The next big task will be to find the perfect venue for you. With so many options available you need to have a clear picture before you start your research. Having set down your date and budget you must imagine the setting. Will it be a a beach wedding, barefoot and casual with a BBQ or a 5 star meal with the guests in black tie? In New Zealand, the marquee in the beautiful garden is still very popular but can be hampered by wayward weather conditions. In a similar vein is the vineyard wedding, still in a beautiful setting but the vineyard usually has plenty of room to hold the wedding indoors if there are rain or wind issues. There are still many venues that specialise in weddings and other large events solely, so you have the comfort and reassurance that this has been many times before and all eventualities are covered. Hotels also offer beautiful weddings and they also have the added advantage of being able to accommodate many of your guests if needed. Whatever choice you make, it pays to ask for references or comments from other couples who have used the venue for a similar style of wedding to yours. Also you must develop a good relationship with your contact at the venue, it is important to be able to talk openly with this person and that they are able to offer you all the answers you need, they are organised and understand what you are wanting. However, the bride and groom should also be organised and understand that the venue will often have to focus on more than your wedding at any given time, so it is best if appointments are made (and kept) and questions and details kept to those times. Constant phoning with minute details will endear you to no-one! Again, comprehensive lists will work in everyone’s favour and keep things in order but you may need a system to track the updated versions also.
Wedding planners are becoming more popular in New Zealand but would be invaluable if you had decided to hold your wedding in a strange location, or if the venue did not offer their own catering or alcohol. These types of wedding need a lot of attention to detail and someone who was able to bring all these parts together would help create a truly original and memorable wedding while lessening the stress on you.