 

Established grounds, well maintained plantings and seasonal 

colour provide a wonderful natural backdrop for an intimate 

ceremony or photo location. Some can also be used for a 

garden ceremony with permission from the local councils 

that administer them and sometimes a modest fee or 

donation. Beyond the city there are equally delightful outdoor 

venues where your ceremony can be conducted simply and 

inexpensively. 

CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS 

was established beside the Avon River in 1863 

and an English oak was planted to celebrate 

the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess 

Alexandra of Denmark. Impressive plantings 

over 21 acres include 5 specific areas available 

for wedding ceremonies and photographs; 

Cockayne Memorial Garden; The Pinetum; 

The Azalea and Magnolia Garden; the historic 

Bandsmen’s Memorial Garden and the 

Daffodil Woodland, while the conservatory, 

fernery, rock garden and water garden are 

complemented by the iconic tea kiosk and new 

visitor and function centre. 

EDMONDS FACTORY GARDEN on Ferry Road is an oasis 

of smooth lawns, bright borders, a rose garden and a lily pond 

providing a variety of settings for a pretty wedding. Thomas 

Edmonds, manufacturer of New Zealand’s baking powder, 

commissioned the gardens to be built around his factory in 

1923. Depicted on the cover of the iconic Edmonds Cookery 

Book, the beautifully maintained garden is now all that remains 

of the famous Christchurch landmark. 

ORTON BRADLEY 

PARK is located on the 

shores of Lyttelton Harbour 

overlooking Charteris Bay, 

the tree lined grounds provide 

a superbly natural setting for 

picnics, events and weddings. 

The old schoolhouse dating 

from 1876 can also be hired 

and will seat 40 guests. 

MONA VALE'S beautiful 

established grounds are 

still available for outdoor 

ceremonies and photographs 

on the Mound Lawn, the 

Mill Stream Lawn and the 

formal surrounds of the Lily 

Pond. The house has recently 

re-opened as a function venue 

following its earthquake 

repair and refurbishment. 

It is now back to its elegant 

best so you could have your 

reception here as well. 


Gardens and Parks 

WOODHAM PARK is beautifully endowed with mature trees 

including Daimo Oak, Trembling Poplar, Chinese Wingnut and 

Slippery Elm specimen varieties. Border plantings feature hedges of 

laurel and yew and herbaceous plants interspersed with hydrangeas, 

camellias and an outstanding selection of rhododendrons. Add a 

romantic gazebo and you have a charming Old English style venue 

for photos and ceremonies. 

MORE INFORMATION WWW.CCC.GOVT.CO.NZ


To Book 

your wedding at 

Terrace Downs and to enquire 

about special rates for mid-week 

and winter weddings visit 

www.terracedownsresort.co.nz 

or wedding@terracedowns.co.nz 

HIGH COUNTRY 

Romance 

If you are looking for a truly beautiful wedding venue, then look 

no further than the scenic tranquility of Terrace Downs Resort. 

With indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony, reception 

and dance as well as luxurious accommodation for the wedding 

party and guests, Terrace Downs is the perfect choice for a 

wedding at any time of the year. 

Located in the heart of a high country, yet within an 

hour’s convenient drive of Christchurch and its airport, 

Terrace Downs Resort features breath-taking mountain 

vistas, deluxe accommodation, superb cuisine, an 18- 

hole championship golf course and numerous on site 

adventure activities. 

A unique rustic Clubhouse overlooks panoramic 

views of the golf course up to the Alps and Mt Hutt, 

and offers a spacious and spectacular venue for dining, 

with different space options for weddings large or small. 

There are wonderful wedding photo opportunities 

nearby as well as more secluded locations accessible by 

helicopter or jet boat. 

The warm and distinctive décor of the Clubhouse 

reflects the high country surrounds making it the ideal 

backdrop for indoor photography, while the open fire 

creates a magical atmosphere for winter weddings. 

Part of the excitement is the wedding party’s 

preparation: the generously sized Ladies Powder Room 

in the Clubhouse is simply stunning and the perfect 

place for the bride and her bridesmaids to have their 

hair and make-up done while enjoying delicious snacks 

and beverages. 

As well as a dedicated Wedding Coordinator to 

ensure everything about your special day is perfect, the 

Terrace Downs food and beverage team will present a 

wedding menu designed to match your theme or style, 

served with flair and an attention to detail that will 

ensure total enjoyment for you and your guests. 

For the ultimate in guest entertainment, pre and 

post wedding activities can include the fun of golf, 

archery, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and spa 

treatments, with plenty more nearby. And to complete 

the total experience, a range of stylish accommodation 

is available for up to 110 guests, in beautifully appointed 

villas or chalets with stunning views over the golf 

course to the Alps. The option of booking the whole 

resort is also available for that extra level of privacy and 

enjoyment.

Romance 

A VISTA FOR 

AT TERRACE DOWNS RESORT 

Terrace Downs Resort is the perfect setting for your special day, whether it’s an intimate wedding or 

lavish affair. We offer multiple ceremony sites such as The Gorge, with its dynamic scenery or the 

cosy atmosphere of The 4th Hole. Indoor venues are also available for weather contingency. 

Come for a site view and enjoy a complimentary lunch for the bridal couple. 

Book your Summer 2018-2019* wedding before May 31st and receive our unique Powder Room 

to spend the morning of your special day getting ready in, free of charge. Book a site view 

through our website and quote 'unique' in the comments for this to be available to you. 

*Summer, November 2018 - March 2019 

Photos courtesy of Mandy Caldwell Photography (TOP ROW) & Handmade Photography (BOTTOM ROW). 

Please contact our Events Team for a personalised service. 

PHONE 03 318 6943 || wedding@terracedowns.co.nz 

www.terracedowns.co.nz


TECHNOPHILE 

or Technophobe? 

You can’t ignore technology, it is with us every day, so it 

definitely has a role in planning a wedding. It can save you 

time, money, mileage and aggro, it can be creative, make a 

statement and involve your tech-savvy guests at the press of a 

button or scroll of a screen. 

But it can also be over-used, gimmicky, intrusive and make your wedding 

sound impersonal and impolite. It can also exclude older or technophobic 

guests who don’t have the latest model, the means to access your clever 

communications or find the process too complicated to participate. So a bit 

of both tech and tradition is a nice touch and a wise move. 

Avoid a Data Disaster 

Whatever organisational methods you choose to plan and convey your 

wedding arrangements remember to back up your computerised records 

on discs and drives if you are a TECHNOPHILE. Losing any of it 

would be a data disaster, so to be on the safe side, you can’t go past the 

TECHNOPHOBE’S paper trail that includes print or photocopies of 

important documents and decisions. 

Technophobes Love: 

A diary for important dates 

Books and magazines for 

research 

Calendar or Yearly planner 

Newspaper wedding 

announcements 

Paper perfection for your 

wedding stationery 

Post or couriers to send 

invitations 

A guest list for RSVPs 

Mood boards of design ideas 

Blackboard seating plans 

A Marriage licence 

Pre-nup agreements 

Insurance Certificates 

Passports 

Tickets and travel vouchers 

Marriage Certificate 

Maps for out-of-town guests 

Guest visitor book 

Photo album on display 

Files for important quotes and 

documents 

Thank you notes 

Postcards from your honeymoon 

destination 

Technophiles Love 

A bit of both 

tech and 

tradition is a 

nice touch and 

a wise move. 

Facebook, Tweet, Twitter or Text for 

updating friends and status 

A spreadsheet for costs and budgets 

Apps to enter wedding and reception 

information for guests 

Pinterest forum for a zillion wedding ideas 

Websites to research wedding suppliers and 

services 

Email to confirm quotes and bookings 

Internet banking to pay deposits and bills 

Paperless Post to send online invitations and 

receive RSVP 

Online website for gift registries 

GPS directions to wedding events and venues 

Digital photography on CDs and mobile 

Instagram the wedding with a hashtag 

Snapseed to crop, colour, frame and edit pics 

Printstagram pics into posters, prints, books 

& calendars 

Stickygram their pics into fridge magnets for 

gifts and guests 

Eventstagram live feed for absent guests to 

share the wedding as it happens 

iPod the music selections 

You Tube any wedding bloopers 

Visa all the wedding/honeymoon travel 

Selfie pics from their honeymoon 

Language App for overseas destinations 

Electronic cards to say thank you

CONTAINING 

the Kids 

Children can make or break a wedding! Don’t feel 

bad if you decide not to invite the children of all 

friends and family. But if you do want youngsters 

at your wedding, make it “child friendly” for you 

and your guests by keeping them restrained and 

contained with activities to keep them amused. 

EXPECTATIONS: Don’t be too formal or want your littlies 

to be. Their attention spans can be short and a wedding is not 

everyday-familiar to them, so get their photos done as quickly 

as possible. 

ENTERTAINMENT: Let them dance and use up some energy. 

If that’s unsuitable have some “kids only” moments on the 

dance floor. Have a children's corner with favourite toys or 

games, put on a movie in a special “kid zone” or give them 

some time in the photo booth with some dress-up items. 

FULL HOUSE 

Guest lists can be one of the biggest wedding 

nightmares. Guest list expectations are why families 

fall out, couples elope and friends get offended! 

Naturally you and your families want everyone to share your 

happiness, but unless you have unlimited funds, you can’t 

invite “the world and his wife”. So if you have a full house and 

need to prune down your guest list, do it fairly and without guilt. 

Make a potential guest list before you start planning the 

wedding budget. Include those who have been the most 

important influences in your lives growing up and add those 

who are important parts of your lives now. They should be the 

core of your guest list. 

But there will also be pressures to invite your parents’ 

friends, ex-neighbours, work colleagues, the children of friends 

and family and distant relatives! But if your budget is modest 

or you simply prefer a small wedding, eliminate the following 

from your guest list: 

• Children (except your own!) 

• Ex wives or husbands (really?) 

• Single friends’ new partners (too soon) 

• Workmates (except for a special colleague perhaps) 

• Relatives you haven’t seen for a decade (too late) 

• The boss, bank manager, doctor or accountant (keep a 

professional distance) 

Don’t feel obliged to invite someone because they invited you 

to their wedding, don’t invite anyone you actively dislike and 

don’t be bullied into inviting people neither of you know! 

If you absolutely can’t bring yourselves to reduce the 

numbers or cope with the flak, compromise; invite everyone 

you want to the ceremony, serve a toast and wedding cake 

afterwards to all guests, then have only your nearest and 

dearest at the reception, or elope to a distant destination! 

FOOD: Make sure some things on the 

menu are suitable for children. Keep sugary food 

and drinks under control and don’t require them to sit through 

several courses. If need be, feed them earlier than the adult guests. 

CURFEW: Don’t expect young children to last until midnight. 

Have a couch or two where they can lie down or arrange a room 

and a babysitter. Perhaps invite little children just for the ceremony 

and nibbles or have a friend or relative take them home early. 

Tie the knot & kick up your heels 

49 

DISTRACTIONS: 

Keep the day fun with 

treats and rewards, provide 

food, drink and toilet stops. 

Give them “activity” packs like 

the airlines to avoid boredom 

or join in with guest games 

if you have some 

arranged. 

Nestled amongst five acres of beautiful rose gardens, Chateau 

on the Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton is the ideal backdrop for 

the big day you’ve been dreaming of. 

With packages starting from just $2,000, our dedicated 

wedding experts will take care of every detail from ceremony 

to reception to ensure your wedding day is unforgettable. 

182 Deans Ave, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011 

christchurchdoubletree.com | 03 343 9744 | chcnz_cb@hilton.com


A newly popular 

trend is for the 

“top” table to be 

located centrally 

among the guests’ 

tables 

PLeAse 

Be seAteD 

The bridal or “top” table is the centre of attention at the 

reception. Guests want to see the happy couple and those making 

speeches during the occasion, but how to seat the bridal party is 

often a dilemma without offending your nearest and dearest. 

The traditional seating of the bridal table used to include the bride and 

groom and their parents, plus the best man and the chief bridesmaid. 

However blended families and the trend to larger numbers in the bridal 

party has made this arrangement more difficult. 

Contemporary solutions are often to seat the newlyweds and their 

attendants at the top table, while their parents each host a nearby table 

of their relatives and close friends. This can still work even if one or both 

sets of parents are divorced. A newly popular trend is for the “top” table 

to be located centrally among the guests’ tables, thus allowing them to be 

more social and interactive with their guests. 

Reception Guest-iquette 

When deciding who should sit where and with 

whom, the following guidelines are useful for 

creating a seating plan that works for your 

guests whether they are family, friends, single, 

couples, families or different age groups. 

• seat guests who already know each other together 

• OR seat those together who you think will get 

on well 

• Don’t split up couples to even the numbers per table 

• Don’t stick rigidly to equal numbers of males and 

females per table 

• The closer people are seated to the bridal table, 

the more honoured 

• Avoid seating divorced couples next to each other 

• Create a specific seating plan for formal weddings 

• For informal weddings, designate the table but 

allow guests to choose their seat 

• Allocate an area for families with young children 

with highchairs and activities 

• seat older guests together where they can hear 

speeches easily 

• Display your seating plan prominently 

• Don’t allow guests to swap seats – it upsets 

numbers and ruffles feathers 

• Choose the best table size and shape for 

convenience and conversation 

• Make sure there is adequate space for guests 

to sit comfortably

At home, on a beach, in the middle of nowhere - 

where ever it might be, we’ve got everything you need to create a 

beautiful marquee or destination wedding. 

We’ll help you create a venue that’s just right for you and your guests. We offer various marquee styles and 

sizes, all with beautiful fitout options. We’ve also got all the accessories you need to add your personal touch 

and bring your vision to life. From elegant glassware, crockery, cutlery and high-quality furniture to 

beautiful silk liners and options for the all-important dance floor. We can also provide outdoor and location 

based wedding event essentials like luxurious portable toilets, lighting and power. 

continentaleventhire.co.nz 

Ph 0800 252 555 

Auckland • Feilding • Nelson • Blenheim • Rangiora • Christchurch • Queenstown • Dunedin


STYLING 

Your Venue 

Styling your venue should be fun! But before 

you start looking at all the fine details and 

decorations you need to establish the colours 

you like, the level of formality you are comfortable 

with and the theme you envisage, whether classic, 

rustic, romantic or quirky. 

