Picking a wedding venue in NZ is usually the first big item on your list when it comes to wedding planning. As someone who is currently planning a 2025 wedding, ooooosh, the stress of nailing the venue is HUGE – it forms the start of your entire vibe for the day and it’s the thing that people remember the most. So, how the hell do you go about choosing the perfect wedding venue, especially if you’re after the go-to Kiwi outdoor vibe? We asked co-founder of Flagship Events, Gin Thorp, for her expert advice:
Kia ora Gin! First off, tell us – where’s the best place to start when thinking about choosing a wedding venue?
First off, have a conversation with your partner to discuss the vibe you’re after – is it small and intimate, or formal and extra or relaxed and casual? Then consider family connections – maybe you know someone with a beautiful site by the river or near the beach. Also are there any places with special significance – that have meaning for you as a couple? Finally the logistics – is the site challenging to access and will guests find it easy to get to? Then, of course, it’s key questions like season, capacity and budget.
Kiwis love an outdoor wedding – what are the aspects we need to take into consideration before deciding on one?
Outdoor weddings are the best. With an outdoor wedding, you can make it as formal or as casual as you wish. You can really transform your marquee with flooring options, and lighting, as well as certain florals for a formal dining space, or you can keep it natural and relaxed on the grass with the tent open to the surroundings for a less formal, but still totally beautiful, space.
Make note though that when you have an outdoor wedding you do typically need to bring everything onsite – marquees, catering, generator, bathrooms etc – there are great suppliers around but always ask for recommendations.
And, as Kiwis, weather is always on our mind?! What’s the best way to have a solid plan B?
Always have a plan B and make sure you love it, then you have no last-minute stress or disappointment before your wedding. Make sure you choose a tent size that can comfortably fit your guests with space for a dance floor area and bar area all inside. Then you know you will have a backup plan sorted for the ceremony, and or canapés, if you need to move everything inside
What are some of the little touches couples have included with their wedding day plans that you absolutely love?
Separating the formal aspects from the informal ones by having the ceremony on a Friday and a party on the Saturday. This way you open up unlimited creative possibilities for the party — decorations, dress codes, and menu. Plus even the most relaxed couples can feel anxious on their wedding day, so you’re freeing yourself up to have an incredible time on day two!
Please have a Champagne tower – if there was a moment for one it’s at your wedding. Totally extra, but in the best possible way!
I love it when there’s meaning in the menu, like a loved family recipe or a dish from a special date. Also, consider forgoing the cake-cutting formality and instead have a delicious dessert station for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Late-night revellers can enjoy a midnight snack and others can have a slice to go in custom cake boxes.
Lastly, have a look into digital guestbooks. The wedding day whizzes by and this allows you to relive it all through funny photos, videos, and touching audio messages.
Gin and her family
If you were getting married right now, what would you do?
I would have a wedding in the Hawkes Bay. The region has so many incredible sites that offer picturesque views, so many amazing vendors with years of experience, plus it’s easy to access for guests. I’m a little biased as it’s where I live, so it has meaning for us but I truly think it’s a perfect region to celebrate your big day.
Our wedding was a long lunch at Ocean Beach under our marquees, we had a dining marquee and a separate marquee with a bar and dance floor. I can honestly say if we could do it all again it would be exactly the same! We kept the reception location a secret so the guests were taken on a bus to the most incredible site on the beach. We loved giving our guests an element of surprise. If I was to do anything different I would add a dress change for the dance floor and book a videographer.
Credits:
Kate & Tom Monro – Wedding at Akitu Winery.
Image by @sapphirestudios___
Flowers by @floralcentric
Planning by @alexandrakatecreative
Tent by @flagship_events
Venue @akitu_wine
Additional hire by @flockevents @royallaboratorie @tble_linen_hire
