A local’s guide to a magical wedding in Taranaki

If you’ve ever visited the Naki, you know how perfect it is for weddings. Adventurous locations, stunning backdrops, rugged coastlines and every kind of wild location you could ever want. And, as if you needed more convincing - we’re sharing a few of our local favourites to keep in mind.

Captivating landscapes:
Taranaki flourishes with diverse landscapes, proudly unveiling majestic Mount Taranaki as its centerpiece. No matter where your wedding venue is - you HAVE to make the most of Taranaki’s unique landscape. Head to Back Beach for a perfect coastline (be warned, you may get a little windswept) or turn your heads towards the mountain and add an awe-inspiring backdrop to any wedding ceremony or reception. Head to Oakura for unparallelled beach beauty.

The city centre:
We’ll never fail to be inspired by New Plymouth’s quirky and creative city centre. If you’re going for a more urban vibe for your photos, the centre of town has so many gorgeous spots for your photos that really capture that industrial vibe and dramatic light. Wander down beautiful alleyways or stroll to the beachfront at sunset.

Gastronomic delights:
Taranaki's vibrant culinary scene will impress even the most discerning palates. From farm-to-table cuisine showcasing the region's fresh produce to award-winning wineries and craft breweries, your wedding feast will be nothing short of extraordinary. Treat your guests to an indulgent gastronomic journey, reflecting the essence of Taranaki's local flavors and the talents of its skilled chefs. How about tantalizing their taste buds with succulent Taranaki lamb or delicate whitebait fritters? Check out a few local caterers here.

Unique stays and accommodation:
There are SO many incredible places to stay around Taranaki that you and your guests alike will enjoy. Peruse a few on Airbnb - whether you’re after an apartment in the heart of New Plymouth, or a unique tiny home stay in rural Taranaki, you’ll find something unique and fall in love with the surroundings.

You’re engaged - now what?

Congratulations on your engagement! This is an exciting time filled with love, joy, and of course, lots of planning. As you embark on this beautiful journey towards matrimony, it's essential to lay a strong foundation for your wedding preparations. To help you get started on the right foot, we have compiled a list of the top five wedding planning tasks to tackle after getting engaged.

1. Announce the Engagement:
Before diving into wedding details, take a moment to share your joyful news with your loved ones. Be it a phone call, an intimate gathering, or a well-crafted social media post, relish in this special moment and allow your family and friends to celebrate with you.

2. Discuss the Wedding Vision:
Sit down with your partner and have an open conversation about your wedding vision. Explore themes, colors, and overall atmosphere. Taking this time to align your desires will provide a strong direction for the journey ahead. Remember, compromise is key, and finding a shared vision will ensure a memorable and meaningful celebration.

3. Create a Budget:
One of the most practical yet vital steps in wedding planning is creating a budget. Discuss financial expectations and evaluate how much you are willing to spend on each aspect of the wedding – from the venue to the floral arrangements. It's essential to set realistic expectations and allocate funds accordingly. With a well-defined budget, you can make informed decisions without compromising your overall financial stability.

4. Draft a Guest List:
While it may seem early, deciding on a guest list early on will help guide other decisions down the road. Start by creating a draft list that includes both family and close friends. Remember to be mindful of limitations such as venue capacity and budget constraints. This initial guest list will provide a framework for venue selection and caterer estimates, making subsequent planning tasks more manageable.

5. Research and Select a Wedding Planner:
Now that you have a general idea of your wedding vision, budget, and guest list, it's time to consider the invaluable assistance of a wedding planner. Their expertise and experience in the industry can help minimize stress, streamline the planning process, and assist in negotiating with vendors. Do thorough research and interview potential planners to find someone who understands your vision and is in line with your budget.

Choosing your colour palette for your wedding decor.

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable occasions of your life. From the flowers to the invitations to the table settings, every detail contributes to creating the perfect atmosphere. One key decision you will need to make is choosing a colour palette for your wedding day decor and styling. Your colour scheme will set the tone and tie all elements together, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect colour palette for your wedding day.