If you already have the colour, formality and theme sorted, you can 

decide on who and how it is all going to take shape. If you want 

spectacular wow and your budget allows for it, then engaging the 

services of a stylist will give you an expert eye for the detail. Their 

skill and experience can create a mood or a look that brings furniture, 

lighting, fabric and décor together in a way that complements the 

style of the venue and the theme you desire. 

It is helpful to a stylist if you meet over an inspiration board that 

highlights your favourite fashion and decorator ideas and gives 

them an insight into your personality and individual style. They will 

certainly be full of innovative ways to bring your theme and colour 

palette to life with flowers, linen, lights, tableware and accessories. 

Flowers are ideal for establishing mood, colour and formality. 

There are flowers to suit every taste and budget; they can decorate 

aisles, tables, walls and marquees, they can be the star attraction or 

a beautiful backdrop and they can be romantic, exotic, minimal, 

colourful, simple or elaborate. 

Fabrics can transform a room from plain to elegant 

effortlessly. Draping swathes of fabric on the walls or ceilings, 

around poles or over chairs is a clever disguise that swaps 

functional for magical in an instant. 

Table Linen is a key component of creating the 

right atmosphere. Most venues provide floor length white 

tablecloths and napkins that can be accessorised with your 

colour theme, although usually you will have to pay extra if 

the venue supplies the non-white items. Alternatively, you can 

source coloured table cloths, runners and napkins yourself, 

either purchased or hired. 

Tableware supplied by the venue will most often 

include white china, standard stemware and cutlery that can 

be dishwasher-cleaned. But there are venues that provide 

luxury level crystal, silverware and fine china if you wish 

to pay more. Whatever you choose or afford, be sure all the 

cutlery matches and the china and stemware conform to the 

same design, size and shape. 

Table Sizes &Shapes are also part 

of styling the room depending on its dimensions and the 

formality of the wedding. Round tables create intimacy, 

oblong tables are good for seating a large number of guests 

and long tables are ideal for a banquet-style reception. 

Décor: Accessories comprise all the finishing touches 

to the room and make your style visually apparent; lights, 

lamps, candelabra, urns, pedestals, plants, topiaries, vases, 

table decorations, bowls, baskets, bunting, signage, menus and 

place cards. By all means dress up the room but be sure your ideas 

won’t impede the waiting staff and don’t clutter the tables with so 

many decorations that there is no room for plates and glasses!

DIPLOMACY 


&Divvy-ing the Duties 

Organising all the aspects of a wedding is difficult enough, but family dynamics 

can be dynamite! The pressure on the bride and groom to meet everyone’s wishes 

and expectations can be immense, especially if there are blended families, divorced 

parents, step relationships and new partners to consider. 

53 

...be gracious 

and leave no 

one outside 

the circle. 

There’s no formula to successfully sorting the 

situation, but avoiding potential strife, tension, 

offence and disagreement is always easier if 

you can talk things over before they get out of 

hand. The bride and groom need to take the 

lead, be firm, be diplomatic and be as inclusive 

as possible when it comes to divvy-ing up the 

wedding duties. 

If divorced parents are on good terms, they 

will want to share a happy, stress-free wedding 

day and are also likely to share its expenses. If 

there is tension, the bridal couple can simply ask 

the various parties to put aside their differences 

so that the occasion can be enjoyed on the day 

and in retrospect. 

Invitations usually name both sets of birth 

parents as hosts of the wedding, but if there 

are step parents and new partners, an agreed 

compromise might have to be made – name all 

of them or none of them and just provide the 

names of the wedding couple! 

The bride chooses who will walk her down the 

aisle, gives her away and makes a speech. It can 

be Dad or Mum, or both, it might be a Stepdad 

or even both Dads, or a brother if it becomes 

too competitive. But involve your Dad and your 

Stepdad in some way to avoid them feeling 

unimportant on your big day. Also ask the 

partners of your divorced parent(s) to help with 

something at your wedding so that they can also 

feel included. 

Seating can also become too associated with 

family hierarchy. Disputes about who sits closest 

to the bride and groom can be alleviated if the 

top table accommodates just the bridal party, 

while divorced parents can each host their 

special guests at their own table nearby. 

Make sure your wedding photos include your 

birth parents together as well as with their new 

partners/other children. Your wedding is your 

day for sure but it is also a family milestone so 

be gracious and leave no one outside the circle.

We make good things happen, 

when you say ‘I do’. 

Riccarton Park have so many ways to create the wedding of your 

dreams, with a lifetime of memories. 

Experience the Riccarton Park difference. With beautiful parkland settings, a wide 

selection of indoor venues and outdoor areas, and an experienced team of wedding 

co-ordinators and caterers on hand, we can make your very special day, perfect. 

We welcome enquiry, so visit our website for 

lots of helpful information, and to explore 

all our venues and current menu options. 

Remember, these can all be tailored to 

suit your individual requirements, so don’t 

hesitate to give us a call. 

03 336 0055 www.riccartonpark.co.nz 

IDEATION-RP0059


For further 

information or to 

view the venue 

contact the Wedding 

Team on 03 385 3132 

or: functions@ 

gardenhotel.co.nz 

Love 

ON THE LAWN 

“Love on the Lawn” 

is the Garden Hotel’s 

intimate wedding venue. 

Located at 110 Marshland Road, the hotel is 

well known for its Garden Buffet Restaurant, 

GBC (Garden Bar Café) and selection of 

accommodation options. But with the 

addition of facilities dedicated to wedding 

ceremonies, the Garden Hotel offers a venue 

that covers all the bases and is ideal for 

intimate weddings of up to 60 guests. 

“Wedding receptions have always been 

popular at the Garden Hotel, but we are 

now pleased to offer a special area that can 

accommodate wedding ceremonies too,” says 

Margaret Wong, General Manager. “An ornate, 

romantic gate opens to a private courtyard 

with a manicured raised lawn surrounded by 

paving, plantings and a spectacular pagoda 

that was specially designed to resemble a 

wedding veil”. 

Beyond the courtyard is an attractive 

function room with full bar facilities and 

comfortable amenities for a wedding 

reception. The simplicity of the area means 

that a bridal couple can transform it with 

their own theme, personalised with flowers, 

plants, chair covers, decorations and candles 

and lights to make it magical. 

Catering can be created according to the 

couple’s preferred style and taste. From dainty 

canapés or cocktail finger food to a seated 

banquet buffet complemented by a selection 

of New Zealand wines as well as imported 

wines, beers and spirits, Margaret and the 

Wedding Team at the Garden Hotel can 

design a menu to suit any budget. 

On-site accommodation and various 

accommodation packages also provide the 

ideal comfort and convenience for the couple 

and their wedding guests.

Say oo I II doo 

SEE US AT THE 

WEDDING SHOW 

FOR EXCLUSIVE 

SHOW DAY DEALS 

at Garden Hotel & Restaurant’s 

Love on the Lawn 

At the Garden Hotel & Restaurant we are 

delighted to provide you with a range of 

options to tailor your special day and 

assist in making your day unforgettable. 

For more information please contact THE WEDDING TEAM on 03 385 3132 

Email: functions@gardenhotel.co.nz 

110 Marshland Road, Shirley, Christchurch 

www.gardenhotel.co.nz 

fb.com/GardenHotelRestaurant


Superb 

DUNEDIN 

VENUES 

Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s iconic cities 

and combines strong Scottish heritage and fine 

architecture. Alongside a scenic location of 

hills and harbour, the Dunedin City Council 

operates some superb venues that offer unique 

ambience for your wedding ceremony, civil union 

or reception. 

THE DUNEDIN CHINESE GARDEN is New Zealand’s 

only authentic Chinese Garden, the only authentic Scholar’s 

Garden in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only three 

outside China. A perfect miniature of a traditional Chinese 

landscape painting, this garden encapsulates the essence of 

nature. 

There are many different spots around the garden which 

will provide beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos. 

The traditional high garden wall encloses you and your 

guests in your own private sanctuary, and the rest of the 

world seems far removed. 

The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a flexible venue offering a 

sophisticated, memorable setting for up to 100 people. 

THE DUNEDIN PUBLIC ART GALLERY is a distinctive 

and elegant venue for your civil union or wedding ceremony 

and reception. A team of professional, friendly and 

experienced staff will work with you to put together the 

right combination of spaces for you and your guests. 

These can include canapés and a glass of champagne on 

arrival in Donaghy’s Foyer; the couple’s entrance down the 

Gallery’s grand staircase and a dine and dance in the ODT 

Gallery under the glass ceiling. The Gallery is fully licenced 

and you have the option to use your own caterer if you wish. 

TOITŪ OTAGO SETTLERS MUSEUM is within walking 

distance of the Octagon and accommodation facilities and 

is the perfect venue for your wedding reception. Offering 

a combination of diverse spaces, the museum is able to 

accommodate everything from small, intimate functions to 

larger, lavish events. 

With floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Dunedin’s 

Heritage District, warm heart rimu floors and Oamaru and 

local bluestone detailing, the expansive Josephine Foyer 

is large enough to accommodate up to 500 people. The 

stunning Art Deco NZR Lounge is an ideal space for drinks 

and nibbles and great for small social events at any time of 

the day or evening.


DUNEDIN’S 

Peninsula Playground 

Just a few kilometres from downtown Dunedin, Otago Peninsula 

forms the southern boundary of the harbour. While small 

settlements cluster around some of the many bays, others are 

the preserve of a rare variety of protected wildlife. This largely 

unspoiled environment of hills and coastline provides Dunedin 

with a unique recreational, historical and ecological playground. 

Best known among the attractions of the peninsula are the Royal Albatross 

colony at Taiaroa Head and Larnach Castle. Taiaroa Head is home to the 

only mainland colony of albatross in the world as well as a unique number 

and variety of seabirds and marine life, attracted to the area by an abundant 

source of food. Wildlife can be viewed on land or from a cruise on the 

harbour. 

Other ecological attractions are the Yellow 

Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve and 

the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre 

at Portobello. The reserve offers an 

amazing opportunity to view the 

activities of the penguins within 2m 

without the birds being disturbed 

and to learn about conservation. 

This largely 

unspoiled environment 

of hills and coastline 

provides Dunedin with 

a unique recreational, 

historical and ecological 

playground. 

Larnach Castle was built in 1871 by merchant, 

baron and politician William Larnach. The 

finest materials were sourced from all over the 

world to complement its imposing grandeur and 

spectacular peninsula location. A fascinating past 

of drama, scandal and ghosts adds to the castle's 

intriguing history. As well as a tearoom, gift 

shop and a plant boutique, the modern Larnach 

Lodge is set in the castle’s magnificent grounds 

accommodating overnight guests. 

Also in 1871 George Gray Russell purchased 30 

acres of land on the Otago Peninsula and built a 

fine home which he named Glenfalloch. Around 

the homestead he planted magnificent trees and 

gardens which subsequent owners have added to. 

Today Glenfalloch Woodland Garden is popular 

with many visitors who can also enjoy a meal at 

the homestead, or cafe and wine bar as well as 

the facilities for conferences and functions. 

The peninsula has also become home to many 

local craftsmen; potters, spinners, weavers and 

painters, many of whom combine their crafts 

with homestay and farmstay opportunities 

for visitors. Fishing, swimming, sailing, horse 

treks, 4WD tours, rock climbing, tramping and 

kayaking are all made possible by the diversity of 

Otago Peninsula's hills and harbour. While easily 

explored independently, visitors can also enjoy 

the peninsula experience by joining a number of 

small group tours that are available, taking the 

Otago Peninsula Express, flightseeing or cruising. 

Discover Larnach castLe 

New Zealand’s Castle 

“THE 

PERFECT 

SETTNG 

FOR YOUR 

WEDDING” 

Phone 03 476 1616 Freephone 0800 527 6224 | Email functions@larnachcastle.co.nz | www.larnachcastle.co.nz

DISCOVER DUNEDIN 

Discover a city of quintessential 

Scottish charm which has 

provided New Zealand with its 

first university, the only castle, 

the steepest street, a city of fine 

Victorian buildings and naturally, 

its own Scotch whisky! 

The Octagon is the civic heart of Dunedin and is 

dominated by a statue of Scottish bard, Robbie 

Burns who has stared benevolently over the 

city for 150 years. You will also find St Paul’s 

Cathedral, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the 

Visitor Centre, plus various shops, cafes and a 

thriving Saturday market. 

Trek steeply up Stuart St to find Moana Pool 

and the stately Olveston House, while a stroll 

towards Otago Harbour takes you to the Railway 

Station. Nowadays, the building houses the New 

Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and only the Taieri 

Gorge Railway departs on its scenic excursions 

daily from this grand Edwardian edifice. Nearby 

is the magnificently redeveloped Toitu Settlers 

Museum and the Chinese Garden or you can 

indulge in a Cadbury World experience or visit 

Speight’s Brewery which produces a fearsome 

number of pints each week. 

Forsyth Barr Stadium is the only covered 

stadium in the country and is a fine venue for 

sporting and concert events too. The university 

buildings date from 1869 and the Otago Museum 

is renowned for its excellent exhibitions, The 

long established Botanic Gardens are beautifully 

maintained, while nearby Baldwin Street rises 

an impressive 200m and its steep gradient has 

challenged the fit and the foolish for decades. 

Dunedin has its share of superb restaurants and 

cosy pubs with live music, the Fortune Theatre 

produces fine professional productions and the 

Casino is open late for a supper ‘n’ flutter. Built 

during goldrush prosperity its opulent gaming 

rooms are a visual treat whether you win at the 

tables or not! 

With 

accommodation 

ranging from castle 

to camping, visitors to 

Dunedin are well catered for 

whether you stay put and get 

to know Dunedin in depth or 

the city is an integral part of 

your southern road trip 

itinerary. 


61 

There are so many romantic, beautiful wedding venues located on the 

rail links. At a church, a restaurant, on a beach, in the country, or in 

the Taieri River Gorge? You can even get married on a train. 

