Welcome to 2009! Whether you're back at work or still on holiday we've got loads of goodies to help keep you feeling the summer love! Click here for a taste of what we've got...
Winter weddings and romance go hand in hand. 1001 candles bring that snuggle factor into play, creating an ambiance of warmth and light, without causing that summer month heat stroke.
Fireside ceremonies will melt each and every heart in attendance, or why not take advantage of beautiful snowy surroundings if you have the opportunity and the gear!
The ultimate venue Location, location, location. Your venue is a key component of the most important day of your life, influencing your “theme”, photographs - not to mention your dress! Over the quieter months of the “off-season” one definite upside is you have a broader choice of venue as diaries are generally less full. So, you may well find the venue of your dreams without having to wait 3 years to use it AND your bank manager will be pleasantly surprised (if you request off-season discounts!).
Looking for an “exotic” location? Transport yourselves to Secret Thai Garden, where a truly authentic experience awaits. The attention to detail is outstanding, and the traditional Thai food is heart warming and delicious. In regards to pricing, it is so reasonable that you will believe you truly have left Auckland far behind!
A winter wonderland? New Zealand is renowned for its beauty, and what better vantage point than the Chateau Tongariro. Romance is definitely in the crisp mountain air. The Chateau is heavenly and so luxurious you will never want to leave. Your theme could even be “winter wonderland” with midnight blue, white and silver setting the stage. Then there is the food, which is perfect for cold winter days. Need more inspiration? Adrenalin awaits, just a chairlift away...
Garden paradise? Always dreamed of an intimate Garden wedding? Even on the coldest winter day, you can find a beautiful garden setting that has a back up plan ready and waiting for you. If the region's trademark winds or a darkened sky threaten your day there is always a balmy 16-20 degrees at Begonia House, Wellington.
Wild at heart? Lions, rhinos and giraffes, definitely! Cheetahs, monkeys and meerkats, of course. If the thought of New Zealand's largest wildlife reserve makes you smile, Orana Wildlife Park could be the venue for you. Drab and boring is unknown here, originality and excitement is the norm.
Winter wardrobes Often people make the mistake of thinking a cold wedding day is a bad thing. Think how inappropriate men’s wedding attire is for hot summer days and how well suited it is for wintertime. Even the most “kiwiest of blokes” will be comfortable in a suit, when the temperature drops and they realise how warm they feel and hot they look!
Brides, however, may be wary of shoestring straps in the snow – with good reason too. But, this is where a unique and dramatic style can come into effect. Faux fur wraps and scarves, soft mohair pashminas or a beautiful flowing cape will not only save you from the cold, but add that finishing touch. White makes a great theme, used for dresses and suits for ultimate impact. Bright bouquets and buttonholes can add a vibrant streak of colour, guaranteeing the photos will be sensational! On the subject of photographs, white and black umbrellas make wonderful props. So, if the rain comes – make the most of it!
Winter bride "Jay-Jay Feeney" Jay-Jay Feeney of 'The Edge Morning Madhouse' and Radiochick fame, married co-host Dominic Harvey in a beautiful winter ceremony. For Jay-Jay's winter wedding tips, tricks and highlights read on....
Why a winter wedding? I initially wanted a destination wedding. Far enough way that people would have to travel and stay the weekend. (That way you can tell who your friends really are! hahaha.) We went to Australia to suss out a few places and then came back to Queenstown. Once we were in Queenstown, we knew instantly it was the place for us and since it's famous for snow, I decided to have a winter wedding. No-one I know has got married in winter before, let alone in the snow, so I knew it would be amazing.
Who were the suppliers/venue providers or companies used on your big day, that even now you would highly recommend? We held our ceremony under a Marquee on top of Deer Park Heights with the reception at Moonlight Country Stables. I hired a Wedding Planner, Jody Zimmerman from Queenstown Weddings, to organise everything so to be honest I can't recall specific companies like the caterers. I absolutely recommend Wedding Planners. For a small percentage of the overall budget they will make the wedding happen. Taking care of EVERYTHING. I basically just had to show up on the day!
Any tips for couples planning a wedding in the snow/winter?
Consider how cold it will be and ensure you have plenty of shelter and heating. Nothing is more uncomfortable than shivering cold. We had Mulled Wine and shot glasses of warm soup at the ceremony which was an excellent choice for a chilly occasion.
Don’t wear high heels in snow! (I wore big white boots)
Get your photos taken in a winter setting. If there’s snow – use it. If not, try things like posing in front of deciduous trees, or a foggy lake.
What was the highlight of your... Planning: Finding the location. Everything fell into place after that. Ceremony: Leaving in a helicopter, that fell backwards off the cliff face because there was no room to turn around. We freaked everyone out, including ourselves! Reception: Vanilla candles on every table. The scent in the room was delicious. We were lucky enough to have Nesian Mystik play at our wedding (perks of the job!) and they were brilliant.
Best of luck to all you winter brides. If it does rain on the day, remember in retrospect the umbrellas will look fantastic! And, the summer sun is just a honeymoon away...
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candles bring that snuggle factor into play, creating an ambiance of warmth and light, without causing that summer month heat stroke. 
Location, location, location. Your venue is a key component of the most important day of your life, influencing your “theme”, photographs - not to mention your dress! Over the quieter months of the “off-season” one definite upside is you have a broader choice of venue as diaries are generally less full. So, you may well find the venue of your dreams without having to wait 3 years to use it AND your bank manager will be pleasantly surprised (if you request off-season discounts!).
A winter wonderland?
I initially wanted a destination wedding. Far enough way that people would have to travel and stay the weekend. (That way you can tell who your friends really are! hahaha.) We went to Australia to suss out a few places and then came back to Queenstown. Once we were in Queenstown, we knew instantly it was the place for us and since it's famous for snow, I decided to have a winter wedding. No-one I know has got married in winter before, let alone in the snow, so I knew it would be amazing.
Planning: Finding the location. Everything fell into place after that.