So, you are engaged? Where to go from here? Getting married in New Zealand - the beginning

Congratulations, the person of your dreams just popped the question and you said YES!

HOLD OFF ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA
We know it may be hard to resist, but let’s be honest, how would you feel if your best friend or sister got engaged and you found out through social media? Take the time to share this exciting news with family, friends and loved ones before your engagement becomes public knowledge socially!

SET A REALISTIC BUDGET
A bride comes with extravagant ideas and 250 pins on her hidden wedding board, but when it comes down to discussing the budget, it’s just not feasible. Research costs beforehand and compare vendors before booking anything. Unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees, so it may be a good idea to open a joint savings account and add to it each month. A preliminary guest list is also a great option so that you know have an idea of the numbers you are working with; at the end of the day, a guest list can make or break a budget!

LOCK IN YOUR VENUE
The third most important, and critical step in your wedding planning process, is to lock in your venue. Venues book up extremely quickly in Auckland, and around the rest of New Zealand. If you have your heart set on a Summer or Autumn wedding…DON’T WAIT, otherwise you will be forced to resort to your second or third pick. Your guest list is also very important, as some places can only accommodate a certain amount; and don’t forget to keep your parents and future in-laws in the loop…ask them whom they’d most want to invite but explain to them that your preliminary list may need to be editing and trimmed. Once you find a venue, voila…it’s only be a matter of time before your theme, colours, and even your wedding dress fall into place as well.

LOCK IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Once you’ve set your date and venue, next step would be to make sure you capture your big day, therefore we suggest booking your photographer. There are plenty to choose from in Auckland, but keep in mind most of them cannot book multiple events in one day.  Many Auckland photographers are booked up seasons in advance. 

FIND SOME HELP
Whether you are a micromanager and are planning the entire thing yourself, or the type of person who’d rather not stress over the details, a wedding planner can be a tremendous help. From offering advice, to packages devoted to simply coordinating the big day (since, let’s face it you cannot be in two places at once), to planning everything from A-Z, a wedding planner won’t only save you time and headaches, but it will keep your budget from running dry as well.  If your budget wont stretch to a wedding planner, organise friends and bridal party to assist with the planning. 

HAVE FUN!
This is supposed to be an exciting time! Make sure to still have fun with your fiancé, enjoy the experience, and we know it can be hard, but be sure to not make every conversation about the wedding…your lives are still pretty interesting as well, make sure to take time and share that with each other!
Once you’ve checked off these items, you’re on the road to celebrating your nuptials and now you get to start the really fun stuff…choose your theme, say yes to the dress, pick your wedding bands, and ultimately revel in the splendour of you and your soon to be bride or groom!!!


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