We can accommodate any number of guests. You can hire a complete 

train set, or a single carriage, or travel on the first class comfort of the 

‘Dunedin Silver Fern’ railcar which seats 94. All trains are fully licensed 

and have buffet nibbles. Give our Rail Journey Planner a call today. 

P (03) 477-4449 • E reserve@dunedinrailways.co.nz • www.dunedinrailways.co.nz


Standing on 

CEREMONY 

Your ceremony is the heart of the wedding and the 

reason for it. What, how and where you say your vows 

should be the most meaningful aspect of the day whether 

you choose a religious or secular marriage service. 

A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY 

Takes place in a house of worship according to the religious beliefs 

of the couple. They may be members of the local congregation 

or marrying in a different location. The ceremony is usually 

structured to include traditions and customs of their faith. 

AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL WEDDING 

May be held in an “all faiths” chapel with the minister or celebrant 

of your choice and include religious and non-religious traditions 

and blessings. 

A CIVIL CEREMONY 

Generally takes place at a registry office, town hall or embassy. It 

is non-religious, is officiated by a Registrar of Births Deaths and 

Marriages, a Judge or a Justice of the Peace and includes a simple 

exchange of vows with a minimum of two witnesses. 

A SECULAR WEDDING 

Non-religious and usually conducted by a registered marriage 

celebrant. The venue may be formal or informal, indoors or out, large 

or small. The couple are free to adhere to traditional formalities or 

customise their wedding as informally as they wish. 

SAME SEX CEREMONY 

This may range from a commitment ceremony or civil union to a 

wedding service depending on the law of the location where it is held. 

If same sex marriage is legalised and accepted by the church the couple 

may opt for a religious wedding or choose a secular ceremony. 

A MILITARY WEDDING 

Contains many formalities and traditions and includes the wearing of 

a full dress uniform for enlisted members of the wedding party. The 

couple may be married by an armed forces chaplain, or participate 

in a civil ceremony, but rituals usually include a special salute from 

guests who are also enlisted personnel. 

Your 

ceremony is 

the heart of the 

wedding and 

the reason 

for it. 

A SHIPBOARD CEREMONY 

These occurred more frequently when long journeys were by ship 

not aeroplane, but the popularity of cruise travel has seen increased 

interest in shipboard wedding. The ceremony is conducted in port by 

the ship’s captain, the chaplain or a celebrant who comes on board to 

officiate. Most couples continue afterwards on a honeymoon cruise. 

ELOPEMENTS 

May be carefully planned “getaway” weddings or spontaneous 

ceremonies once the couple reaches their destination. The marriage 

usually takes place with few guests or none at all. In the past Gretna 

Green in Scotland was popular for elopements because you could 

marry at 16 there without the parental permission required in 

England! 

DOUBLE WEDDINGS 

Are quite rare because most couples want their own celebration, but 

for siblings or close friends who would be inviting many of the same 

guests, a double wedding can be fun and financially sensible. Couples 

can share the ceremony or have individual rituals and celebrants 

followed by a shared reception. 

DESTINATION WEDDINGS 

These are exceptionally popular and usually include all inclusive 

wedding and honeymoon packages for the couple and a holiday for 

their guests. Often held in in picturesque locations in the same 

country or overseas, the number of guests is usually quite small due 

to cost and travel time, but allows an intimate wedding with close 

family and friends. 

OVERSEAS WEDDING 

Held in an overseas destination, couples need to comply with all 

legal requirements for marriage in that country. It may include a 

period of pre-wedding residency, a civil and a religious ceremony, 

extra paperwork and the services of a dedicated planner if there’s a 

language barrier. 

PROXY WEDDING 

A marriage “by proxy” is where one or both of the individuals 

being united in marriage are not present at the ceremony and 

are represented by another person. While this is rare, it usually 

relates to situations of military service, imprisonment, travel or 

Visa restrictions or when the couple lives in a jurisdiction in which 

they cannot legally marry. In wartime proxy marriages are more 

common and in New Zealand, marriage by proxy is only permitted 

when one party is on active military service and cannot return to 

New Zealand.


63 

HANDY HINTS... 

FOR YOUR 

CEREMONY 

• APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE 

LICENCE IN PLENTY OF TIME 

• WRITE DOWN YOUR VOWS IN 

CASE YOU FORGET THEM 

• HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN FOR BAD 

WEATHER 

• DO A MUSIC SOUND CHECK 

BEFORE THE BIG DAY 

• CLARIFY THE VENUE’S POLICY 

ON CONFETTI 

• BRING PEW OR AISLE 

DECORATIONS 

• ENSURE YOU HAVE CANDLES, 

LIGHTER AND A PEN 

• HAVE READING GLASSES ON 

HAND IF YOU NEED THEM 

• DON’T FORGET THE RINGS 

• ALWAYS HAVE A REHEARSAL 

WITH THE WEDDING PARTY 

A CEREMONY 

of Meaning &Dignity 

The main event of any wedding is the ceremony which legally 

binds two people to the promises they make to one another. 

Amid all the details of planning the big day, never forget 

that the ceremony is more about what you say than what you 

wear or what you eat! 

When planning to marry, a couple should consider when and where the 

ceremony will be held. The setting helps to create a special atmosphere for 

their marriage vows, enhanced by the music, readings and rituals they choose 

to include. Whether a wedding is religious or secular, certain ceremonial 

elements are usually present and help to establish the format of the 

ceremony: 

CONVOCATION The gathering family and friends to witness the 

ceremony 

INVOCATION The actual words of the marriage ceremony 

CONSECRATION A reminder of the serious intent of the ceremony 

READINGS To illustrate values of special significance to the couple 

VOWS The promises of a lifetime 

RINGS Blessed and exchanged 

PRONOUNCEMENT Recognition that the couple are now legally 

husband and wife 

KISS OR EMBRACE Seals the promises they have made 

BENEDICTION To offer good wishes to the newly married couple 

SIGNING Of the register which is a legal requirement of any wedding 

You may choose to marry in a church, a hall, house or hotel, in a park, garden, 

vineyard or marquee, on a boat or a beach, in a forest or on a mountain, but 

if your wedding is non-religious, you will need the services of a registered 

marriage celebrant to ensure the legality of the marriage. 

Provided you observe the legal requirements of marriage in New Zealand, 

your ceremony can be as individual as you wish. However, a wedding has 

serious intent and therefore the ceremony deserves some solemnity. It can be 

spiritual without being religious, but it should always be meaningful 

and dignified. 

The perfect venue 

for both indoor and 

outdoor weddings. 

ILAMHOMESTEAD.CO.NZ


WEDDING 

TRADITIONS 

to Do or Ditch 

Many wedding traditions are based on cultural customs or 

superstitions, or are long standing. In New Zealand, due to 

decades of immigration by many different cultures we have 

embraced a hybrid of customs from all over the world. 

Frequently they have evolved into modern versions of old traditions 

and sometimes the original meaning has been lost. Today’s wedding 

couples may want to do the traditional things, but if not, it’s ok to 

ditch them and create new customs of your own. 

TRADITION 

Brides wear 

white 

It’s unlucky for 

the groom to see 

the bride before 

the ceremony 

Diamonds 

are the only 

real wedding 

jewellery 

A Father gives 

the Bride away 

DO IT 

Tradition began when 

Queen Victoria wore 

white for her wedding 

and we have continued 

it ever since 

Enjoy the element of 

surprise when you 

meet at your wedding 

ceremony 

Diamonds are the 

hardest stones hence 

the belief that they 

“last forever”. 

Most Dads are proud 

to do this special duty 

DITCH IT 

Wear any colour you like from 

shades of cream or subtle 

pastels to bold red, gold, silver 

or even dramatic black 

Embrace the new trend of 

“first look” photos before the 

ceremony or arrive together 

Sapphires are the colour of 

fidelity and many coloured 

stones can be just as rare and 

valuable as diamonds 

But you can be given away by 

a brother, mother, friend, or 

no-one if you prefer 

Choosing a 

CELEBRANT 

Finding the right celebrant to conduct your wedding 

is not always easy. If you are not planning a church 

wedding, where the local minister will preside, you 

will need to engage a registered celebrant. 

But… what do they do, what will they charge, will they help 

with writing vows, what are the legal requirements, will they 

accommodate your wishes, can you meet them beforehand 

and do you like them? 

A marriage celebrant is registered by the Deptartment 

of Internal Affairs Births, Deaths and Marriages to legally 

conduct wedding ceremonies. To find out about those in your 

area or the location where the wedding will take place, visit 

www.celebranz.org.nz 

Choose two or three to contact and discuss your 

wedding plans with them. From their response 

you will be able to decide who “fits” with your 

plans best and of course who is available for 

the date you have set. Expect fees of up to $500 for 

their services on the day. 

Most celebrants like to meet the couple two or 

three times before the wedding to go through the 

ceremony and the vows they will make. Often, 

they will be able to suggest appropriate readings, 

music or order of service if you are unsure about 

some details. 

Best Man 

and Chief 

Bridesmaid 

Throwing the 

bouquet 

Brides change 

their name after 

the wedding 

Are usually your 

nearest, dearest and 

most trusted guy and 

girl respectively 

It’s expected by the 

guests and a lighthearted 

moment 

Becoming “Mrs” may 

be thrilling for a new 

bride 

Roles are no longer genderspecific. 

A girl can be your 

supporter in the role of 

Best Man and a guy can be the 

Bride’s attendant if you wish 

You might prefer your 

bouquet to be a keepsake or 

donate it to someone 

Many brides choose to keep 

their maiden name, especially 

if it is their business profile and 

inconvenient to change or explain 

Creating 

unforgettable 

memories 

Kim Woodham Jackson 


027 319 3145 | kimwoodhamjackson5@gmail.com 

www.celebrant4ceremonies.co.nz 

Words With Soul 

Creating Everlasting Memories 

MARRIAGES • ELOPEMENTS • LGBTQI • VOW RENEWALS • ANNIVERSARIES 

My genuine passion, creativity, knowledge and experience enables 

me to create a partnership with my couples. I have a special interest 

in Social and Cultural Diversity, Traditions and Rituals. This enables 

me to encapsulate and reflect the “True Essence” of the couple 

throughout their ceremony. Styled with a refreshing, fun experience 

by blending both Traditional and Contemporary elements within my 

ceremonies. 

Delivered with a unique, candid and modern feel. 

Tania Johnson Scott CELEBRANT 

Certificate in Celebrant Studies Member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand 

M: 027 751 8753 E: tania@taniajohnsonscott.co.nz W: www.taniajohnsonscottcelebrant.co.nz 

F: www.facebook.com/TaniaJohnsonScottCelebrant 

Tricia WarWick-Naziris 


Creating with you 

a personal service 

to reflect your love 

021 143 9488 

triciaandathawn@hotmail.com 

WWW.TriciaWarWick-NaziriscelebraNT.co.Nz


65 

Your Guide to 

WEDDING 

STATIONERY 

1. CREATING AN IMPRESSION 

Once you have announced you are getting married, you will begin 

to plan your wedding day, one of the biggest events of your life. 

The role of your invitations is to get your guests excited about the 

event and the effort you put into your stationery style tells your 

guests what to expect. A gorgeous invitation instead of a plain card 

conveys an elegant impression and makes them want to attend. 

2. AVOID A STATIONERY DISASTER 

Decide whether you want to make your own invitations or 

purchase your wedding stationery – it’s all about the money or 

the time! Making or buying a sample of your stationery design 

helps you make a confident decision. Investigate the costs – you 

may find DIY less economic than you expect once you have added 

up all the components. Every stationer is different so ask what is 

included and what is extra so that you can make a fair comparison. 

3. AVOID PROCRASTINATING 

Life just gets busier so get organised! Traditionally wedding 

invitations are sent out 6-12 weeks in advance of the wedding. 

However, out of town guests who may need to make travel and 

accommodation plans, will need an earlier invitation or perhaps 

a “save the date” card. Invitation designs and printing can take 

several weeks, so order them so you have plenty of time to get 

them to your guests. 

4. CONFIRM THE GUEST LIST 

Guest list expectations can become awkward and often require 

compromise to keep the numbers realistic. Some brides have 

a “must invite” list and a backup list of guests who receive an 

invitation if another guest can’t attend. Make sure you have a 

comprehensive and accurate record of addresses for all your 

potential guests. 

5. AVOID ETIQUETTE MISTAKES 

Some modern brides save time and money by using email 

or social media to invite people to their wedding. But many 

wedding consultants discourage the practice as “poor etiquette 

and disrespectful to their guests”. They accept email, Facebook or 

texts for low-key events and parties, but they believe a posted or 

hand-delivered invitation is a better match for the specialness of a 

wedding. 

6. HAVE CLEAR RSVP INFORMATION 

It is recommended to have the RSVPs returned a month after 

sending the invitations allowing you time to confirm numbers 

with your reception venue and caterers. If your invitation also 

includes guest information about transport, accommodation, 

babysitters you are arranging for them, be sure to include a space 

to RSVP on those as well. 

7. PROOFREAD YOUR STATIONERY 

Typos are so easy to miss, but any mistakes are guaranteed to 

spoil the effect of your wedding invitations. Go through every 

word, every line and every name to ensure there are no spelling or 

grammar errors, the information is correct and makes sense, that 

the font size and style is suitable and the layout is consistent. If 

you are not confident to proof everything yourself, get a trusted 

friend or family member with an eye for detail to help you. 

8. ORDER YOUR 

INVITATIONS 

When you are happy with 

your proofing the final version 

is confirmed you will need to 

order your stationery, which 

may include RSVP cards, place 

cards and thank you cards as 

well as the invitations. Total 

how many of each item you 

will require as an all-in-one 

purchase is usually more cost 

effective. Order a minimum of 

10 extra invitations just in case 

and keep one as a memento. 

9. ADDRESSING YOUR ENVELOPES 

If you are hand-addressing your envelopes order 10% more of them 

to account for smudges or errors. Alternatively you could create 

some fancy labels with guest names and addresses to put on the 

envelope. 

