This is a sample of the last copy of the Wedding Handbook. It is not an accurate reflection of what the current book will look like, it is merely to give advertisers a look and feel for the book. Most content will remain the same.

1. Wedding Countdown

3. catalogue available
mobile: 025 874 871 tel: 09 815 5465
email: karmadesigns@xtra.co.nz fax: 09 815 5463
hostoric places trust property
thanks to Alberton a NZ

4. Made Wedding Countdown
Your wedding day, from the smallest and simplest to And, at Michael Hill Jeweller, we would also love
the most extravagant affair, is a very special event; to assist you!!! Let us be amongst the first to
a day you’ll remember forever. Careful planning congratulate you and share your joy. When you visit
for and attention to detail is essential in ensuring that
everything runs as smoothly as possible. We, at
Michael Hill Jeweller, understand that this is the day
of your dreams, so we have produced this beautiful
us to select your engagement or wedding rings, we’ll
do all we can to help make your wedding day special.
Some of our stores also have private viewing rooms
if you wish to be discrete.
Wedding Countdown booklet.
This is your memorable day, and your engagement
Made to fit into your handbag, this invaluable booklet and wedding rings will forever be a reminder of your
you... can be taken everywhere. Read about wedding
etiquette and traditions, learn some handy hints, use
the space provided for notes and samples; this is a
working document. Also, all the advertisers in this
love for each other. So, let us help you choose the
perfect rings. You can relax and take your time. We’ll
assist you with making this important choice. After
all, this is special, and it’s made for ever.
booklet are experts who would be more than happy
to assist you with planning your big day. Please feel
free to contact them and ask their advice.
We hope you will find this Countdown an excellent booklet and would love any comments on the
booklet or stories of your wedding experience. jan@michaelhill.co.nz or phone 0800 10 11 10

6. Wedding
in association with
Countdown contents
PUBLISHER FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Bruce Jackson
m e d i a l i m i t e d
- Southern Studios, Auckland
t: 09 277 7265
introduction
Ovation Media Ltd w: www.southernstudios.co.nz
t/ 09 480 2754 f/ 09 480 2755 e: bruce@southernstudios.co.nz Michael Hill Jeweller 2 11 weeks to go 56
e/ heather@ovation.co.nz
Jane Read - Christchurch
10 weeks to go 58
PO Box 31318,
Milford, Auckland
t: 03 355 1075
w: www.weddingnz.net.nz/janeread/
the countdown
janeread.html 12 months to go 6 9 weeks to go 60
EDITOR
Justine Williams Tim Hawkins - Otago
t: 03 445 1815 11 months to go 14 8 weeks to go 62
e: timhawkins@e3.net.nz
DESIGNERS
10 months to go 18 7 weeks to go 64
TOAST Limited
ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS
info@toast.co.nz
Heather Lowrie 9 months to go 22 6 weeks to go 66
SOLE DISTRIBUTERS 8 months to go 28 5 weeks to go 68
The contents of The Wedding
Countdown are copyright. It may not be 7 months to go 32 4 weeks to go 70
reproduced in any form without written
permission from Ovation Media Ltd. All
Michael Hill Jeweller 6 months to go 36 3 weeks to go 74
rights reserved. Advertising Department
©Copyright 2002 Ovation Media Ltd. t: 0800 10 11 10 5 months to go 48 2 weeks to go 76
Printed by Nicholson Press, PO Box 38, Whangarei
8 Collard Place, Henderson, Auckland www.michaelhill.com 4 months to go 50 1 week to go 78
12 weeks to go 54 The big day 82
4

7. hot topics money talk your records
Theme & style 10 Beauty countdown 42 The Budget Gift wish list 38
- dollars & sense 8
Venue 11 Jewellery 49 Master checklist 46
Your master
Bubbly tips 16 The cake 51 Honeymoon
budget record 44
19 packing list 77
Ceremony Legal matters 57
Venue/reception 12
Bridal wear 20 Hens & stags nights 59 Bridal kit 79
Bridal attire 21 Wedding
Photography 24 Reception agenda 61
Bridal party attire 23 day schedule 80
Honeymoon 29 Vows 63
Honeymoon 30 Guest list 84
Music 33 Order of service 65
Flowers 35 Wedding contact list 86
The wedding dance 33 Bridal party gifts 67
Flowers 34 Stress 72 Acknowledgements list 87
Gift registry 37 Seating 75 Advertisers’ list 88
More Than Skin 40

