Engaged Wedding Magazine - November 2011 by Hamilton Media Limited

ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE REAL WEDDINGS PHOTOS FROM OUR WEDDING IMAGES ROCK THE PARTY LIVE, DJ OR DIY? FABULOUS SHOES THE LATEST COLLECTION WHITSUNDAYS THE PERFECT HONEYMOON DESTINATION?

11/ 2011

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...your wonderful wedding on the cliff tops Just 50 minutes from Auckland’s CBD you’ll find magical Castaways. Castaways provides the ultimate wedding experience you and your guests will rave about for years to come. • Coastal cliff top ceremonies • Stunning sunset wedding receptions • Fabulous food • Award winning service • Guest accommodation • Honeymoon packages • Onsite activities Click here to download our new >online weddings pack<

Our team are available to meet with you onsite at Castaways. So contact us now and let’s start designing your wonderful wedding!

Castaways Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku, Auckland Ph 09 236 5161 Email weddings@castaways.co.nz Web www.castaways.co.nz * Specials Season at Castaways * April to November is Specials Season at Castaways. No minimum spends and no minimum numbers are required. Simply your wedding, your way.

“We want to thank you again for our absolutely amazing wedding. Some guests said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to!” (Castaways Bride & Groom, 2011)

~ unique ~

~ memorable ~

~ affordable ~

Notes from the Editors...

Cover Credits:

Photo: Mikel Taylor www.ourweddingimages.co.nz Couple: Sarah & Dale

Advertising Enquiries: Contact: Tim Hamilton Email: info@engaged.co.nz Phone: 021 448817 Post: PO Box 137101, Parnell Auckland 1151 Hamilton Media Limited accepts no responsibility for material provided by readers or advertisers. All material supplied is assumed to have been provided with the consent of the appropriate copyright holders Engaged is subject to copyright in its entirety. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication unless initially specified otherwise.

We have a fantastic feast of photos for you this month. If you are considering having an engagement shoot, we have loads of beautiful photos for you to look at. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, you can even vote on your favourite couple to help them with a chance to win a photography package from Perspecitves Photography. We have a great spread of images from Mikel Taylor from Our Wedding Images for you to look at. If you are into shoes, you will need to check out some of the latest styles available in our spread from Trousseau Bridal Shoes. Enjoy!

Tim & Gabrielle

table of BEAUTIFUL SHOES

ROCK THE PARTY

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PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE

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RECEPTIONS 4

REAL WEDDINGS

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THE WHITSUNDAYS

ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS 5

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COMPETITIONS CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Rebekah Marshall who won last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DIY Wholesale Flowers competition! Rebekah won a DIY Wedding Packages consisting of 100 Roses (you have a choice of colours) + fillers worth a value of $238.00!

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TRY A TRI If you need a bit of motivation to get fit before your wedding, this is the perfect competition for you!

WIN!

The Contact TriWoman Series is a fantastic woman-only non-competittive event held around the country. It caters to women of any fitness level and is an amazing way to get motivated and fit. We have the chance for one reader to win entry into one event for herself and up to three of her friends/bridesmaids (this is a perfect bridal party bonding experience!), as well as a 2XU prize pack. To find out how to enter, click here!

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FEATURE

Footwear Fancy

New Season Wedding Shoe Collection

Every year the top bridal shoe designers in London release the new season collection of bridal shoes, showcasing the emerging wedding trends for 2012.

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This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection, hot off the European catwalk, is quite simply stunning. They incorporate handmade designs, Swarovski Crystals and vintage inspiration. The first order of these exquisite shoes have just arrived at Trousseau Bridal & Evening Shoes showroom. We asked the ladies at Trousseau Bridal which ones were their favourites and here are their picks:

Catherine In celebration of the Royal Wedding, work was started on this iconic shoe that is adorned with lavish crystals and super fine mesh. This shoe will make every bride feel like a princess.

Rhiana These ultra fashionable peep toe shoes feature hundreds of Swarovski Crystals precisely placed for the ultimate wow factor when walking down the aisle.

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Lamour A stylish vintage inspired round-toe shoe in Duchesse Silk, featuring a gorgeous oversized brooch. This shoe will add a touch of glam to every wedding outfit.