10. PAYING THE POSTAGE 

Envelopes with distinctive shapes and sizes are exciting to receive, 

but posting them can cost more if they don’t conform to standard 

weight, shape, dimensions and thickness. So make up a sample 

and check out the potential cost at the post office first because 

you wouldn’t want your beautiful invitations returned for lack of 

postage.Other options include hand delivering to guests who live 

locally so that you only need post those at distant locations.


SPEAKING 

with Confidence 

Wedding speeches are meant to convey good wishes to the 

bridal couple and good manners to the parents and the 

guests. A fluent, audible and entertaining speech is always 

appreciated, but an inappropriate one can spoil the event 

and give offence long after the celebration is over. 

Don’t freak if you have to speak! If the 

wedding is formal, simply provide a 

formal toast to the Bride and Groom 

and some gracious comments about the 

couple’s lifestyle relationship and future 

together. Further toasts and replies to 

parents, bridesmaids and absent friends 

may follow. 

A good speech is all about preparation, 

so speak clearly, be sincere and natural, 

keep it short, practise beforehand, 

have prompt cards if you wish, make 

eye contact with the guests, propose 

A good speech 

is all about 

preparation.. 

the toasts properly, pronounce names 

accurately and use humour carefully. 

If the wedding is informal, there is 

scope for introducing more creative 

speech making that involves interaction 

between the wedding party and their 

guests. With technology you can prepare 

your speech as a documentary about 

the couple. Introduce a weddingthemed 

quiz with rounds of questions 

throughout the reception. Put your 

speech to music or write it as a poem or 

a rap with a chorus from the guests. 

Care to 

DANCE? 

If there’s going to be music at 

your wedding, then as the hosts 

you’ll be expected to dance! 

Instead of an embarrassing 

shuffle round the floor, why not 

approach your first dance as a 

couple with confidence? 

Dancing has become popular again and 

there is plenty of dance tuition available, 

both private of in a class. Many dance 

studios offer special lessons for the bride 

and groom or even the entire wedding 

party. 

Most dance tutors can help a novice 

with some simple steps for a first 

wedding dance, or choreograph a special 

routine for you to perform at your 

wedding if you wish. Beyond a one-off 

brush up of basic moves, you could 

throw yourself into dancing as a new 

activity for fun and fitness together! 

DJ 

Chick 

Great receptions don’t happen by chance... 

Christchurch’s elite professional mobile disco. 

Providing high quality, tasteful entertainment for 

wedding receptions for over 20 years, with the 

experience and the skill to create something 

special just for you. 

Therese Mitchell 

(a.k.a DJ Azure) 

Ph: 349 2501 

Mob: 021 216 2610 

www.djchick.co.nz 

djchick@djchick.co.nz

VERVE 


Real Food 

67 

CATERING 

We all know that along with the venue and your 

dress, the food you serve plays such a special part in 

your wedding day. 

From traditional 

venues and marquees, 

to wool sheds and beachside 

settings, we work our culinary magic 

in all sorts of wonderful locations. We 

partner with a huge number of wedding 

destinations and venues, and we also have 

a fully mobile commercial kitchen, which 

means we can treat your guests to 

delicious, real food wherever you 

are celebrating. 

Real food, wherever you want it 

From traditional venues and marquees, to wool sheds and beachside 

settings, we work our culinary magic in all sorts of wonderful 

locations. We partner with a huge number of wedding destinations 

and venues, and we also have a fully mobile commercial kitchen, which 

means we can treat your guests to delicious, real food wherever you 

are celebrating. We also pride ourselves on providing exceptionally 

high levels of service so that your wedding feast is sure to be a truly 

memorable part of your celebrations. 

If this all sounds like a fairytale, please do visit our website, 

www.vervecatering.co.nz to see testimonials from our very happy 

customers. Please note, we are a boutique catering company and our 

diary fills particularly quickly in the wedding season. We have chosen 

to remain small so that you receive the first class service personal you 

deserve. This exclusivity means that you do need to book us promptly if 

you want your guests to enjoy the Verve Real Food experience on your 

wedding day. 

You’ll enjoy real food prepared with flair and the freshest of 

local seasonal ingredients when you choose Verve Real Food 

Catering to look after you on your special day. Our talented 

team cook everything from scratch and are well known for 

being flexible when it comes to menu design. We can make 

recommendations from our extensive repertoire to create 

exactly the menu you want and are more than happy to 

incorporate your favourite dishes, make your favourite family 

recipes and, if you’ve caught your own crayfish or venison for 

example, can even use your own special ingredients. 

We are real foodies and true romantics at Verve, and will be 

flexible not only with your menu, but can also work within 

your budget to give you the wedding feast your heart desires. 

And what’s more, we can cook for you and your guests, pretty 

much anywhere. 

“The food was delicious, 

the service was faultless 

and they were such a lovely team of people. 

Our guests raved about the food. 

We honestly could not have asked for 

anything more.” 

Mr & Mrs Jones, wedding breakfast, 

January 2018 

Real food, 

freshly made, 

served with love. 

Whatever you want, 

wherever you want it. 

Fresh and exquisite... 

a real food experience. 

Contact: Nicky Geddes, 

03 374 6662, 021 709 220 

info@vervecatering.co.nz 

www.vervecatering.co.nz


SWEETInspiration 

There is some sweet new inspiration and innovation in wedding 

cakes! You no longer have to have a rich traditional fruitcake 

unless you want one, but with the trend to having your wedding 

cake as a dessert, style, taste and flavour take precedence and you 

can let your sweet imagination run wild. 

RED VELVET 

CAKE 

MUD CAKE 

MADEIRA 

CAKE 

MARBLE CAKE 

FRUIT CAKE 

CHEESECAKE 

CROQUEM- 

BOUCHE 

MACARONS 

CUPCAKES 

TORTE 

BLACK FOREST 

CAKE 

SPICED APPLE 

CAKE 

A decadent scarlet-coloured sponge beneath dark 

chocolate icing or white cream cheese fondant. Serve it 

spectacularly with berries. 

A dense very moist chocolate cake that keeps well and 

cuts without crumbling. Its richness means only small 

slices are required offset with fresh fruit. 

A light sponge which can be flavoured to your taste; 

lemon, orange, coffee, chocolate, banana or a different 

flavour for each tier of the cake. 

A sponge cake with layered swirls of vanilla, chocolate 

and strawberry to create a marbled effect. 

Traditional celebration cake with dried fruits, nuts and 

spices. Sometimes chosen for one tier to have with coffee 

or kept as for the 1st anniversary or birth of the 1st child. 

Custard-like dessert cake made with cream cheese over 

a biscuit base. Rich creaminess can be offset with citrus 

zest, mango, apricots or berries. 

Tower of individual profiteroles filled with cream and 

drizzled with toffee. Can be served with fruit and ice 

cream or alongside end-of-meal coffee. 

Two soft-coloured almond-based biscuits sandwiched 

with ganache or buttercream. Can be served as finger 

food or to top a sundae. 

Small individually baked cakes in a variety of 

flavours and elaborately decorated with coloured icing 

A dense sponge made with eggs, sugar, and 

flavoured with fruit syrup or liqueurs. Best 

served warm with crème fraiche, yoghurt 

or a tart ice cream. 

A chocolate sponge layered alternately 

with cherries and cream, or raspberries if preferred. 

A moist baked sponge layered with apple slices and 

cinnamon, served warm with cream and caramel sauce. 

There are 

many exciting 

ways to make 

your cake a 

statement! 

TOP it off 

Stylish cake toppers are a sweet way 

to finish off your beautiful wedding 

cake. 

Traditionally, plaster figurines of a bride 

and groom were popular and symbolised 

their future life together. But with the 

artistry of modern cake decorators, there 

are many exciting ways to make your cake a 

statement! 

Cake decorators can handcraft amazing 

individual toppers or you can find a 

selection of ready-made toppers from cake 

shops, stationery stores and bridaldécor 

outlets. Some toppers are 

made from edible substances 

like modelling fondant and 

chocolate, some are painted 

onto non-edible materials such 

as Styrofoam and plastic. Your 

choice of edible or non-edible 

depends on whether you wish 

to retain your topper as a 

keepsake. 

Toppers are often designed 

to complement the chosen 

wedding colours and themes, 

but popular trends for cake 

toppers include symbols 

such as hearts, stars, 

rainbows, bunting and 

doves; replica flowers, 

fruit and foliage; 

flags, figures and 

animals; names, 

letters, monograms 

and quotes; or laser 

cut shapes, jewellery 

and even sparklers!

Win your 

Wedding 

with 

Book your catering with Continental at any of our venues 

or the venue of your choice before 31st August 2018 and 

you will be in the draw to win a Continental Food and 

Beverage Package to the Value of $10,000. (T&C’S apply) 

Venues 

- Mona Vale - The Great Hall - Christchurch Art Gallery 

- Lacebark - Harpers Homestead - The Christchurch Gondola 

- Omarino Wine Park - Isaac Theatre Royal 

- Waipuna Estate - Your Place or a Marquee 

Continental’s Annual Win your Wedding Competition. 

enquiries@continental.co.nz 

or Ph 0800 426 684 

# trustedcaterer


Your Signature 

WEDDING 

COCKTAIL 

For couples on a budget, or couples who want a 

special drink for themselves or their wedding party, 

serving a signature cocktail can be a smart move and 

a romantic one. Even the simplest of ingredients can 

look spectacular once shaken, stirred, poured and 

garnished. But for your special cocktail to be totally 

memorable, make it taste FRESH, put it in a classy 

glass to look FABULOUS and then give it a fancy 

name for FUN! 

COCKTAIL RECIPE 

30ml vodka 

50ml limoncello liqueur 

1 scoop of lemon sorbet 

1 scoop of vanilla ice-cream 

300ml of sparkling white wine 

MOCKTAIL VERSION 

30ml lemonade 

50ml lemon syrup 

1 scoop of lemon sorbet 

1 scoop of vanilla ice-cream 

300ml sparkling white grape juice 

BOMBONIERES 

Bombonieres is an Italian word meaning 

“sweet favours” that were given to guests 

at Italian and also at Greek wedidngs. 

Traditionally wrapped in a lace doily, these 

bomboniere were five sugared almonds 

representing health, wealth, happiness, 

fertility and good luck. 

Today, “bomboniere” has come to mean any gift that 

the bride and groom give to their guests to thank them 

for their presents and presence at the wedding. Sugared 

almonds are still popular at receptions, but other 

edible options now include chocolates, biscuits, jams, 

chutneys, preserves and fudge or small bottles of wine 

with personalised labels. 

Modern couples have also expanded the idea into a 

range of merchandised favours including personalised 

soaps, pens, photo frames, pot plants, packets of seeds, 

tins of tea or coffee beans, candles, bottle openers, 

fridge magnets, keyrings, engraved glassware, mugs, golf 

balls and coasters! 

Giving favours is a nice tradition, but be careful that 

the cost of these commercial items does not blow your 

budget, otherwise get creative and give something 

simple and inexpensive – like sugared almonds maybe! 

METHOD 

Pour all the ingredients into a large blender. 

Blend until evenly mixed and smooth. 

Pour into a champagne glass. 

Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon. 

NAME IT 

Cool, white and elegant with the pure taste of 

lemon. Celebrate a beautiful bride or “Bella Sposa” 

in a glass.

Be specific with 

your caterer 

about timing, 

set-ups and 

service 

Best Advice from 


A CATERING 

PROFESSIONAL 

Your wedding day has been months in the making, so don’t 

let the stress of planning the catering overwhelm you or 

underwhelm your guests! So here are a few tips from a 

catering professional that make perfect sense. 

• Organise a tasting with your caterer to sample food options before 

you decide on the menu 

• If your reception is in a restaurant, book in for a meal beforehand to 

check food and service 

• Be specific with your caterer about timing, set-ups and service 

• Be guided by the fact that “fresh is best” and “local” is easiest to source 

• Discuss dietary requirements early to give your caterer time to design 

the menu accordingly 

• Trust your caterer to provide menu options that cover all the major 

food groups 

• Decide if the wedding cake will also be your dessert 

• Keep cocktail food bite-sized as a pre-cursor to the main meal 

• Ask your caterer for their food-wine match recommendations 

• Encourage your wedding MC to liaise with catering staff so the 

reception runs smoothly 

Relaxed, 

Rustic, 

Romantic 

Specialists in relaxed 

rustic style weddings 

for 30-250 guests 

307 Larcomb Rd, Rolleston 022 425 8628 info@gtcatering.co.nz www.larcombvineyard.co


What to ask about 

hiring a 

mArquEE 

A marquee literally creates a venue for your 

wedding, family event or corporate function. 

As a portable blank canvas, the marquee can be 

decorated with silks, lighting and various tablecloth/ 

sash combinations, turning it into a place of style and 

elegance, whether large or small. But before you decide on 

a marquee, here are some questions you should ask first. 

We have everything you need to 

hire for your wedding. 

• Marquees 

• Chairs 

• Tables 

• Tablecloths 

• Chair Covers 

• Crockery 

• Glassware 

• Cutlery 

• Dance Floors 

• Chiller Trailers 

and much more! 

Contact us today to see how we can help you. 

61 Shakespeare Road, Christchurch 

P: 03 365 3339 E: events@hydeparkhire.co.nz 

• What size marquee will I need for my number of 

guests? 

• Do I have enough space for it? 

• Is the ground level? 

• Can it be erected on uneven ground? 

• Can the marquee be adjoined to a building? 

• What will it cost? 

• What does a basic hire consist of? 

• What extras/packages does the supplier offer? 

• How long is the hire period? 

• What is the difference between a lined 

and an unlined marquee? 

• How much time is required to set it up? 

• How soon after the wedding must it be dismantled? 

• Can the marquee sides be opened in warm weather? 

• Do I need a dance floor installed? 

• Is lighting/heating supplied? 

• Does the supplier need a power 

source or bring a generator? 

• What health and safety regulations 

must be adhered to? 

• Is a local council permit required? 

• If so, who arranges it? 

• What vehicular access does the supplier require? 

• Is the supplier insured? 

• Can a quote be provided? 

• What are the payment and cancellation options? 