8. 12 months to go... Reward yourself
with Jewellery
things to do : checklist:
As a couple, discuss what you want from your wedding. This will help Our Wedding Date: / /
you in determining your budget; your wish list might include anything
from a luxurious honeymoon to a designer wedding dress.
• If applicable, determine with your families any financial contributions
being offered.
• Settle on a budget.
• Open a wedding-only bank account.
• Select a Date/Time for your wedding; this may be dependant on school
holidays, long weekends or overseas visitors.. It’s a good idea to have a
few options in case your choice of venue is already booked.
• Begin considering what theme or style your wedding will take, the
kind of event you plan should represent who you are as a couple and
reflect your unique style and individuality.
• Start investigating where you will hold your ceremony and reception.
Understated elegance.
One carat princess cut diamond
solitaire (236190*)
*5 year diamond guarantee
(conditions apply)
6

9. www.townandcountr y.net.nz
73b Felton Matthew Ave,
St Johns, Auckland
PO Box 87 486, Meadowbank
we have the marquee to make your wedding day perfect!
style with a smile
contact town & country on: 09 521 3730
photography by Jane Read

10. PERFECT GIFTS ON A PERFECT DAY
dollars & sense
Your wedding budget is often the most difficult but important issue to agree
on. Decisions here are not easy. Setting budgetary parameters can be
challenging when your goal is to plan a beautiful event, at a planned cost.
Discussing where you would like to see your money go, will help you
determine your budget. If you anticipate a monstrous guest list, an elaborate
meal or a string quartet, it’s a good idea to budget for these things in the
beginning. As a general rule of thumb, most things will cost about 10% more
than you anticipated.
To help make budgeting easier, we’ve included a budget breakdown on
page 44-45. The breakdown lists items and services you will definitely need
to account for and various other things you might consider including in
Hold your wedding reception for 60 or more guests at Centra your wedding.
Auckland Airport and we’ll present you with the perfect gifts: We have also included a more comprehensive breakdown for the areas of
• Free room hire for your reception your wedding, where there are many different components to budget for i.e.
• Your first night in the Honeymoon Suite
reception, flowers and attire. Work through the countdown and carry over
• Breakfast for 2 including a bottle of bubbles
• A late 1.00pm check-out these records to your Master Budget page.
Enjoy our perfect gifts on your perfect day! Opening a wedding account is helpful for tracking your spending and paying bills as
For further information or to make a reservation, please contact Centra Auckland Airport, they come in. It also gives your family an account to deposit any contributions.
cnr Kirkbride & Ascot Roads, Auckland International Airport. Phone (09) 275 1059,
Finally, one of the biggest complaints from couples post-wedding is how much
fax (09) 275 7884, email weddings@akl-airport.centra.co.nz
or visit us at www.southpacific.sixcontinentshotels.com they over spent! When enquiring and paying for services, be sure to get
all quotes in writing and read your contracts thoroughly. If something isn’t
mentioned in a proposal, don’t be afraid to ask. Hidden costs like corkage,
CAA 9262 134x96
service fees or over time can sting even the most well prepared budget.
8

11. photography by Jane Read

12. theme & style
The theme or style of your wedding is what makes it unique and memorable
for you as a couple. A theme might mean you choose a beach style, a
medieval theme or simply use one or two colours throughout your flowers
and decorations.
You may already know what theme, style or colours represent you perfectly,
but just need to put it all together. Deciding on a theme and style early on will
make choosing your dress, flowers and venue easier.
You can use one simple idea and replicate it throughout your reception, for
example fairy lights at an evening wedding will set the scene for romance
while decorations in whites mixed with hues of gold and silver make an
elegant statement. Including strong colours through your choice of flowers or
decorations can transform a plain reception venue into a vibrant and rich location.
Another interesting way to carry a theme is to reflect it in your menu. A
beach wedding would befit a seafood buffet or for a slick cocktail wedding you
might serve a selection of New York cocktails to guests as they arrive.
Centrepieces give tables personality and can incorporate almost anything;
vases with floating candles, or for a native New Zealand theme consider
incorporating flax in your floral arrangements.
Your theme shouldn’t steal the limelight of your wedding but should reflect your
own style and individuality; you are only limited by your imagination so go for it!

13. A premier wedding &
the venue
Choosing your wedding venue can be an overwhelming task. The cost of
reception venue available
your venue will most likely be where the majority of your budget will go. You
will be faced with a huge variety of choices; here are a few points to consider
for hire on a self-catering basis
when making your decision.
Your venue should support the style or theme of your wedding, it should be • Stunning Gothic-style
a place you feel very comfortable with and have the kind of atmosphere that chapel
feels right for you. For a glamorous event consider a ritzy function centre or
for a beach theme contemplate an outdoor venue with beach access. • Grand historic building
Spend a day visiting a few venue possibilities and compare their packages. Find & reception rooms
a place that fits your budget, if you need to trim your budget, consider getting
• Tranquil surroundings
married on Sunday or during the week as prices may be considerably cheaper.
Choose a venue near where your ceremony is taking place or consider the • Outstanding facilities
cost of overnight accommodation for your and your guests. It is important
• Fully air-conditioned
to consider how guests will get home, with alcohol on the menu you may
need to organise transport or overnight accommodation. • Minutes from the airport
Always sign an acceptance form and pay a deposit for your booking. & CBD
DO NOT rely on verbal confirmations.
• Car parking
A few extra things to bear in mind: on-site
• Check the venue capacity, guest lists have a habit of growing!
• Are their in-house caterers included in the price and if not, does the venue
charge for using outside vendors? www.erskineevents.com
• Does the venue hold a liquor licence and if so until what time? Email: enquiries@erskineevents.com
Tel/Fax: (04) 383 9938 Mobile: (021) 478 481