Fox Only one word can describe this shoe and that’s SEXY. These shoes feature a statement cut out design and will be the talk of the wedding.

Limestone The wait is finally over for a divine looking flat. This version of the popular Moonstone shoe will be loved by all the towering beauties.

The latest collection is proving to be very popular. You can see all of these shoes, as well as the rest of the amazing collection, at Trousseau’s Auckland Showroom or visit their website. Trousseau Bridal & Evening Shoes are New Zealand’s wedding shoe specialists, offering a comprehensive collection of footwear for the bride, bridesmaid, flower girls and Mother of the bride. Available for their Auckland store or by mail-order nationwide. www.trousseaubridalshoes.co.nz Phone: 09 379 5963 11

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REAL WEDDINGS

Sarah & Lachie

Ceremony: Taharoa Station, Wairarapa Reception: Gladstone Complex Dress: Wilkins Formal Wear, Wellington Suit: Wilkins Formal Wear, Wellington Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes: Minx Shoes Florist: Heaven Scent, Masterton Hair: Rachel Nicol Makeup: Essential Effects

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YOUR Weddings This month, we have Mikel Taylor from Our Wedding Images sharing a collection of his weddings. With over 15 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, Mikel is able to produce great wedding images in any situation. www.ourweddingimages.co.nz

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Ginny & Geoff engaged

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Nigel & Jane

Ceremony: Garden of Caroline Van Der Haas, Aokautere Reception: Manawatu Golf Club Dress: Handmade by Kelly Rotherham, Palmerston North Suit: Van Meer Suit Hire, Palmerston North Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes: Wild Pair Florist: Arranged For You, Palmerston North Hair: Bijonei Hair Design Makeup: Napolean makeup from Farmers

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Sarah & Dale

Ceremony & Reception: The Winemakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daugther, Te Horo Suit: Frank Casey, Wellington Florist: Pamela Hill Hair & Makeup: Rodney Wayne, Paraparaumu

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W Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland

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FEATURE

Whitsundays Wonderful

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Proserpine Airport isn’t your typical vision of the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. But it is the most common and easiest of airports to begin your exploration of this area. And that all starts when you hop off the plane… The tropical heat hits you in waves, making you very aware you are in steamy North Queensland. So Proserpine Airport isn’t the prettiest but a short 40-45 minute coach or taxi transfer later and you get your first views of the gorgeous waters that comprise the Whitsundays. This transfer takes you into the heart of Airlie Beach. Airlie Beach is the ideal base for your trip to the Whitsundays if you don’t have a particular island destination in mind. It has all the major services, including a very high proportion of massage therapists and a well-designed park on the water’s edge, complete with pool. Restaurants and accommodation options vary from the cheap to high end.

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But really, for those on honeymoon, you probably want to include a couple of special trips in your itineraryâ&#x20AC;Ś

Daydream Resort and Spa One of the closest islands to the mainland is Daydream Island. Although it is a small island, it packs a punch: along with the ever-present beautiful bays and water, Daydream has water sports, tennis, volleyball, badminton, giant chess, mini-golf, a outdoor cinema and it even has its own wedding chapel! However, on Daydream Island, it is their world-class (and world-famous) spa that is a stand-out. With an extensive menu of services, a girl will be hard pressed to choose how to pamper herself and her husband

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on their honeymoon (or pre-wedding if you want to take advantage of that chapel!).

Hamilton Island Larger, with a huge selection of resorts, Hamilton Island won’t leave you bored. Relax in one of the hammocks lining the palm-fringed beach, swim in one of the multiple pools (or the sea, of course!), play mini-golf, para-glide, the list goes on! Hamilton Island also offers a multitude of shops and restaurants, so if you are looking for a bit of retail shopping to interrupt your honeymoon, this island is for you! And if it’s a wedding you’re after, Hamilton Island also has its own chapel – or you could get permission for a celebrant to marry you at your own private holiday house!

Hayman Island If luxury is your thing (and are prepared to pay for it!), then Hayman Island probably meets your requirements. The most secluded and exclusive of the resort islands, Hayman is Australia’s most awarded five-star resort and you can soon see why.

