resource kit for lovers

Open notebook with handwritten notes and a fountain pen resting on it.

VOW KIT - WHERE TO START

You know that you love your partner but how often do we declare exactly how much - and in the front of our nearest and dearest? Here’s a good place to get you started. And don’t forget, I’m only ever an email away if you want to bounce ideas around!

Vow kit
A black and white image of a woman holding a microphone and paper, speaking outdoors, with three women in matching dresses holding flowers, standing to her right, and additional guests partially visible in the foreground.

READINGS & BLESSINGS

Inviting special friends or VIP guests (hello Nana!) to read a special poem or blessing is a wonderful way to acknowledge them in your ceremony.

Here are a selection of readings I personally love.

Readings and blessings
A musician playing guitar and a singer performing on stage in a dimly lit venue. The scene is in black and white, with string lights in the background. The man is focused on the guitar, while the woman sings into a microphone. A music stand with sheets is visible.

SONGS TO WALK DOWN THE AISLE

Here are a few songs I’ve heard that sound lovely - although choose what you like!

Spotify playlist by Wed By Fi

REHEARSAL GUIDE - WHAT TO EXPECT

An outline on what to expect when we go through your rehearsal (or what to do if I can’t be there)

Rehearsal guide
Person holding a cup of coffee with latte art

WANAKA DINING GUIDE / AND OTHER LOCAL FAVOURITES

Don’t get caught out without locals’ recommendations for your time in Wanaka.

Locals' guide to Wanaka
Black and white photo of a couple walking hand in hand across a grassy hillside with mountains in the background.

FAQs

  • Groom can be there 5 minutes before you’ve asked guests to arrive (assuming the ceremony is all set up and you don’t need the manpower from Groomsmen), and the bride should arrive on time. E.g. if the ceremony starts at 1pm, PLEASE ARRIVE 1PM.If you’re going to be late, please let me know because it gets awkward pretty quick.

  • BEFORE: I get it, it’s a celebration and you want to celebrate as you get ready. I recommend no more than two drinks for the couple throughout the day prior to your ceremony. You don’t want to stumble down the aisle, or slur your vows! Staying sober and fully present is a another way of conveying the respect your partner on the other end of the aisle will receive.

    DURING: There’s nothing worse than guests looking for a top up from your wait staff, or needing to nip off to the loo during the main event. I am a strong advocate that guests wait until after the ceremony to indulge in a drink.

    AFTER: it’s lovely if there’s some bubbles on hand for guests (and yourselves!) to enjoy after the formalities are done. If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, this is usually quite seamless. However, if your guests need to travel to the next venue for your reception, I recommend limiting this champagne hour to just that - one hour.

  • A good thing to do is agree on an approximate word count and let each other know the tone you’re going for. If I receive your vows and they’re on completely different pages, I will let you know privately so you can work on them before submitting again.

  • I’ll do my absolute best, please let me know in advance and we can agree on some strategies.

  • Yep, if it’s just the two of you, the new date is within the three months of your marriage licence, your other vendors are on board and I have availability, we can try to work something out.

    For $100 I will block out an additional date for exclusive use - subject to availability.

  • I got married in the rain. I would have married my husband in the snow, in the hail, in the wind, or in the sunshine. I literally just wanted to be his wife, and he be my husband.

    Plus our local photographers are EPIC when it comes to our local weather and they know all the best places.

    My top tip: don’t let the rain rain on your parade.

  • Basically you don’t have to do anything! More information here: ttps://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/changing-your-name-when-you-get-married/