Consider Your Wedding Theme and Venue

The first step in choosing your colour palette is to consider your wedding theme and venue. Take into account the overall feel you want to achieve. Are you going for a romantic and classic theme or a modern and minimalistic one? Is your venue an elegant ballroom or a rustic barn? These factors will influence the colour choices that will work best.

Draw Inspiration from the Seasons

Drawing inspiration from the seasons is a great way to select a color palette that complements the time of year. Soft pastels and muted tones work well for spring weddings, while vibrant and bold colours are perfect for summer celebrations. Earthy and warm hues are ideal for fall weddings, and cool blues and whites are a popular choice for winter nuptials. Reflecting the colours of nature will create a harmonious atmosphere on your special day.

Use Colour Psychology

Colour psychology can be a valuable tool when choosing your wedding color palette. Different colours evoke different emotions and moods. For example, blue signifies calmness and tranquility, while red represents love and passion. Consider the feelings you want to evoke on your wedding day and select colours accordingly. Combining complementary colours can create a visually striking and appealing ambiance.

Look to Your Personal Style

Another important factor to consider is your personal style and preferences. Think about the colours that make you feel happy, relaxed, or inspired. If you are a fan of a specific colour, consider incorporating it into your colour palette. Your wedding day should be a reflection of your unique personality and taste, so don't be afraid to venture beyond traditional choices if they don't resonate with you.

Test Your Colours

Once you have narrowed down your colour palette choices, it's time to test them out. Create a mood board or gather swatches of fabric, ribbons, and paint samples that represent your selected colors. Lay them out together to see how they work in harmony.

Ways to reduce stress when it comes to planning your wedding day

Planning a wedding is an exciting time in any couple's life - but we know it can also be incredibly stressful. From choosing the perfect venue to organising guest lists and managing budgets, the sheer number of decisions can quickly become overwhelming. However, with proper organization and a few stress-reducing strategies, you can navigate the wedding planning journey with ease and enjoy the process even more. Here are few of our fave tips and tricks to help you reduce the stress surrounding wedding planning:

1. Start Early and Create a Timeline

One of the most effective ways to alleviate wedding planning stress is to start early and create a timeline. By giving yourself ample time to organise and research, you can avoid the last-minute panic. Kick things of by breaking down the tasks into manageable chunks and setting realistic deadlines. Having a timeline will not only keep you organised but also provide a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks.

2. Be Realistic and Set Priorities

Every couple dreams of a perfect wedding, but it's important to be realistic and set priorities. Determine what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and your partner - and think about what you can be more flexible on. Whether it's the venue, the food, or the music, focus on what truly matters to you and allocate more time and resources accordingly. By setting realistic expectations and prioritising what's most important, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy the process more fully - and it means you’re both on the same page!

3. Delegate and Seek Support

Remember - you don't have to handle all the wedding planning tasks on your own. Delegate responsibilities to reliable family members, friends, or wedding planners. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also allow others to feel involved in your special day. Additionally, seeking support from loved ones during this time will give you a shoulder to lean on and provide valuable emotional support when things become overwhelming. So when your best mate asks if there’s anything they can do to help - say yes!

4. Take Care of Yourself

Amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning, it's crucial to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritize self-care activities, such as exercising, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that help you relax. Remember to allocate time for date nights with your partner where you can temporarily set aside wedding discussions and enjoy each other's company. Taking care of yourself will improve your overall well-being and ensure you can tackle wedding planning with a clearer mind.

5. Book The Experts

We promise - it’ll make your life so much easier if you get the experts involved. Yes, there are plenty of bits that you can do yourself to prep for your wedding day, but to make sure your wedding day priorities go off without a hitch, book an expert or hire a professional. Take the stress out of photos by booking a great local photographer. Get your flowers done by one of the many amazing Taranaki florists. Book in with us and we can get all your decor sorted and set up. We promise it’ll make your life easier.