Your Own Private Beach A helicopter flight to your own secluded and deserted island, a gourmet picnic and a bottle of champagne – need we say more? Perhaps only that you get some ‘private time’ alone, together.

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On the Reef If visiting the Whitsundays is your idea of heaven and you can’t wait to scuba amongst the fishes, then it is possible that that extra special honeymoon idea is a night sleeping on the reef. Of course we don’t literally mean on the reef! Fantasea have recently introduced their Reefsleep package: two days and a night on their specially designed pontoon. The pontoon is a floating playground: water slides, sub rides, snorkelling, scuba diving, sundecks and an amazing buffet. But at night, once all the day trippers have gone, it turns into your own floating paradise. A king-sized bed awaits, along with an alfresco dinner and wine under the stars (and just imagine how clear that sky is so far from civilisation). You even have your own personalised service in the form of a Reefsleep host. And for the ultimate brownie points with the new spouse, book a helicopter trip over the uniquely shaped ‘heart reef’.

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- Made to Measure - From $500 - Free delivery - Wide Selection - High Quality Click below to visit us now!

www.donnazuri.com Are you looking for a professional hairdresser and makeup artist who can come to you on your wedding day? With over 10 years in the industry, Natalie is working extensively in Fashion, Advertising and Film, as well as creating stunning results for bridal parties. Natalie's work is both versatile and innovative, offering her customers the complete package without compromise. Please go to my website www.natalieshields.com to view my work and prices.

www.natalieshields.com

Through the Lens

Showcasing Photographic Excellence

Photograph by VisionWorks Photography

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Amy Schulz Photography

Website: www.amyschulz.co.nz Email: AmySchulzPhotography@gmail.com Mobile: 0211556071 Wellington and Nationwide

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Suzanne McNatty - Photography by Design

Website: www.photographybydesign.co.nz Email: mcnatty@ihug.co.nz Mobile: 027 567 5990 Associate Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Southland

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projectShot images

Award-winning wedding photography & video production Website: www.projectshot.com

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Email: info@projectshot.com Mobile: 021 685 871 Auckland

Dilworth Photography Website: www.dilworthphotography.co.nz Email: dilworthphotography@gmail.com Phone: 027 468 1865 Auckland

Greenapple Photo & Video Studio Website: www.greenapple.co.nz Mobile: 021 119 5567 Auckland

Email: wearegreenapple@gmail.com

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Amanda Wignell Photography Website: www.awp.co.nz Email: amanda@awp.co.nz Phone: 09 426 2647 Mobile: 027 615 3078 NZIPP Master of Photography Auckland and Northland (NZ Institute of Professional Photography)

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography Website: www.uniquevisions.co.nz Email: brett@uniquevisions.co.nz Phone: 09 8133 519 Mobile: 0274 913 061 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland

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Jodie C Photography Website: www.jodiecphotography.co.nz

Email: info@jodiecphotography.co.nz Phone: 021 323 829 Auckland & Nationwide

Emma Hughes Photography Website: www.emmahughes.co.nz www.weddingsonwaiheke.co.nz Email: emma@emmahughes.co.nz Phone: 09 372 8729 Mobile: 021 051 3292 Waiheke and Auckland Master NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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Jake Thomas Photography Website: www.jakethomas.co.nz Phone: 0220 941 273 Waikato & Nationwide

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Email: jake@jakethomas.co.nz

Mike Hill Photography

Website: www.mikehillphotography.co.nz Email: info@mikehillphotography.co.nz Phone: 07 863 1180 Mobile: 021 507 537 Waihi, Nationwide & International Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Website: www.janmareeart.co.nz Email: jan@janmareeart.co.nz Phone: 09 236 8553 Mobile: 027 281 5921 Auckland, Franklin, Hamilton

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Backyard Studio

Web: www.backyardstudio.co.nz Phone: 021 143 7289 Christchurch

Email: info@backyardstudio.co.nz

New Regent Studios Website: www.photos.co.nz Email: info@photos.co.nz Phone: 03 355 4448 Mobile: 027 229 2329 Christchurch

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Jessica Photography

Website: www.jessicaphotography.co.nz Email: info@jessicaphotography.co.nz Phone: 09 537 5533 Mobile: 027 658 8831 Auckland Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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VisionWorks Photography