• How long before the wedding should a marquee 

be booked?


73 

Something Borrowed 

SOmEthINg NEW 

Located 

at 311 Blenheim 

Rd with parking right 

outside. Open 10am-5pm 

weekdays & 10am-2.30pm 

Saturdays. Ph 03 343 5984, 

visit www.sbsn.co.nz 

& like us on 

Facebook 

As Christchurch’s leading store for 

all your decoration requirements, 

SBSN has an impressive selection of 

products available to view for hire or 

to purchase. 

With all the latest décor trends and props, 

you can set up your own displays in store 

and experiment with your own colours and 

ideas from classic to contemporary and 

simple to flamboyant. 

We have a vast selection of event product 

for sale, including, rolls of fabric, sashes, 

table décor and wedding accessories just 

to name a few. Items for hire reflect the 

current trends of the vintage and rustic 

look including very lifelike foliage garlands 

for centre pieces, festoon lighting, coloured 

linen tableware including 10 m soft muslin 

table runners, signage, blackboards, as well 

as fabulous glassware, rustic lanterns and 

stunning candelabra, for table decor. 

We also have a great range of backdrops 

including floral, fern and greenery walls, a 

2 metre circle, 2 metre wooden freestanding 

love sign and wooden posts backdrop just 

to mention a few. 

With free in-store consultations Lynn 

and her team can offer advice based on 

many years of experience, to help achieve 

distinctive individuality of style for your 

special occasion. You may choose to 

decorate your own venue or take advantage 

of the company’s Venue Setting Service as 

we offer a styling and setup/pack down 

service. 

Our motto is “You Get Dressed We’ll 

Dress the Rest!” 

SBSN also has a comprehensive and 

affordable catalogue of props for themed 

functions, including back-drop displays, 

furniture, palm trees, enchanted forest 

trees, floral displays and children’s themed 

displays on the website. “We can also 

provide bespoke items to fit a particular 

theme,” says Lynn. 

You’ll find everything you could possibly 

need to create a bespoke theme for your 

special occasion. “Wedding decorations and 

ideas are naturally an important part of 

the business, but we can also theme private 

parties including engagements, hens’ nights, 

corporate functions, balls, 21sts, birthdays 

and anniversary celebrations,” says Lynn. 

“We even have the things you haven’t 

thought about yet, so come in and talk to 

us about what we can do for you. Don’t 

forget to like us on FACEBOOK and 

check it regularly for in store specials too,” 

suggests Lynn. 

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK 

Specialising in: 

• Wedding/Event Hire 

• Corporate Functions 

• Styling & Set Ups 

• Wedding Supplies 

Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm 

Sat 10am - 2.30pm 

311 Blenheim Road 

03 343 5984 

www.sbsn.co.nz


ENTRANCE 

or Exit 

The theme, style or atmosphere of a wedding is often 

reflected in the mode of transport chosen for the bride’s 

arrival and sometimes the couple’s departure from the 

reception. You might want to make your entrance or exit 

in unique style, but it is wise to check out availability and 

practicality when making your choice of wedding vehicle. 

Classically Vintage 

Vintage and classic cars can sometimes be hired from dedicated 

wedding transport companies. Alternatively you can contact local 

car clubs and enthusiasts who are often asked to source vehicles 

and drivers among their members. You may also know someone 

with a restored vehicle who would drive it for your wedding 

transport. 

Last Word in Luxury 

Luxury vehicles like a Rolls-Royce or limo provide the bridal 

couple with “once in a lifetime” grandeur. A bride’s gown, train 

and veil are less likely to be creased in a spacious limousine and 

there are the additional facilities of bar, privacy screen, sound 

systems and tinted windows for your comfort and relaxation on 

the big day. 

Rent a Car 

Rental car and taxi companies are usually able to provide matching 

vehicles as well as the services of a chauffeur for the occasion if 

required. They often have a selection of decorations and ribbons 

that suit the colour and theme of the wedding. 

Friends & Neighbours 

Your guests may own late model cars that you could use for 

the wedding, or you could hire identical vehicles from a rental 

car company and find reliable drivers among family, friends or 

neighbours. 

On the Hoof 

There’s something special about arriving at the wedding by horse and 

carriage. Look for local listings and ensure you will have experienced 

drivers and horses with a friendly, unflappable temperament. 

Trains, Boats & Planes 

Arriving by air or sea is a spectacular way to make a wedding 

entrance. Hot air balloon, chopper, plane or launch may be 

possible options, if you are prepared for the cost and logistics. But 

in New Zealand there are fewer and fewer train options unless you 

hold your wedding in a Heritage Park. 

Cool & Creative 

You may plan to be unconventional and 

arrive by truck, motorbike, rickshaw 

or sedan chair. Perhaps, in European 

tradition, you’ll walk to the wedding 

so that local residents can wish you 

luck! 

Paying your Way 

Wedding transport is generally booked 

for the estimated time and number of vehicles required to take 

the bridesmaids and the bride and her father to the ceremony, 

the bride and groom from the ceremony to the location for 

photographs and from there to the reception venue. 

Arrangements other than this can usually be accommodated if 

they are discussed with the company concerned and a written 

estimate is provided for your additional requirements. But 

whatever type of transport you choose, you will still want comfort, 

punctuality and reliability.


DECORATE Your Wedding Car 

Christchurch for your 

Wedding Transport 

#1in 

Also available for General Charter, 

Corporate functions, Childrens birthday parties etc plus 

a genuine English 70 seater Double Decker bus. 

Organise your guests’ and 

Bridal transport, in Classic 

vehicles with one phone call 

Christchurch 

Coach 

Charters 

Flowers are 

increasingly 

used to make a 

colourful and 

elegant 

statement. 

The theme of your wedding can be 

continued through to the decorations 

on your wedding car. Overseas there 

are dedicated wedding car decorators, 

who may also be the florist or reception 

stylist. In New Zealand it is usually 

the wedding vehicle company who 

provide decorations, although most will 

accommodate your own ideas or items 

of decoration. 

PH: (03) 355 6159 | www.chchcoachcharters.co.nz 

Traditionally ribbons are the most 

popular and adorn the bonnet to 

the windscreen. There may also 

be rosettes or bows at the front 

radiator grille, or tied to door handles 

like pew decorations. Some couples like 

to use bride and groom figurines or soft toys, 

while overseas balloons, hearts and rings are popular motifs on 

the grille and bonnet, although in some countries you will see 

outrageously elaborate decorations, themes and vehicles. 

Flowers are increasingly used to make a colourful and elegant 

statement. Artificial flowers are preferable for decorating the 

exterior of the vehicle because they are more durable, don’t 

lose their colour or their shape and will not stain the car’s 

paintwork with pollen. 

Shops sell a range of decals and stickers but be careful that 

choice does not mark or mar the paintwork. Also ensure that 

any decorations do not impede the driver’s vision or create a 

distraction to other drivers. Inside the car you may like flowers 

along the back-window shelf, silk covers on the seats to protect 

your gown and in winter, a warm wrap. 

After the wedding it is traditional for guests to decorate the 

car with balloons, “just married” signs and the rattle of noisy 

tin cans, designed to ward off evil spirits. More high-spirited 

decorations have included wrapping the entire car in toilet 

tissue or filling it completely with balloons! 

But whatever you do you DON’T USE; spray paint, glue and 

confetti, whipped cream or Sellotape!. But you 

CAN USE: 

soap, shaving cream, streamers, placards, balloons and string. 

Going the Extra Mile 

NZ Limousines provides 

both dressed and undressed 

bridal cars in Christchurch, 

Queenstown and Dunedin. 

Our drivers who have been 

trained in bridal work, take 

great pleasure in providing a 

reliable, professional and fun 

service for the bridal party. 

Whether it be calming the 

nerves of the bride or assisting 

with both planned and 

unplanned last minute events 

we do it with a smile and 

considerable pride. 

Our extensive fleet enables us 

to supply multiple matching 

vehicles so no matter how 

many you need we will be able 

to help. 

Wedding guests can also travel in the luxury of our 6 seater vans 

Contact gerard@corporatecabs.co.nz 

or phone 03 379-6162 for further details.


THE WISH 

List 

Let your guests know gift registry details when you 

send your invitations. Choose nationwide stores for 

the convenience of your guests and include a selection 

of items with a wide price range to suit all budgets. 

The Wishing Well 

For couples who have already set up a home, or will be living 

overseas after the wedding, money is a welcome and convenient 

alternative. The Wishing Well provides an acceptable way of both 

giving and receiving gifts of money and the request for money is 

usually worded in the wedding invitation. 

Most venues can provide a wishing well, but there are other 

options that may fit suitably, creatively or quirkily with your 

theme or wedding décor; a basket, a barrel or a letterbox, a 

suitcase, treasure chest or phone booth, a pin board, a silver tray 

or a collection plate. 

Pledge a Gift 

For older couples or those with well-established homes already, 

the idea of receiving a pledged gift from guests has considerable 

merit. It may be a gift of time (to help prepare food, flowers, 

decorations or outfits for the wedding) or a gift of expertise (to 

renovate or landscape the couple’s home, maintain their car, fix 

their computer, frame their photos, make some furniture). 

Gifting to Charity 

This has become increasingly popular with couples who feel they 

don’t need wedding presents. Instead guests are asked to give a 

donation to a charity, special fund or an organisation here or 

overseas. 

Giving Thanks 

At the reception be sure to thank guests for their contributions 

in your speech but also send an individual message of thanks to 

each guest for their gift and if it is money, tell them what you 

have decided to do or to buy as a result of their generosity. 

APPLIANCES 

Washing machine 

Clothes dryer 

Fridge/freezer 

Dishwasher 

Lawnmower 

BEDROOM 

Sheet sets 

Quilt/blankets 

Duvet/cover 

Pillows 

Radio alarm clock 

Mirror 

KITCHEN 

Saucepans + steamer 

Electric frypan 

Mixing bowls 

Utensils + knife block 

Chopping boards 

Casseroles 

Baking tins + dishes 

Slow cooker 

Food processor 

Toaster 

Kettle 

Espresso machine 

Blender/juicer 

Sandwich press 

Scales 

Spice + storage jars 

Plastic storage boxes 

Dinner set 

Cutlery 

Glassware 

SHED & GARDEN 

Handyman tools 

Power tools 

Solar lights 

Security lights 

Garden tools 

BATHROOM 

Towels 

Bathrobes 

Bathroom scales 

Electric toothbrushes 

Toilet bags 

OUTDOORS 

Beach umbrella 

Chilly bin 

Picnic rug 

Table and Chairs 

Welcome mat 

HOMEWARE 

Lounge suite 

Dining suite 

Entertainment unit 

TV/DVD player 

Coffee table 

Bookshelf 

Mirror 

Cushions 

Floor rug 

Wall clock 

Artwork 

Vases 

Lamps 

Photo frames 

Ironing board + iron 

Laundry basket 

Trays 

Wine rack 

Table linen 

Cookbooks 

TRAVEL 

Travel 

Luggage 

Digital camera 

Luggage straps 

Luggage labels


Once upon a time the wedding was the 

entertainment for the guests! They ate, 

drank, danced, chatted and generally 

caught up on the news of family, friends 

and other events. But guests at modern 

weddings are often provided with various 

activities to keep them amused until the 

couple return from their lengthy photo 

shoot between the ceremony and the 

reception. 

If you plan activities for your guests, look for ideas 

that are inclusive, suit different age groups, break 

the ice without breaking any bones and don’t add 

unnecessary dollars to your wedding budget. 

CROQUET is a genteel game of accuracy but 

requires no previous experience of the participants. 

All ages can play, you won’t get hot and sticky, a 

croquet set is inexpensive to buy and it’s easily set 

up on a patch of lawn. 

PROPS AND PHOTO BOOTHS are increasingly 

popular, allowing guests to dress up and take 

quirky pics to add to the couple’s collection of 

candid wedding day images. Look for inexpensive 

op-shop hats, glasses, ties, jackets or themed outfits 

alongside umbrella, chairs and colourful backdrops. 

JIGSAW PUZZLE of a well-known destination set 

up on a side table that guests can try and complete 

before the wedding is over. 

TREASURE HUNT – hide clues around the venue 

to find your way to your table, win a bottle of 

bubbly, a dance with the bride or the groom, or a 

seat at the top table. 

MESSAGE BOARD – set up a message board, a 

guest book or a letter box for friends and family to 

record special thoughts, wishes, jokes and messages 

for your day and your future. 

CROSSWORD – guests complete a crossword 

about the bride and groom; their family history, 

their childhood, their likes and dislikes. Answers 

are given during the speeches with a prize for the 

winner if you wish. 

DANCE LESSON – teach your guests a simple 

group dance they can perform for you or with you 

during the reception. Make sure the steps are easy 

and the music has a definite regular beat. 

KARAOKE can be a mixed blessing. It’s great if 

someone can sing but excruciating if they can’t. 

It’s no good if guests are shy or ill at ease with each 

other, but it can be a guest bonding exercise if 

someone takes the lead. 

MOVIES – run those old home movies, slides or 

family videos on a big screen for your guests to 

reminisce or see for the first time. 

NAME THE COCKTAIL – serve a delicious 

signature cocktail and ask guests to name it or 

design a label for it. 

Look for 

ideas that are 

inclusive & suit 

different age 

groups 

Mix and Mingle Quiz 

Print out a sheet for every guest and let them get 

busy! You can even quiz them on how well they 

know each other in the speeches. 

FIND A PERSON WHO… NAME: 

Is wearing the same colour as you... 

Whose name starts with the same letter... 

Is drinking white wine... 

Is wearing a hat... 

Drives a Toyota... 

Lives in the North Island... 

Lives in the South Island... 

Has come to the wedding by plane... 

Is aged under 21... 

Has grey hair... 

Is blonde... 

Can speak another language... 

Wears glasses... 

Has a birthday in the same month... 

Owns a dog... 

Is left handed... 

Is wearing a tie... 

Owns their own business... 

Is wearing nail polish... 

Looks happy... 