14. Cornwall Park budget:
Garden Restaurant
The perfect destination for your
venue / caterer / alcohol
Wedding Day Celebration Ceremony location fees / Church donation $
Reception venue $
Caterer (price per head $………………) $
Alcohol $
Staff and service fees $
Other $
$
$
$
$
Combining Elegance with Tradition
in a Beautiful Park Setting $
$
Ph: 09 630 2888, fax: 09 630 2867, email: cpcafe@ihug.co.nz
website: www.cornwallparkrestaurant.co.nz refer Master Budget page 44-45 total $
NZW111213

15. quotes:
venue
B a r r y c o u r t o f Pa r n e l l
$ for
$ Wo n d e r f u l We d d i n g s
$ Barrycourt can take care of We have a wide range of
all your wedding reception accommodation available
$ requirements. with most suites enjoying
Centrally located, close stunning city and harbour
to the city, rose gardens views.
$
& senic views with We can also provide
ideal photographics discounted accommodation
$ opportunities. rates for your out of town
Our spacious and versatile wedding guests.
$ function venues offer a Free car parking is available.
relaxed ambience designed Complementary
$ to make your wedding day Honeymoon suite.
a memorable occasion.
$ International chefs provide
superb cuisine.
$
$ BARRYCOURT
SUITES-HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE
$
for friendly and helpful advice
$ telephone 09 303 3789 fax 09 377 3309
10-20 GLADSTONE ROAD, PARNELL, AUCKLAND. www.barrycourt.co.nz

16. 11 months to go... Reward yourself
with Jewellery
things to do : checklist:
• By now you should have decided on a venue for both your ceremony
and reception. Book these this month.
• Be sure to have contingency plans for your photos, just in case it
rains on the day of your wedding.
• If you require an outside caterer and/or alcohol supplier, begin looking
into who is available in your area.
Magnificent one carat total
diamond cluster. A stunning look.
(176588*)
*5 year diamond guarantee
(conditions apply)
14

18. bubbly tips
• It’s better to over estimate your beverage requirements rather than • Matching food and wine can be a challenge as the typical wedding brings
risk running short - most wine and liquor stores will accept returns of together a varied group of people. The guidelines are - match the intensity
unopened, undamaged cases/bottles. of the flavours in the food and the wine, match the sweetness levels in a
• The basic rule of thumb is to allow one and a half glasses of sparkling meal with those of the wine, and lastly, pair the flavours in the food with
wine per person, per hour. As a standard 750ml bottle contains five to six similar flavours in the wine.
glasses of wine allow two cases (24 bottles) for every 50 guests. • Don’t forget to keep aside a couple of bottles of bubbles to take away on
• A safe guide for table wines is to budget half a bottle per person to your honeymoon too!
accompany the meal and a further half a bottle per person for the party
afterwards. As for the mix of red and white - order about two-thirds white
and one-third red
• Be a responsible host - have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages available
from start to finish. Summer weddings in New Zealand can be hot and
thirsty affairs.
photography by Bruce Jackson - Southern Studios
• Méthode traditionnelle and Champagne is best served lightly chilled, so as
not to take the edge off their delicate flavours. The same applies to white
table wines but you are best to serve red wine at room temperature.
• Avoid keeping the guests standing around for periods longer than an hour
and a half waiting for the bride and groom to show. Many guests will drink
two or three drinks during this time and become hungry, so serve plenty
for finger food.
16

19. photography by Bruce Jackson - Southern Studios

20. 10 months to go... Reward yourself
with Jewellery
things to do : checklist:
• Compile your guest list.
• Decide on the type of ceremony you prefer; book a celebrant
or minister.
• What is your wedding dress going to look like? What ideas do you have
on your bridal party attire? Keep any images you like from magazines or
other resources, these will be helpful for your dressmaker.
Your wedding is 10 months away,
by now you should have:
• Set your budget.
• Set the date and time of your wedding.
• Decided on the theme/ style of your wedding.
• Selected a venue (if required; select a caterer and alcohol supplier).
• Compiled your guest List.
• Gathered ideas on your wedding dress and attire for your bridal party. Pavé set diamond rings are designed
to catch the light - sparkling
• Booked a celebrant or minister. statements for expressive hands.
(255481* 256289*)
*5 year diamond guarantee
(conditions apply)
18