Website: www.visionworks.co.nz Email: tim@visionworks.co.nz Phone: 09 845 5925 Mobile: 021 44 88 17 Auckland

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Jeremy Hill Photography Website: www.jeremyhill.co.nz Email: enquiries@jeremyhill.co.nz Phone: (09) 8263394 Mobile: 021 2279196 Auckland

Vicky Broadbent Website: www.vickybroadbent.co.nz Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

Email: broadbent@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 633 404 Coromandel and Auckland

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FEATURE

FULLY ENGAGED

pHOTOS BY PERSPECTIVES PHOTOGRAPHY

Sindhura & Jonathon

Married at Auckland Museum 4 October 2010

Chris & Kristie

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If you’ve ever wondered if you should get an engagement photo shoot done, here is a fantastic spread for you to look at! Over the next 30 pages we have a selection of awesome engagement shots from Perspectives Photography. As you will see, an engagement shoot is a great way to get comfortable with being in front of the camera (and your photographer) before your wedding day. You can be really creative with the shoot, especially as you don’t have the same time pressures as you do on your wedding day. All of the couples featured in this spread are entered in a competition with Perspectives Photography to win an amazing wedding photo package. You can help them out by voting for your favourite couple! To vote, just head to Perspective Photography’s facebook page here: http://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/163346 Also, don’t forget to check out Perspective Photography’s website for loads more gorgeous images: www.perspectivesphotography.co.nz

VOTE!

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Daniel & Renee 75

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Renee & Matt

Married at Ascension Vineyard, Matakana 12 March 2011 77

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Gavin & Genna

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Josh & Amber 87

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Luke & Tracey

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Matt & Seipua

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Paul & Kelly engaged

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Shane & Teresa engaged

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Thai & Jess 115

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FEATURE

Reception The

TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION

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Let’s face it, the reception is a huge part of any couple’s wedding day. It’s the chance to celebrate your love: to speak about how wonderful each other is, to eat, to drink, to dance and be merry with all of your loved ones. Plus, generally, it’s the major expense in any budget. Engaged gives you our tips for making sure you include the ‘traditional’ bits without forgetting all the fun! Whether the celebration is formal or informal there is usually: • The arrival of the bride and groom • Toasts and speeches • The cutting of the cake • The first dance • Time for the bride and groom to greet and chat with their guests • The departure of the bride and groom

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There is no set order for these things and you can do as many or as few of these things that you want. Some couples choose to have the speeches and cake cutting before the meal so that, with the formalities over, they can relax and enjoy their celebration. Others like to have the meal and then have the speeches and cake cutting when their guests are relaxed after their meal.

Arrival of the bride and groom This is one opportunity to exhibit your flair for the dramatic or make a quieter entrance. Your entrance can be as wild as arrival by helicopter or something more sedate, like arriving in a horse and carriage. These, of course, are options for getting to the reception. Getting inside is a different matter. If you are going to be “announced” into the reception venue, there are a couple of ways you can do it. The more formal way is for the formal procession to the top table of the bride and groom, followed by the bride’s mother and groom’s father, groom’s mother with the bride’s father, chief bridesmaid with the best man, then groomsmen and bridesmaids. This more formal approach is pretty rare these days and, instead, it will normally just be the bridesmaids and groomsmen (in pairs), followed by the bride and groom. For the shy ones amongst us, it is perfectly acceptable to arrive quietly at the venue without any fanfare and mix and mingle with the guest!

Welcome and chat with each guest It can be quite a challenge, but it is important to try to both speak to every one of your guests during the course of your wedding. One of the most traditional and easiest ways of achieving this is to have

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a receiving line. The receiving line is perfect for after the ceremony as your leave the church (or other ceremony venue) or as you enter the reception. If you’re having some ‘ceremony only’ guests then a receiving line after the ceremony allows for goodbyes and good wishes to be exchanged. ‘After ceremony’ lines tend to be over more quickly because everyone is keen to move on to the reception. Alternatively, your guests can arrive at the reception venue and be served drinks and nibbles while you have photographs taken, then be presented to the receiving line as they are seated for the meal. The full-on traditional formal line-up for a receiving line is: • Bride’s mother • Bride’s father • Groom’s mother • Groom’s father • Bride • Groom However, most people just opt for having the bride and groom (and perhaps the bride and groom’s mothers) welcome people into the venue. Remember that the receiving line is meant for a quick greeting and thank you; a longer catch up is more appropriate for the reception itself. Greet each guest by name or politely ask their name, thank them for coming and introduce them to the other members of the wedding party if necessary. If a receiving line seems a little formal for you, make sure you try to do the rounds and thank each guest at some stage during the reception. This can be harder than you think, with guests moving tables to talk to each other, getting up to dance, and so on.