GUEST ENTERTAINMENT


If time allows, venture 

by flight or catamaran to 

more Pacific perfection with a 

day or two on the Isle des Pins or the 

Loyalty Island destinations of Lifou, 

Mare or Ouvea. World renowned for 

their unspoiled beauty and simple 

Melanesian lifestyles, these islands 

are a paradise for visitors looking 

for a tranquil escape from 

civilisation. 

VIVE la Différence 

For a honeymoon destination that offers fun, flair and isn’t far away, New 

Caledonia is just a little bit fancy! A world of difference awaits just three 

hours flying time from New Zealand; a Pacific island paradise combining 

the finesse of French customs with the relaxed pace of Melanesian culture, 

New Caledonia is a destination like no other. 

Whether you choose the sophisticated 

resorts of popular Anse Vata for your 

honeymoon, an apartment or bungalow 

that gives you the freedom to self-cater 

with divine French foods and wine, or the 

solitude of a sojourn on the near-perfect 

Loyalty Islands or Isle of Pines, New 

Caledonia gives you sun, sand and special 

ambience. Salut! 

Situated on the south west coast of the 

main island of La Grande Terre, the capital 

of New Caledonia is Noumea, a bustling 

cosmopolitan centre originally founded by 

the French in 1850. Delightful remnants 

of French colonial architecture share 

boulevards and pretty side streets with 

modern businesses that cluster around the 

Place des Cocotiers, an attractive square 

shaded by superb flame trees in the heart of 

the city. 

Explore on foot to discover the shops and 

markets, enjoy an espresso or café au lait at 

a sidewalk café and the leisurely pursuit of 

people watching. The patisseries are mouthwatering 

and local produce in the busy 

market of Port Moselle is an invitation to 

pick up a picnic to savour on your balcony 

of local beach. 

Be tempted by the local and international 

cuisine which has French flair and 

Melanesian flavour. The French most often 

eat their main meal at lunchtime, so the 

cafés and restaurants offer varied and 

affordable dishes at midday. Tourists who 

discover this custom will delight in a twocourse 

lunch with a glass of wine and coffee 

at prices that are far less expensive than 

evening dining. So look for a “Plat du Jour” 

or a “Prix fixe” menu and sample the “real” 

taste of New Caledonia. 

Board “Le Petit Train” for a scenic circuit 

between the city and the popular beaches 

of Anse Vata stopping at key attractions 

along the way like the Noumea Museum, 

Mt Koghi, the Aquarium and the Botanic 

Gardens with its colourful tropical plants 

and wildlife including the cagou (or kagu), 

the exotic white plumed national bird of 

New Caledonia. 

Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons are focal 

points for beach activities with watersports 

including some of the best diving in the 

world, petanque, entertainment, market 

stalls and the alluring chic of French 

boutiques close to the island’s best hotels, 

casinos, marinas, clubs and restaurants. 

Absorb the cultural history of New 

Caledonia that encompasses the sea 

voyages of the Melanesians, colonization 

by the French, convict settlements, wartime 

American Military Bases, the nickel 

mining boom of the 1970s and the fight for 

independence in the 1980s. A visit to the 

Tjibaou Cultural Centre is a “don’t miss” 

experience of music, theatre, dance and 

crafts that showcase the various cultures of 

the Pacific. 

But surrounded by the azure blue ocean, 

be sure to indulge in some exquisite time 

out. A day trip to Phare Amedee is utterly 

and visually memorable. In the middle of 

the ocean, Amedee Lighthouse stands on its 

own tiny isle, fringed by crystal clear waters 

and impossibly white sand. Laze in the sun, 

snorkel or scuba to your heart’s content, 

feast on a sumptuous lunch and swim in 

warm relaxing shallows before boarding 

your vessel back to reality.

Dazzling honeymoon IN QUEENSTOWN 

It’s a year round resort that captivates its visitors 

from near and far; a romantic getaway with scenery 

to sigh for, wild adventures to nearly die for, a 

winter wonderland to see and ski or a summer 

sojourn of lakeside leisure. But for a honeymoon, 

Queenstown is a destination that dazzles like your 

diamonds! 

Rising 800m above Lake Wakatipu, Bob’s Peak has to be one 

of the most romantic views in the world. Accessed by gondola, 

or perhaps a champagne helicopter ride, enjoy a candlelit 

meal high above the lights of Queenstown at the skyline 

restaurant, which has delighted diners for decades. 

The lakefront dazzles at night and is also home to some 

of Queenstown’s most historic attractions. Eichardt's is the 

town’s oldest hotel and has an atmosphere all of its own as 

well as a long pedigree of refurbishments from gold rush to 

contemporary plush. The TSS Earnslaw has been cruising 

Lake Wakatipu since 1912 and nostalgia is all part of the “Lady 

of the Lake’s” allure. But if a trip on the historic steam ship is 

too genteel, hop aboard the Kawarau or Shotover Jet boat for 

a wet and wilder ride. 

Your honeymoon may be the ideal time to enjoy one of 

Queenstown’s wacky adventures together. Depending on your 

bravery rating, you can do anything from the fun of a luge 

or Ziptrek flying fox to iconic bungy jumping, white water 

rafting or the lunacy of a canyon swing. 

Then again you may prefer taste adventure at Central 

Otago’s best wineries; Gibbston Valley, Chard Farm or 

Amisfield where you can sample fine wine, fine food, fine 

surroundings and fine company, of course. 

The romance of the area’s gold mining past is worth a trip 

to Skippers Canyon where the Shotover River was once 

the world’s largest gold-bearing river. It squeezes through 

a narrow gorge that is now the venue for a heart-stopping 

9km Skippers Jet boat ride. High above the canyon, Winky’s 

Museum traces Skippers gold history from boom to bust 

and the original miner’s cottage is crammed with authentic 

memorabilia, implements and relics including a stack f gold 

pans for you to try your luck. 

Nearby Arrowtown offers a heritage adventure among 

restored pioneer cottages and picturesque shops and pubs 

dating from the 1860s when the town’s population reached 

7000 at the peak of the gold rush. There’s still gold in the 

Arrow River and beside it, the Chinese’s miner’s village is an 

authentic reconstruction of life as they knew it. Surrounded 

by self-guided walking tours, bike trails and three golf courses, 

Arrowtown is a treasure in its own right and its remarkable 

history is well documented at the Lakes Museum. 

For a romantic indulgence, book a spa treatment at one of 

Queenstown’s premier hotels or retreats. Discover fine dining 

restaurants, enjoy wicked cocktail concoctions or experience 

the quirky chill of the Icebar which gives you a taste of winter 

by the glass! 

When it is really winter, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables 

will lure you to the slopes to ski, snowboard, toboggan or 

go tubing. If it’s summer you can still ride the chairlifts 

or mountain bike from top to stop and Queenstown is a 

heavenly hub for exploring Fiordland by road, boat or scenic 

flight. 

Adventure, heritage, indulgence or all three, Queenstown is 

a resort for all seasons and all reasons, and what better reason 

than your honeymoon? 

Adventure, 

heritage, 

indulgence or all 

three, Queenstown 

is a resort for all 

seasons 

With This Ring 79


Supreme 

comfort, exceptional 

cuisine and guided 

visits ashore to the 

many stops along 

the way. 

THE GENTLE 

Journey 

A cruise seems such an exotic word, conjuring visions of sparkling 

waters, dazzling sunshine and all the facilities for a luxurious 

holiday with a few destinations to explore en route. 

For a honeymoon you should choose the best standard of cabin you can afford 

so that you have a comfort, privacy, a view and preferably a balcony too. If 

you haven’t ocean cruised before you will be amazed at the onboard amenities; 

swimming pools, spa pools, movie theatre, casino, gymnasium, restaurants, 

cafés, beauty therapy, bars, shops and lounges. 

The irresistible excitement of shipboard 

life is offered in a tantalising selection of 

cruises starting and ending in Auckland or 

“fly cruises” that take you to a departure 

point overseas. You may choose to cruise the 

Pacific Islands or the Queensland Coast or 

go further afield if time and money permit. 

As well as ocean cruising there are popular 

river cruises along the some of the world’s 

largest waterways; the Rhine, the Seine, the 

Danube, the Yangtse, the Mekong, the Nile 

or the Mississippi. Their gentle journeys can 

range from a few days to several weeks and 

represent a new class of travel that combines 

supreme comfort, exceptional cuisine and 

guided visits ashore to the many stops along 

the way. 

But if you prefer a more private holiday 

for your honeymoon, why not hire your 

own houseboat on Australia’s Murray River 

or at Myall Lakes in New South Wales. 

Luxuriously appointed like a floating 

apartment with a spa pool too, you can stop 

when and where you like and add a city stay 

in Adelaide or Sydney too. 

Then again you could visit the tropical 

north and charter your own yacht from 

Queensland’s Airlie Beach. Either go it alone 

or have a crew sail your private sailboat 

through the magnificent Whitsunday 

Islands. Discover secluded bays, swim and 

snorkel off your own bows, enjoy fabulous 

food prepared by you or your crew, moor at 

the deserted pristine sands of Whitehaven 

Beach or tie up at Hamilton Island for some 

onshore entertainment. 

So if the idea of a honeymoon cruise 

tempts you, cruise down to your travel 

agent and take advantage of the deals, 

discounts and destinations on offer. Near 

or far you’ll find surprising affordability 

and variety whether you island hop in the 

Pacific or the Caribbean, head for Alaska or 

Antarctica, river cruise the heart of Europe, 

circumnavigate New Zealand or float your 

own boat in Oz.

For further 

information on these 

and more honeymoon 

destinations, phone the 

Honeymoon Experts at House of 

Travel 0800 838 747, “Proud to 

be your locally owned and 

operated travel 

company.” 

The complete “flop and drop” honeymoon is 

still very desirable, with couples frequently 

looking for easy-to-access destinations 

where the pace of life instantly reduces 

to an amble. Conversely, many active 

couples not wishing to take the foot off 

the accelerator are craving adventure, and 

cultural immersion. For those reasons Fiji 

and Vietnam are the current honeymoon 

destinations of choice. 

Fiji is just 4 hours non-stop travel time 

from Christchurch and the strength of 

the New Zealand currency makes it more 

affordable currently too. From Nadi airport 

Destinations of Choice 


Following the excitement of the wedding preparations, ceremony and 

reception, couples often look to customise their honeymoon experience to 

provide that complete break from their daily lives. And interestingly there are 

contrasting preferences on what the perfect honeymoon looks like. 

there are a plethora of locations awaiting awaken the senses. 

your Fijian escape. 

A country, with land mass not a great 

Whether you choose the exclusivity deal larger than New Zealand, Vietnam 

of your own beachfront bure in the 

is home to over 90 million of the most 

Mamanucas for your honeymoon hideaway, friendly faces you could meet anywhere. 

or the luxury and variety at one of Denarau Take an overnight Junk cruise of Ha Long 

Island’s 5 star resorts, Fiji sets the tropical Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, meet 

scene while you set the pace. 

the Hilltribe locals when trekking in the 

Another great alternative for a Fiji mountains around Sapa, try a cooking 

honeymoon is a 7 night Blue Lagoon Cruise, school whilst your new clothes are being 

sailing the Yasawa Islands, where the most tailored in Hoi An, crawl through the Cu 

active you will be is diving over the back Chi tunnels after some target practice with 

deck for a swim in the morning before an AK47, just out of Ho Chi Minh. The 

breakfast. New islands to explore every day, diversity of exciting activities is endless, and 

all meals included, and you unpack only once! then there are the beaches…. 

Vietnam is desirable as an exotic Asian If the allure of an overseas destination 

honeymoon and surprisingly accessible seems beyond reach, or you would like 

too. Within hours you can be amongst the to further enhance your honeymoon 

throng of busy Ho Chi Minh, experiencing experience, set up a House of Travel 

fresh taste sensations from street vendors Honeymoon Gift Registry and let family 

and wandering the enormous Ben Thanh and friends contribute to your post-wedding 

market with all its intense aromas to holiday costs – the gift you’ll never forget. 

81 

Dreaming of the perfect 

Honeymoon 

destination? 

Make your dreams a reality with the House of Travel Honeymoon Bridal Registry! Allow 

your guests, both overseas and at home, to contribute to your honeymoon with ease. 

It works in the same way as any gift registry except that your guests’ gifts to you are in 

the form of monetary contributions directly towards your wedding and honeymoon. 

Benefits of the Honeymoon Bridal Registry are: 

• FREE to set up so you will receive the entire monetary contribution 

from your guests to use towards your honeymoon or travel 

requirements booked with House of Travel 

• Hassle free, gives you a gift you really need and helps reduce your costs 

• Allows you to add activities to ensure you get the most from your 

honeymoon experience 

• For a minimal cost we can supply Honeymoon Bridal Registry cards 

which can be sent out with your wedding invites 

• Your register has no cut-off date prior to the wedding 

The best holidays are created together. HOT.CO.NZ 

BARRINGTON 331 7182 I CHRISTCHURCH CITY 365 7687 I FERRYMEAD 376 4022 I HIGH ST LANES 339 3440 

HORNBY 344 3070 I MERIVALE 355 2200 I NORTHLANDS 352 4578 I RANGIORA 313 0288 I RICCARTON 341 3900 

SHIRLEY 385 0710 I UPPER RICCARTON 343 0869


Don’t over pack, 

instead mix and 

match and then 

you'll have plenty 

of space for gifts. 

Couples in search of tranquil days and romantic nights 

will know that tropical resorts and cruises are ideal for 

newly-wed relaxation and stres-free holiday packing. 

With sun sizzle all day and warm balmy temperatures 

by evening, the dress code is usually simple. 

PACKING FOR YOUR 

HONEYMOON 

Resort or Cruise 

HOME from your Honeymoon 

• Have your dress professionally 

cleaned as a keepsake or to sell 

• Write your “Thank You” cards 

and messages without delay 

• Post reviews of your suppliers 

on relevant websites 

• Change your name on any 

necessary documents 

• Update friends with your news 

on social media 

• Close your gift registry 

• Order your wedding photos 

and album 

• Pay all your bills, especially 

your credit card expenses 

• Go shopping with any 

wedding vouchers or 

monetary gifts 

• Host your 

first “Mr 

& Mrs” 

dinner 

for 

family 

and 

friends 

FOR HER: light floaty kaftans, pretty summer dresses that go 

from daytime to dinner time; a sassy swimsuit (or two) and a 

couple of gorgeous sarongs. 

