Planning A Wedding In Nz: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in New Zealand can be a stressful experience, with many decisions to make, from the guest list to the cake flavour. To make your wedding day memorable, it's important to set a budget, choose a venue and date, and start booking suppliers. You may also want to create a wedding website and gift registry. Before settling on a venue, it's a good idea to research pricing and request quotes from suppliers to ensure they align with your budget.

Budgeting

Once you've decided on a budget, you can start researching venues and suppliers to make sure your number aligns with your vision for the day. Think about what's non-negotiable in your budget and what you can live without. For example, if a videographer is on your must-have list, you might need to skip the open bar or the wedding favours to make it work financially.

Before you settle on a venue, it's a good idea to make a list of everyone you plan on inviting to your wedding. This will help you to decide on a venue size and whether you're inviting children and giving all guests a plus one. You can also consider whether you want to hire a wedding planner or coordinator to help you with these decisions and the planning process.

When it comes to suppliers, you'll probably need a photographer, florist, band or DJ, caterer, makeup artist, transportation and more. Popular wedding suppliers will book up quickly, so be prepared to sign a contract and pay a deposit when you find someone you like. It's also a good idea to book suppliers who are familiar with your area or your venue, as they'll have an advantage when it comes to planning and set-up time.

Guest lists

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but there are some simple steps you can take to make the process easier. One of the first things you should do is brainstorm your guest list. This will help you to decide on a venue and set a date, as well as giving you an idea of your budget.

When creating your guest list, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you are inviting children and if you are giving all guests a plus one. This can significantly increase the number of guests, so it's important to think about this early on. You should also research venues ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate your guest list.

Another thing to keep in mind is your budget. Your budget will dictate many of your wedding decisions, so it's important to discuss this with your partner before you start planning in detail. Consider what is non-negotiable for you and what you can live without. For example, if you want to hire a videographer, you may need to skip the open bar or wedding favours.

Once you have a time and location for your wedding, you can start booking suppliers. You'll probably need a photographer, florist, band or DJ, caterer, makeup artist, transportation and more. Popular suppliers book up quickly, so be prepared to sign a contract and pay a deposit when you find someone you like. It's also a good idea to book suppliers who are familiar with your area or venue, as they'll have an advantage when it comes to planning and set-up.

Venue and date

When it comes to venue and date, the first thing to do is to decide on a budget. This will dictate nearly all of your wedding decisions, so before you start touring venues, you and your partner should discuss how much you’re looking to spend. You can then request pricing from venues to make sure your number aligns with your vision for the day. Think about what’s non-negotiable in your budget, and what you can live without. For example, if a videographer is on your must-have list, but you need to find more room in your budget to hire someone, maybe skip the open bar or the wedding favours.

Before you settle on a venue, make a list of everyone you plan on inviting to your wedding day. Decide whether you’re inviting children and if you’re giving all guests a plus one. You can then start to think about dates, and whether you want an intimate elopement or a grand celebration. Once you have a time and location for your wedding, you can start booking suppliers. You’ll probably need a photographer, florist, band or DJ, caterer, makeup artist, transportation and more. Like venues, popular wedding suppliers will book up quickly, so be prepared to sign a contract and pay a deposit when you find someone you like. It’s also a good idea to book suppliers who are familiar with your area or your venue.

Suppliers

Once you've decided on a budget, a guest list, a venue, and a date, it's time to start booking your suppliers. You'll probably need a photographer, florist, band or DJ, caterer, makeup artist, transportation, and more.

It's a good idea to book suppliers who are familiar with your area or venue, as they'll have an advantage when it comes to planning and set-up time. You'll also be supporting small businesses in your area.

Before you settle on a supplier, make sure you request pricing to ensure it aligns with your budget. If you need to free up some budget, consider what's non-negotiable and what you can live without. For example, if a videographer is a must-have, you could skip the open bar or wedding favours.

Be prepared to sign a contract and pay a deposit when you find a supplier you like, as popular wedding suppliers will book up quickly. You may also want to consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to help with this process.

Honeymoon planning

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that your honeymoon is also a key part of the process. Here are some tips to help you plan your dream honeymoon in New Zealand:

Budgeting

As with your wedding, it's essential to discuss your budget for the honeymoon. This will help you determine how much you can spend on accommodation, activities, and travel. Consider setting up a honeymoon fund and asking loved ones to contribute as a wedding gift.

Timing

The best time to visit New Zealand for warm weather and the most activities is during their summer, from December to February. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit. To save money, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons (November or March to April), when you'll still enjoy comfortable weather and smaller crowds.

Transportation

New Zealand is a large country with two islands, so it's essential to plan your transportation to make the most of your time. If you plan to drive, check driving times in advance to ensure you're not spending your whole honeymoon in the car. Alternatively, you can book tours or excursions to make the most of your time and see the best spots.

Accommodation and Activities

Research accommodation options in advance to find something that suits your budget and preferences. New Zealand offers a range of experiences, from luxurious lodges to camping under the stars. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including fjords, waterfalls, geysers, mountains, and lakes. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, water sports, and exploring local towns and cities.

Remember to book your honeymoon early to secure your preferred dates and locations. Enjoy planning your dream honeymoon and creating unforgettable memories with your partner!

Frequently asked questions