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Toasts and speeches Covered in detail in previous issues of Engaged (which you can read in our archived editions on www.engaged.co.,nz), the toasts and speeches are your chance to shine and deliver that emotional tribute to your partner and to thank all those that deeply deserve it!

Cutting the Cake The cake is usually cut after the speeches. The MC will announce that the cake cutting is about to take place, so as everyone can get photographs if they want them. The couple hold the knife together to make the first cut. The bride holds the knife in her right hand with the groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right hand on hers and her left hand on top. A little hint is to pre-cut the first cut if the cake is iced with hard icing so the official first cut isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a struggle. The cake is then taken away and cut into enough slices for each guest to have a piece. Extra pieces might be cut for absent friends or relatives and sent to them in special cake boxes. It is traditional for the bride and groom to keep a piece or layer to share on their first anniversary or the birth of their first child.

First Dance If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having dancing at the reception, the bride and groom will be first onto the floor, followed by the chief bridesmaid and bestman, parents of the bride and groom and then members of the two families.

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Departure of the Bride and Groom It is traditional for the bride and groom to be the first to leave and, where possible, it is expected that guests will stay to farewell them. This is often not feasible for guests who have children or the elderly. When it’s time to leave the bride may throw her bouquet over her shoulder to the unmarried female guests - tradition has it that whoever catches the bouquet will be the next bride. You don’t have to toss your bouquet, but it’s a good way to signal your departure. If you’re planning to have your bouquet preserved, get the florist to make a small posy to toss. It has also become traditional for the groom to throw the bride’s garter – of course this depends on how shy you both are! The hosts and bestman are the last to leave making sure everyone has safe transport home, and taking with them the bride and groom’s wedding clothes and any cards or gifts.

Do it your way In this article, we have covered the ‘traditional’ format for a reception. However, remember that you need to do what works best for you. It may be that you don’t have a sit-down dinner at all, but instead spend the night having fabulous cocktails, champagne and yummy nibbles. Or perhaps you forego the reception line and just make sure that you mingle with the guests throughout the meal. The important thing is that your reception lets you enjoy the day with your friends and family, which is after all what it is all about!

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Packages from $1495 www.visionworks.co.nz engaged

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FEATURE

Rock the

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Music: it’s a vital part of life to some of us and an essential requirement for a great wedding. It provides a soundtrack to what could be the greatest day of your married life. Celebratory tunes for your first walk down the aisle as husband and wife, something romantic for your first dance, something poignant for your father-daughter dance, songs to get the guests up and onto the dance floor: it’s all needed to make your day truly memorable. One sign of a great wedding is how much the guests dance into the wee small hours of the morning. And if you can persuade those reluctant dancers onto the floor, you know you’ve done a fantastic job! So the big question is how? Do you go with the more tradition live band or DJ, or take the DIY approach and compile your own playlist on CD or i-pod? Engaged discusses the pros and cons.

I’m With the Band There is something classy about hiring a band. What’s more, the band members have personalities that can enliven your wedding. They can serve as entertainers, providing light banter between sets. Talented bands can enthral an audience and even non-dancers will enjoy watching and listening to them perform. An energetic band can energise the crowd. Experienced bands will also be able to adjust their sound to suit the acoustics of the venue. They will be able to adapt the tempo to suit the mood of the crowd and the progress of the evening. They also will be able to take endless requests! And if you are having a themed wedding, this is where bands really come into their own. Having a Irish-themed wedding? Look for a band that specialises in a whole range of Celtic music! A 1920s wedding may suit a ‘big band’ feel with lots of brass!