FOR HIM: board shorts, T-shirts, light cotton pants, polo shirts 

and cool cotton shirts for evening, togs, tanks and a hat or cap for 

on the beach. 

Your resort room or cabin may be some distance from beach, pool 

or sundeck, but even if it isn’t you’ll want all your stuff close at 

hand: 

FOR HER: a stylish tote to carry camera, sunnies, towel, book, or 

beach mat. 

FOR HIM: a day pack or drawstring duffel for iPod, keys, e-reader 

and cap. 

Stay sun smart, tan over time and make for the shade in the heat 

of the day: 

FOR HER: a wide-brimmed hat, big framed sunnies, cool cover 

up and some high SPF. 

FOR HIM: a cap with a peak, serious sunnies, slip-slop-slap and 

rash top or T-shirt. 

Pool sides and boat decks can become slippery, sand gets hot and 

coral can cut you so don’t assume you’ll be footwear free: 

FOR HER: bright summer sandals for beach or boat deck, reef 

shoes for swimming and chic ballet flats for evening. 

FOR HIM: jandals for beach, sand shoes for boats and sandals at 

sundown. 

The secret of savvy packing is easy care clothes, a few basic colours 

then dress up your outfit with simple accessories or a splash of 

colour: 

FOR HER: 

dress up with heels, beads and bling. Sparkle in cool 

marine shades of turquoise and blue or dazzle in coral and gold to 

offset your tan. 

FOR HIM: 

dress up crease-free in crisp shirt and dark pants. 

Don’t over pack, instead mix and match and then you’ll have 

plenty of space for the gifts and the treasures you’ll want to bring 

home!

All Inclusive 

Wedding Package 

NZ$4699 

Offer Includes: 

4 nights accommodation | Personal wedding coordinator | Wedding license processing | 

Beachside fijian wedding bure venue | Church minister/celebrant | Private buffet & 

3 hour beverage package for 30 people | 3 course candlelit romantic dinner | 

Wedding cake (based on 1 tier) | Seasonal tropical flower arrangements | 

Bouquet & button hole | Fijian warriors to escort the Bride 

Why Choose Plantation Island Resort For Your Wedding? 

• Stunning beach location & photo backdrop 

• On-site wedding celebrants offering a one stop shop 

• Easy access from the mainland & Nadi airport 

• Range of wedding and accommodation packages to suit all budgets 

& family sizes 

• Beautician, hair, cake & florist services all available onsite 

• Activities that cater to all ages so friends & family have a holiday too 

• Exceptional value for money 

Reservations Contact Details 

Email: wsc@raffehotels.com | Call: (+679) 6722444 | Website: www.plantationisland.com


A REAL 

Wedding in Fiji 

When Shontelle and Steven Roe got married last year, 

they chose Plantation Island Resort in Fiji. 

After deciding to get married overseas and do something different 

from their friends, the idea worked perfectly as they also wanted a 

small intimate wedding. Plantation Island has an enviable variety of 

exquisite locations in and around the resort and all the services on 

site for a unique memorable wedding and the romance of an island 

honeymoon. 

Shontelle already knew Plantation Island having stayed there as 

a child and also when celebrating her 21st birthday. “It seemed to 

be the perfect place for us,” she said. Anticipating 27 guests, the 

couple booked an all-inclusive wedding package for 30 people that 

incorporated all the food and drinks as well as accommodation and the 

ceremony itself. 

The resort also provided the services of a wedding planner who 

made most of the arrangements. “Everything was done for you”, said 

Shontelle of her wedding day. We had breakfast at a different time to 

the boys, who could go off and do what they wanted while we got our 

hair and make-up done and they brought us platters of food. It was so 

relaxed.” 

The couple’s top tips for planning an island wedding are; to do the 

research, know what you want and take pictures of your preferences 

to show the resort; check the seasons to be sure you have the right 

weather; and try to deal with one person who has all the information 

so that you don’t have to repeat all your requests. 

Shontelle and Steven particularly liked how relaxed it was to get 

married in the islands and how they could include the local culture 

into the wedding. “We had fire dancers come and do a show for us. It 

was amazing and everyone loved it.” Their guests were also thrilled that 

they could attend the wedding and all have a holiday too. 

“We loved our wedding. There’s nothing we would change and 

we would do it all over again if we could. We even like the idea of 

repeating a visit for our 10 year anniversary.”

Plantation 

Island has an 

enviable variety 

of exquisite 

locations


Relaxation 

is mandatory 

amid the 

warmth of 

a tropical 

climate. 

VANUATU 

on Show 

Wing your way to Vanuatu and you will discover an 

archipelago embroidered with lush tropical jungle, 

extraordinary geographical features, a natural adventure 

playground, outstanding resorts and restaurants, unique 

customs and ancient cultures and the quirkiest language 

you will ever hear! Best of all, this honeymoon destination 

is barely three hours flying time from home to hideaway! 

At Port Vila on the main island of Efate you will find agreeable 

places to stay around the sparkling Erakor Lagoon. Whether you 

choose all-inclusive resort amenities and activities, the independence 

of a self-catering bungalow or the luxury of a private paradise like the 

Havannah on the northern coast, relaxation is mandatory amid the 

warmth of a tropical climate. 

But for perfect bliss indulge in a unique volcanic spa and massage; 

a volcanic ash scrub to exfoliate, a mud wrap to detox, a deep tissue 

massage for your muscles and a hedonistic bathe in coconut milk to 

de-stress completely. 

Vanuatu offers visitors a variety of cuisines and you’ll find 

everything from a tempting island-style buffet to international fare. 

Vanuatu was under French rule until 1980 and their legacy is alive 

and well in food with flavours to savour! 

Sightseeing on Efate includes Port Vila’s colourful history, markets 

and shops, as well as an insight into traditional village life at the 

Ekasup Custom Village or the Botanic Gardens. At the stunning 

Cascade Falls, walkers are rewarded with wonderful waterfalls and 

rock pools for a cool freshwater swim and nature’s own hydro-slide. 

For a delightful day out, take the tour or ferry to the marine reserve 

of Hideaway. As well as an excellent restaurant and beach bar, guests 

and day trippers can hire snorkelling and diving equipment to make 

the most of the spectacular marine life around the island. Get wet on 

the Thunder Jet boat, book a Reef Explorer trip or board the wooden 

ketch “Coongoola” to discover some of Efate’s finest diving and 

snorkelling sites and a turtle farm on the Island of Tranquility. 

Among Efate’s newer adventures is the Jungle Zipline, which 

comprises a kilometre of six zip lines and suspension bridges high in 

the jungle canopy, plus the more recently opened Big Zip Trek – a 

seven zip 1.4km zap over a 300m canyon if you dare! Or, combine the 

two with a heli tour to the Summit above Mele Bay and then come 

down to earth in the soothingly tropical Summit Gardens. 

Beyond Port Vila, the many outer islands allow visitors to 

appreciate the distinctive geographic and cultural entities that make 

up the 83 islands of Vanuatu. Among them Espiritu Santo, Tanna 

and Pentecost are the best known and are accessible by Air Vanuatu 

services for day trips or longer. 

On Tanna, Vanuatu’s “Island of Fire” fascinates visitors, who peer 

into Yasur’s molten heart and feel a deep rumble shudder from its 

depths. At night, stand riveted by its sound and light show as embers 

fall around you like glow-in-the dark confetti. Nearby, Tanna’s 

custom villagers shun modern comforts to live traditionally in 

simple palm woven huts. Pentecost is famous for its “Land Diving” 

ceremonies – forget elastic, this is the original bungy using vines and 

a less than scientifically calculated tower to launch from! It’s not 

for tourists however, and you only get to watch this cultural rite of 

passage into male adulthood. 

Espiritu Santo is a diver’s mecca featuring clear waters with 

stunning reefs and shipwrecks from WWII, when 100,000 American 

troops were based here, including Million Dollar Point and the SS 

Coolidge. Hidden in Santo’s tangled interior the Millenium Cave is 

open-mouthed in a 15-metre yawn leading to the Vantar River and 

provides an Indiana Jones experience you will never forget. 

Alternatively you could be super-indulgent and stay at Bokissa 

Private Island Resort. Just a 20-minute boat ride from Santo, its 

“away-from-it-all” environment makes you feel there’s nothing but 

you surrounded by blue. 

So, if you want a good holiday you belong in Vanuatu – or in 

Bislama, the country’s wonderfully idiomatic language… “yu wantem 

sam gud holede, yu blong Vanuatu.”

Honeymoon 

in Vanuatu 

SPA AND 

SAILING AND 

DINING AND 

T R A N Q U I LI T Y 

HONEYMOON HERE 

WAT E R S P O R TS 

R O M A N C E 

In just three hours you can be carried away to a 

memorable honeymoon in Vanuatu. Lay back and indulge 

yourselves with amazing cuisine, sun-drenched beaches 

and crystal-clear water, or get active and explore. 

BOOK NOW! 

REDRET017 

generated at BeQRious.com 

www.airvanuatu.com 

PH: 09 373 3435 | airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz 

Like us on Facebook: /airvanuatu 

© 2017 Kirkland Photos.


LOVE 

Tokens 

In the days 

when your beloved picked 

wildflowers to give you, or handcrafted 

a gift to delight you, love tokens 

were often useful items for the home you 

would eventually share and could range from a 

utensil to an item of furniture. 

Shells appeared in a variety of 19th century 

decorative objects and were popular sailor’s love 

tokens. Trinket boxes were fashioned out of 

driftwood and then decorated with shells gathered 

on their travels. Sometimes crushed shells of 

various shades would be formed into a unique 

pattern on the box, or the whitest shells the 

sailor could find would symbolise the 

purity of his bride-to-be. 

REMEMBER WHEN 

Wedding veils were once re-used to drape the bassinet 

of your first child and the fabric of your wedding 

train, underskirt or lace trimming was made into a 

christening gown for the next generation. Recycling 

is not a new phenomenon and the tradition began 

when fine fabric was hard to come by and expensive. 

New Zealand’s early settlers were thrifty and 

practical, turning scraps of material into rag rugs and 

patchwork quilts and deconstructing existing clothing 

into items for their children. 

WHAT IS Old? WHAT IS New? 

WHAT IS New? 

The earliest surviving needlework sampler was made 

in America in 1647 by a descendant of the Pilgrims. By 

the 1700s it had become a popular custom to develop 

needlework skills by creating cross stitch samplers of 

the alphabet and numbers. Later they became a feature 

of almost every home as betrothed young women 

designed intricate examples incorporating names, 

emblems and the date of their marriage as well as 

quotes, psalms and inspirational messages on love and 

marriage. In the USA and in the UK, heritage samplers 

are still valuable, while the idea of making your own 

wedding sampler is finding favour again. 

The “Man-gagement” ring first became a trend in the USA 

among celebrities. Just like HER engagement ring, his 

also says “I’m spoken for” and found favour 

with fiancees during a long engagement! 

Designs can be as simple or elaborate 

as you wish but is usually distinctly 

masculine in style while 

often incorporating 

diamonds, onyx or 

engraving into the 

gold, platinum or 

titanium metal.

New Age STAG PARTIES 

Guess what guys – dodgy pub 

crawls, tacky strip clubs and stupid 

stunts are all old hat. The new 

age bachelor party is all about 

awesome activities with your real 

mates and enjoying some good fun 

with a bit of class and maturity. 

Some modern bachelor parties 

even invite the bride and her 

bachelorettes along too! 

Craft beer has come of age, so why not 

choose a tasting at a local craft brewery or 

outlet with some good food too. Breweries 

often offer great “dude food” matched 

with a pint of your favourite cold beer. 

Test your nerve with a big ticket activity 

like sky diving or a tandem sky dive. 

Maybe give it a go on a flight simulator 

or race track or take your friends to an 

escape room experience at Escape Artists 

and test your ability to solve puzzles and 

crack codes as a team! 

Enjoy a local gig or music festival, 

book tickets for a show, a favourite 

international artist on tour or a comedy 

club evening. Spend a day at the races 

in town or out in the country or enjoy 

yourselves at a sporting spectacle like Big 

Bash, ODI or rugby sevens. 

Get away from it all on a traditional 

fishing, camping or road trip, or book 

a bach by the beach, hire a jet ski, learn 

to sail or have a surf lesson or try a new 

activity like paddle boarding. 

Challenge your sidekicks to golf, a car 

rally, an “Amazing Race”, a poker evening 

or a mini Olympics with quirky activities, 

sports and challenges. BUT whatever you 

decide to do, make it fun, play it safe, be 

sure it is legal and take some photos to 

look back on later! 


Afternoon 

DELIGHT 

A sugar-licious bridal shower tea party is in 

vogue, romantic, elegant and easy on the bank 

balance, so what’s not to like for your girly 

guests of all ages? 

Picture a range of beautiful teas, served in beautiful fine 

china cups, with dainty finger food displayed on tiered 

cake plates and delicate platters. 

Tea foods won’t break the budget and you can prepare 

many of the selections yourselves – remember New 

Zealand has a long tradition of “bringing a plate” so it’s 

perfectly acceptable to continue the custom. 

You will want to feature light, delicate sandwiches 

with dainty fillings and crusts removed, little vol au vent 

cases oozing with savoury flavour, cute little quiches and 

tasty bites on sticks or in tiny cones and perhaps some 

international finger foods like mini samosas, sushi or 

arancini balls. 

Follow up the savoury with sweet treats – cookies, 

cakes, featherlight biscuits, chocolate-dipped 

strawberries, iced muffins, buttered loaves, sugared 

almonds, praline, fudge and handmade chocolates. 

Compliment your beautiful edibles with a menu of 

fragrant teas; traditional, Earl Grey, herbal, and fruit 

flavours, served hot or ice cold. Make them by the cup, in 

a chilled glass or in a silver teapot. Go fancy with sugar 

cubes and tongs, petite milk jugs and silver spoons. 