21. the ceremony The Registry Office
Marrying in a registry office is the most simple of your options. Neither a
bridesmaid or a best man are required, but two witnesses must be present.
The Civil Service The number of guests you want and the length of the ceremony will be
Today, it’s more popular than ever to be married by a celebrant at the location
dependant on the registry office you choose. Contact your local registry office
of your choice. The civil ceremony is highly flexible, legal requirements can be
and make enquiries.
covered in a few sentences, so you can write your own ceremony, including
your vows. The Church Ceremony
Choosing your celebrant - Your biggest aim is to find a celebrant that If you plan to marry in a church, contact them as soon as possible, the situation
you are both comfortable and relaxed with. Choose a celebrant through for those wanting a church wedding varies, according to the discretion of
personal experience or recommendation. Marriage Celebrants can be particular ministers and denominations.
found in the As far as the ceremony itself, there is now considerable choice in length, content
Yellow Pages. and formality of service. Most priests or ministers will offer a selection of
Celebrants are individuals and will differ in their approach and delivery, try orders of service and biblical texts.
to meet with a few before you decide. If possible ask to see their photos, Payment for ministers or priests will vary. There may also be a fee for the use of the
comments from previous couples or even attend one of their ceremonies. church itself. Discuss this with the priest or minister when making your initial enquiry.

22. • Exclusive designs
• Finest fabrics, laces and beadings
• Personal service
• Tailored to your budget
• Mother of the Bride
the bride
You may already have an image in mind of what your gown will look like,
keep any magazine clippings or images that reflect your ideas; they will be
Come and discuss your dream
helpful for your dressmaker.
wedding gown at Monika’s
Next up, visit a bridal boutique; these people are experts so keep an open
suburban garden studio.
mind to their recommendations. They can advise you on fabric, accessories
41 Jillian Drive, Waitakere City, Auckland. and what kind of dress is suitable for the time, season and place of your
Telephone: (09) 832 0089 wedding. Try on any gowns that catch your eye, get a feel for what you like
MONIKA Facsimile: (09) 832 0091 and what styles flatter your body shape.
MODES email: monika@monikamodes.co.nz
Website: www.monikamodes.co.nz While buying your gown off the rack or hiring it are possibly the most
budget conscious alternatives, the majority of gowns are custom made. This
E x q u i s i t e d e s i g n f o r Y O U a n d y o u r b r i d a l p a r t y.
process takes time so give your dressmaker a good six months for the design
and the fittings to take place.
Another thing to consider is your figure. It is only natural that you want to look
your best in your gown, if you have the intention to lose or add inches be sure to
work with your dressmaker so they can manage your alterations.
Bridal Accessories.
Finding the right bridal accessories will put the finishing touches to your bridal
look.Take a fabric swatch with you when selecting your wedding accessories.
Buy your shoes as soon as you have selected your dress, the height of the
heel will be needed for hemming your gown. Make certain your shoes
are comfortable.
Veils come in various lengths and can be dressed with flowers or a tiara.
Discuss with your hairdresser and dressmaker what type will suit your
hairstyle and gown. One last word, make sure your head-dress and veil fit
snugly and feel secure, wobbly headgear can be very unnerving.

23. budget: Vinka Brides
offers a unique &
bridal attire comprehensive range
Haute Couture Bridal & Evening of services including:
Dress $
• Extensive couture bridal &
Headpiece/Veil $
evening wear collections
Accessories $
• Latest bridal, bridesmaid
Shoes $
and evening wear fabrics
Lingerie $
• Made to order service
Other $
• Exclusive bridal headwear,
$ jewellery and accessories
$
• Bridal & evening wear hire
$
• Free consultation and
$ sketches with every
Vinka Brides fabric order
$ Level 3, 242 Queen Street
Auckland, New Zealand • Pattern making
$
Tel: 09 300 3047 Fax: 09 300 6337
service available
refer Master Budget page 44-45 total $ Web: www.vinkabrides.com
email: info@vinkabrides.com

24. 9 m o nth s to g o. . . Reward yourself
with Jewellery
things to do : checklist:
• Decide on the style of your wedding dress and also what your
bridal party will wear.
• Select and book a photographer and/or videographer.
• Consult your More Than Skin beauty therapist and set your
‘Pre-Wedding Beauty & Spa Program’ budget.
Deliciously decadent! Finish off any
look with these dazzling diamond
designs. (254656* 256286*)
*5 year diamond guarantee
(conditions apply)
22

25. budget:
bridal party attire
Groom’s suit $
Groom’s accessories $
Bridesmaids’ attire $
Groomsmen attire $
Other $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
refer Master Budget page 44-45 total $