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Now for the downside… going the “live” route can be expensive. When doing your budget, think about if you would like a band and ring a couple to get an idea of pricing. When making enquiries, it is a great idea to see if the band will only play a limited number of hours or songs and ensure that that agreement is put inwriting, so you don’t find the band packing up just as the dancing really gets going! Finally, some venues just are not suited to live acts. For example, it may be that the venue is just too small to accommodate a live act. You also need to be careful that a band won’t be too loud (brass instruments can be pretty loud in enclosed spaces even when played quietly). Accordingly, it is good to check first with the venue whether they have had live acts previously and how they were and, secondly, with any potential band as to whether they think that their act will be suitable for the available space.

A DJ Saved My Life Tonight Good DJs also have amazing personalities and the ability to ‘work the crowd’, judging the mood at each stage during the night. Even if it is not their job to say a word, their ability to “read” the audience is a major bonus. With a huge range of songs available to him or her, the DJ can fit the music to suit whether Great Aunt Ada is being spun round the dance floor or the teens need to get up and let loose. A good DJ will know their music inside out and what songs are always popular and get just about everyone on the dance floor. As mentioned, DJs generally have a dizzying array of music: jazz, Broadway musicals, the latest top 40s. All you need to do is let him or her know what you like and, sometimes more importantly, what you definitely don’t like! He may have suggestions about what would be good if you are stuck for choice.

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And, like a band, DJs do requests. Unlike a band, the DJ’s range of choices may be far wider and they will have something to suit everyone. A DJ may not cost as much as a band, but you must ensure you get a good one. An unenthusiastic or inexperienced DJ can kill the celebratory mood of your crowd. It can definitely be a case of “you get what you pay for” so you may need to pay a bit more to get one that you feel comfortable will handle your wedding the appropriate skill and expertise. The best thing to do is make sure that you meet the DJ first, listen to a sample play list and ask to look at their list of songs, to ensure they will have something that all age ranges and tastes will like. If possible, see if they have any testimonials or past clients that you can get in touch with. As with bands, make sure you find out the number of hours that come with the package and if your DJ would be willing to add extra hours if necessary.

Your Chance to Live Out Those DJ Fantasies The cheapest option for wedding music is a pre-recorded CD or iPod playlist. It allows you to choose the songs you and your fiancé like and set those songs up to be played at the appropriate times during the day. Be warned though – these playlists can take a lot of time and thought! One big advantage of using your own music is that you don’t need to audition bands or DJs; you know your own and, hopefully, each other’s tastes. As your own DJ you can get more variety as you mix up your own music – from lone trumpet songs to full brass bands to rhythm ‘n’ bass to good ol’ eighties rock: it’s your choice. Just remember your guests. With the guest list beside you, think about what your guests would like to hear and what will help them enjoy their night.

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To set up your own playlist, consider the timing of the wedding and what kind of songs you want played when. It is a good idea to ‘overstuff’ the period that guests are eating. There is nothing worse than the first dance music coming on while people are still lined up at the buffet table. Over estimate the number of songs needed so there is no need to put your soundtrack on repeat. Also important is tempo. Use background music during cocktails and canapés as guests will be chatting and catching up. The same goes for during the dinner service. Several DJs advise that you should ‘ramp up’ during the night and once you start playing music for people to dance to, you should try to keep all of the following tracks danceable. It is often heard that ‘if you’ve put up real dance music and you slow it down, it’s like murder to get people back out on the dance floor’. The music can start to soften as the farewell dance approaches. One of the downsides of organising your own music is that it is more difficult to change the music to flow with the mood of the crowd. There is also a bit of an art to choosing the right music that will get the crowd going (it is this experience that makes a good DJ worth their weight in gold). Technically, three things are important. First, check with the venue that you can play CDs or plug an iPod/laptop into their stereo system and that their system has good, clear sound. Secondly, someone should be placed in charge of monitoring the iPod and playlists, just in case something goes wrong, and also to ensure the right songs are played at the right time. This should be the only person who can control the iPod – there is nothing worse than guests with a few drinks under their belts interrupting your carefully planned playlist to find ‘their song’! And the last thing? Have a back-up! Whichever medium you choose, make sure you keep your music happy – it’s a celebration and you want your guests to enjoy!