Use beautiful table linen that is genuinely vintage or 

evokes the elegance of the past, tie napkins with pretty 

ribbon and decorate the table with posies of tea roses. 

Best of all you can have your tea party at the traditional 

time of 4pm, make it a morning event, or serve it as a 

light and languid ladies lunch to sit over and savour well 

into the afternoon!


WEDDING SHOWS 

& EXPOS 

Wedding shows and expos have become ideal 

“one stop” events to provide information, 

advice and inspiration for couples planning a 

wedding. 

Offering comprehensive information on wedding attire, 

flowers, jewellery, cars, venues, caterers, wining and 

dining, chapels, celebrants, locations, photographers, 

music, honeymoons and gifts, wedding shows and expos 

are an “A to Z” resource where you can browse at your 

leisure, gather useful information and consult suppliers 

about their products and services. 

You can also discuss your ideas in person with 

experienced wedding planners who can offer a variety 

of solutions and options you may not have considered. 

Shows are also an opportunity to compare the prices 

of different suppliers, see the latest styles and trends 

and try your luck in many of the competitions and 

giveaways that are often part of each show. 

Held in many main centres and provincial towns 

throughout New Zealand, wedding shows are the ideal 

way for wedding service providers and customers to 

“find each another”. Look out for the next wedding 

show in your area and plan your perfect wedding. 

Insurance 

SAVES 

THE DAY 

You’ve heard the horror stories of things 

going wrong at weddings – gowns not 

arriving, rings being stolen, hotels being 

flooded, reception venues double booked, 

photographers becoming ill – yet many 

couples never give a thought to protecting 

one of their biggest expenses! 

Wedding insurance provides cover in case a prebooked 

wedding service is faulty or unable to be 

supplied before or on your big day. It may seem 

unromantic but it can offer genuine peace of mind 

when thousands of dollars are at stake for the 

event. 

Before searching for the best wedding insurance, 

check first to see if your car or contents insurance 

company has a relevant policy that is available 

to you as an existing customer and possibly 

discounted for your loyalty. 

Most wedding insurance policies cover supplier’s 

products and services from the date of your 

deposit and include your wedding dress and your 

venue, both of which comprise the largest portion 

of your wedding costs. 

Inclusions may involve cancelled venue, stolen 

rings, non delivery of flowers or cake, liquidation 

of suppliers, photographer’s equipment failure, 

breakdown of transport, personal accidents, death 

or illness of a family member causing wedding 

cancellation and possible liability of damage to a 

venue. 

However, you are not usually covered for a 

situation you have control over, like changing 

your mind or cancelling a service or product you 

can’t afford. They can also refuse cover if you 

haven’t “minimised risk” such 

as rings being stolen from an 

unlocked car or leaving gifts in an 

unsecured location. 

When trying to budget for all 

the components of your big day, 

you may view wedding insurance 

as an unnecessary cost. But, like 

travel insurance, it’s a small 

price to pay if something does 

go wrong, and far cheaper than 

trying to replace or re-book at 

your own expense.


amaZing 

Days 

amazing Days, based in Hanmer Springs, 

is owned by Debbs moody, who has over 

12 years of experience working with happy 

couples in Hanmer Springs. 

amazing Days has huge knowledge of all aspects of 

preparing for your wedding, from venues in Hanmer 

Springs and the Hurunui District, to local make-up 

artists and hairdressers. 

Hanmer Springs is a popular destination for couples 

who are looking to celebrate their wedding 

for more than just one day with their 

family and friends. The large range of 

options from camp grounds, boutique 

properties and private homes 

includes The Heritage Hotel, 

offering pure elegance for your 

formal wedding with the option 

of having your ceremony within 

their 9.5 acres of lush gardens. 

Heritage Hotel, the historic 

hotel situated in the centre of 

Hanmer Springs, offers either the 

ballroom or the large restaurant for 

weddings.also in Hanmer Springs 

there is Waiau river estate, Hanmer 

Springs retreat, Select Braemar Lodge and 

several more casual options. new to the town is the 

beautiful percival Homestead, which is beautiful for a 

garden ceremony and offers a grassed tennis court for 

a marquee wedding. Debbs works with all the venues 

and is very passionate about the Heritage Hotel after 

working there for 8 years. 

Debbs moody is also a registered marriage Celebrant 

and works with her couples to create the ceremony 

they are looking for. No question about weddings is 

too big for amazing Days. amazing Days also has a 

selection of centre-pieces for hire and by working with 

Amazing Days you can be sure they will help you find 

your ideal wedding venue and help create the perfect 

ceremony. 

Hanmer Springs has such uniquely stunning venues 

that there is bound to be something for everyone. 

But no trip to this beautiful alpine village is complete 

without a visit to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and 

Spa or the new artisan Spa which 

specialises in pampering and 

preparing couples for their 

big day.


93 

HeriTage 

Hanmer 

SpringS 

For 

Exquisite 

Weddings 

Transform your day into something truly 

spectacular at the Heritage Hanmer 

Springs, with majestic mountain views and 

immaculate gardens providing an amazing 

backdrop for your ceremony. 

This romantic landmark venue has been completely 

restored to complement an alpine village experience 

for guests. While you are just 90 minutes from the 

heart of Christchurch, you’re a world away from the 

ordinary, in a stunning alpine retreat that will enchant 

you and your guests. 

The Heritage Hanmer Springs team can take the 

stress away by arranging all the details for your special 

day – from tailor-made menus to pampering massages. 

There’s a range of venue options – a fabulous ballroom 

complete with open fireplace, or a stylish charming 

and unforgettable lawn wedding in the picturesque 

gazebo. Walk amongst beautiful gardens for fabulous 

photographs and enjoy a complimentary honeymoon 

suite on your wedding night with complimentary 

bottle of bubbles (conditions apply). 

Heritage Hanmer Springs offers elegance, a 

spectacular location, and personalised service – 

making it a year-round wedding destination like 

no other.


Contact us 

on 0800 315 000, 

stay@hsretreat.co.nz 

or visit us at 

www.hsretreat.co.nz 

We have options 

to suit all! 

Hanmer Springs 

RETREAT 

Located in the panoramic alpine setting of 

Hanmer Springs, the resort offers on-site 

accommodation and catering options to suit all. 

At Hanmer Springs Retreat, your wedding reception can 

be held in the rustic atmosphere of the dining room or set 

up within the privacy of the conference centre. The resort’s 

Wedding Portfolio sets out a selection of menus and useful 

guidelines to help you plan the ideal day for you and your 

guests. 

Get ready for the wedding in hassle-free space and enjoy 

a relaxed day with everything arranged at one venue. Join 

your guests for a post-wedding brunch the next day or stay 

on for a honeymoon in Hanmer Springs. 

The facilities are idyllic for a wedding reception. The 

hotel garden and function rooms look out over the Amuri 

Ranges, offering a lovely ambience. With all the comfort 

of home and the atmosphere of your local, at Five Stags 

Restaurant Hanmer Springs, you can enjoy high quality 

food and a menu tailored to match the drinks along with it. 

With 33 well appointed rooms ranging from studio rooms 

to three-bedroom units, you and your guests will appreciate 

warm comfortable accommodation at Hanmer Springs 

Retreat. It is fully equipped with guest laundry along with 

dryer or clothes lines, a BBQ area – where guests can relax, 

cook their own meals and enjoy the views from a sheltered 

outdoor dining area.


SELEct BRAEMAR LODGE & SpA 

DREAM WEDDING 

Dream Location 

Select Braemar Lodge and Spa has always been 

renowned for refinement and exclusivity, so a 

wedding there is sure to be in a class of its own. 

Offering elegant surroundings and dedicated experienced 

staff to take care of the smallest details, Select Braemar 

Lodge and Spa can give you a dream wedding in a dream 

location. 

Nestled within the hills overlooking the Hanmer Valley 

and facing the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, Select 

Braemar Lodge and Spa has captured one of Hanmer’s most 

remarkable settings. Amid snow-capped winter splendour or 

basking in the rich colours of summer, Select Braemar Lodge 

is like nature’s stage set for your special day. 

Make your vows on the picture-perfect landscaped 

terrace or within the ambience of a log-fired lounge, share 

champagne and canapés with your guests, be photographed 

in stunning surroundings and then enjoy an exquisitely 

prepared meal, wines and your wedding cake. A divine 

selection of menus and catering styles ensures your wedding 

reception is tailored to your needs and tastes. 

You will have exclusive use of the lodge’s public rooms 

for your reception and special rates can be arranged for 

those attending the wedding. But for the most memorable 

wedding of all, you can enjoy the exclusive use of the entire 

lodge! 

There’s no better place to be. Everything can be arranged 

by Braemar’s wedding coordinator; flowers, photography, 

celebrant, ceremony set up, decorations, venue, menu and 

luxurious accommodation too. You can simply concentrate 

on spending time with your in-house guests, pampering 

yourself with spa treatments to look your loveliest and 

celebrating your marriage with style and sophistication. 

While Hanmer Springs is a magical destination all year 

round, you could have your dream wedding in a winter 

wonderland! Select Braemar Lodge and Spa offer fantastic 

all inclusive winter weddings between May and September. 

Imagine your day starting with snow sparkling on the 

mountains, dazzling you with clear blue skies and winter 

sunshine and ending with the romance of a sugar pink 

sunset. 

Then, when all the guests have gone, you can truly relax in 

Braemar’s wonderful Bridal Suite and enjoy a honeymoon 

destination with as much or as little to do as you wish. 

Select Braemar Lodge and Spa welcomes wedding 

enquiries and looks forward to arranging a preliminary 

visit for you to discuss your ideas, sample the food 

of the Altitude Restaurant and Bar and savour the 

special surroundings of one of New Zealand’s 

most beautiful international properties.

Dream Weddings, Dream Location 

All inclusive packages 

• 24 Suites for the night of the wedding 

• Including the Braemar Honeymoon Suite 

• Exclusive use of The Lodge for up to 48 guests 

Prices from $10,995 

• Celebrant & Cake from Divine Desserts 

• Canapés and bubbles after the ceremony 

• 3 course set menu 

Conditions apply 

Call us on 03 315 7555 

or visit our website for further information 

www.selectbraemarlodge.com


HAPPILY EVER AFTER 

in Hanmer Springs 

Paul Flanagan’s a romantic at 

heart and he chose the perfect 

spot to ask his now-wife, Anna, 

to marry him – on a boardwalk 

over a lake in the picturesque 

alpine village of Hanmer Springs. 

“It was perfect,” says Anna. So, when 

it came time to tie the knot, the 

Christchurch couple headed back to 

Hanmer Springs to look for venues. 

“We’d looked at a lot – and I mean a 

lot – of venues around Christchurch 

but nothing seemed right. As soon as 

we arrived in Hanmer Springs to look 

around, we relaxed and immediately 

knew it had to be there.” 

Just over a year later, Anna and Paul 

said “I do” under the gazebo at the 

Heritage Hanmer Springs. 

“It was an absolutely stunning day 

with a glorious blue sky. Being close to 

Christchurch meant that most of our 

friends and family were able to come. 

And, because so many of us were away 

for the weekend, everyone was relaxed 

and in no rush at all.” 

On the morning of the wedding, Anna 

and Paul managed to sneak an hour to 

themselves so they headed back to the 

boardwalk and gave each other a gift. 

“That was such a lovely way to start 

the day,” says Anna. “From there, the 

boys headed off to one holiday home 

and the girls stayed at another to get 

ready.” 

Together Anna and Paul have six 

children from previous marriages so 

they wanted to allow plenty of time for 

photos. 

“We decided to take some before the 

ceremony. We did capture the ‘first 

look’ when Paul saw me. It was a really 

lovely moment and, of course, it took 

place on our boardwalk,” says Anna. 

With forests, mountains and 

incredible views over the Waiau River, 

Hanmer Springs has numerous photo 

locations – all within minutes of each 

other. 

“Our photos are sensational,” says 

Anna. “And, after it’s all over, that’s 

what we have to remember the day.” 

Was it hard to organise a wedding 

away from the city you live in? 

“Not at all,” says Anna. “It’s close 

enough to take things with you and 

there are plenty of suppliers in and 

around the village. In fact, I think it 

worked out cheaper overall.” 

Her favourite part of the day? 

“There was this moment, just after 

the ceremony, when Paul and I were 

walking back down the aisle holding 

hands. We just looked at each other and 

both had the biggest, most stupid grins 

on our faces... after months of planning 

we were married and it was time to 

relax and have fun!” 

...everyone 

was relaxed 

and in no rush 

at all. 

RELAX & INDULGE 

At Every Stage 

You’d be hard pressed to find a Canterbury 

couple that hasn’t experienced Hanmer 

Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. The awardwinning 

complex, which consistently 

tops ‘must-do lists’, is a popular wedding 

destination and not just for the big day. 

“I couldn’t fathom a guess at how many 

proposals have been made in Hanmer 

Springs. It’s also a great place for prewedding 

parties and honeymoons,” says 

Debbs Moody, a wedding celebrant and 

Amazing Days event coordinator based in 

the village. “You’ll often see groups away on 

hens’ and stags’ weekends unwinding in the 

pools. 

“It’s a great place to get married or have a 

‘day after’ function. The thermal waters and 

landscaped setting look fabulous in photos 

and you can arrange exclusive use of the 

pools outside normal operating hours.” 

And, of course, with everything from 

massage to manicures on its menu, The Spa 

is also popular with brides wanting to look 

and feel their best.

Helping you create your perfect wedding. 

Pre-wedding girls weekends 

Bridal party pampering 

Honeymoon relaxation 

0800 873 529 hanmersprings.co.nz/spa

Pamper. Perfection. 

Passion. 

The intimate wedding destination 

Whether you’re after some pampering for your big day, a fun getaway for pre-wedding parties or a unique 

venue for your ceremony and reception, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is ideal. 

With boutique shopping, restaurants and spa treatments on tap – we’re a honeymooners paradise too. 

HC HST2218 

0800 4 HANMER hanmersprings.co.nz Open seven days

With This Ring: March 23, 2018

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?