The Checklist Engaged to 9 months before Task

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Announce your engagement, including notices in the newspaper Organise for your families to meet, if they haven’t done so already Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, MC, flower girls, page boys Discuss the type of wedding you want, including budget Compile a draft guest list (this will help determine venue size) Choose venues for the ceremony and reception Set the date and time for the wedding Choose and book the following: • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Caterer • Florist • Transport • Wedding Co-ordinator • Celebrant Start thinking about your dress (you may need to book a dressmaker) Consider purchasing wedding insurance to cover those things that are out of your control which may result in the wedding being postponed or cancelled Have an engagement party

9 months before Task

Order your wedding dress Choose your accessories: veil, jewellery, underwear, shoes and so on Choose the attire for the rest of the wedding party as applicable: • Groom • Bridesmaids • Groomsmen • Flower girls • Page boys Select stationery including: • Invitations

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Task

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• Thank you cards/notes • Place name cards • RSVP cards • Seating plan • Envelopes Book a calligrapher Send out save-the-date cards Contact rental companies to hire equipment, marquees, tables, etc Organise gift registry Start thinking about your honeymoon

6 months before Task

Order bridesmaids’ dresses Order/book the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits Help your mother and mother-in-law with their outfits Discuss your beauty regime with your beauty therapist Book in for marriage preparation course if needed Decide on and order your wedding cake Book your accommodation for the wedding night Investigate accommodation options for out of town guests Choose and purchase your wedding rings Make any honeymoon reservations

4 months before Task

Book hairdresser and make-up artist Order favours Discuss menu options with caterer/venue, including wine selection Organise entertainment if you are having children at the reception Speak with the celebrant or minister and decide on an order of service, responsibilities, speech making, readings, etc. Set your rehearsal date Let people know if they will be making a speech, doing a reading, etc Purchase wedding gifts for each other and the wedding party Organise time off work for your honeymoon Renew passports if necessary!

2 months before Task

Post invitations Write your vows Have your hair and makeup trials (remember to take your veil etc)

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Organise dancing lessons for the first dance Organise your hen’s and buck’s nights with the wedding party Confirm: • Flowers with florist – do they fit with the theme, colours, dresses • Menu with caterer • Accommodation for yourselves and your guests Organise any legal work, for example, pre-nuptial agreements, wills

1 month before Task

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Notes

Done

Apply for your marriage licence Confirm and finalise final guest numbers Make a seating plan (allow time for disagreements!) Have your dress fittings Organise bridal party’s final fittings (including accessories) Confirm groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits are ready Write your speech Confirm honeymoon accommodation and flight bookings Organise a house-sitter for while you are on honeymoon

2 weeks before Task

Confirm with everyone that you have booked for your wedding, advise final numbers and provide a emergency contact number to: • Venue • Caterer • Celebrant/Minister • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Florist • Cake maker • Stationery • Car hire company • Hairdresser • Makeup artist • Favours • Hire company Make a list of everything that needs to be set up and/or taken to the ceremony and reception Have your final dress fitting including accessories. Take your chief bridesmaid so she knows how to how to attach your train etc.

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Make sure the bridesmaids have their dresses, footwear and accessories Have your final haircut and colour before the wedding Make sure the groom has his hair cut Finalise seating plan for reception Write place cards Practise walking around in your wedding shoes Have hen’s night and buck’s night

1 week before Task

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

Pick up your wedding dress and hang it in a safe place Wedding rehearsal (you may like to give the bridal party their gifts then) Pick up hire items, including groom’s and groomsmen’s attire Confirm honeymoon arrangements Pack for honeymoon Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned Pack an emergency kit for the day Final check on arrangements and plan for the day: • Who has the rings? • Have you paid entertainers etc ahead of time or do you need to take money? • Who is taking the gifts home after the wedding? • Who is dry-cleaning your dress the next day? • Who is returning the suits? • Make sure the bridal party are aware of their roles • Give a list of important contacts to a trusted family member or friend (can be the chief bridesmaid or the mother of the bride)

The day before Task

Relax and spend some quality time on your own! Present each other with gifts and remind each other why you love the other Give wedding bands to the best man and/or chief bridesmaid to hold during the ceremony

The big day Enjoy yourself!

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