Real Weddings

Inside this issue seven couples give you an insider's look to what made their day magical. From Auckland to Napier, Gordonton to Queenstown, these inspiring nuptials will set your imagination alight with incredible ideas to borrow and make your own.

Details

Create the vibe you want for your wedding by injecting your personality into your theme and venue. Discover how to transform a simple location into breathtaking effect and how to create atmosphere with trendy colour combinations. From sherbet fizz to modern melodrama use our styling tips and tricks to create the look you want.

Beauty

This issue’s coverage of what’s hot continues with a bridal beauty breakdown featuring hair and makeup tips from the best in the business. Makeup artist Amber Haldane targets blondes, brunettes and redheads; profiling both glamorous and natural looks with tips and tools for DIY divas. We keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to hair, turning our attention to the red carpet to spotlight on-trend celebrity hairstyles brides can make their own. Plus, how to assemble the ultimate beauty bag, and six steps to a guaranteed good hair day.

Fashion

Ever at the forefront of bridal fashion, our special trend report showcases new directions in dresses, shoes, accessories and more. There’s something for every bride, whatever her body shape and budget.
This issues' features tell tales of boho brides who like a bit of luxe, and mighty aphrodites marooned on distant shores. Leading designers pinpoint this season’s most-wanted and share the inspiration behind their creations in 'Centre Stage'. We visit Pacific Islands' Rarotonga with goddess-like gowns of gauzy fabric and a bit of glitz in 'Anchor Me', perfect for saying 'I do' on sand, or near the sea. And 'Forever By My Side' is a story of bridal and bridesmaid dresses etched in celestial shades and feminine forms.

Young gun Sera Lilly comes to the party from her boutique with insider tips on finding a gorgeous gown.

We've got bold bridesmaid frocks that demand attention and the prettiest pieces for flower girls – just add a pinch of fairy dust.

Grooms

This issue's grooms pages are stacked with latest styling sensations from suits to sexy accessories. Our fashion team sidesteps traditional black and white by inviting your groom to play with a palette of prints and intrepid extras in 'Into the Wild.' When it comes to the rest of your guy's get-up, the dashing's in the detail – look to our accessories and grooming pages for tips to help him on the road to his most handsome.

Regional Special

Brides with their heart set on marrying abroad will love ‘Swept Away’, a comprehensive guide to destination weddings. We reveal the secrets of four couples who married offshore and have helpful hints on how to make it happen – whether a couple’s California dreamin' or has hopes of saying ‘I do’ with soft sand between their toes.

Planning

We celebrate the twists on tradition taking the wedding world by storm – everything from the ceremony to the cake, for readers who want to make their event truly one of a kind.
‘Sum Total’ reveals how to hire a crew that fits the bill – brides will learn how to get the wedding they wish for without breaking the bank. We talk gift registries, stylish stationery and consult one of Auckland’s top florists to discover the power of petals in creating an incredible atmosphere. There’s a connubial countdown to help take the pressure out of the planning process. Plus, we raise the question of kids, providing answers for those who want to include little ones in their big day, and polite ways to leave them off the guest list if it’s an adult-only affair.

Travel

Turn to our travel section to uncover destinations where romantic tales are waiting to be written. Explore the sun-soaked shores of Rarotonga and the best islands the world has to offer – whether you plan to getaway overseas or a nearby escape. Dare to dream big by visiting on the East Cape – a heavenly honeymoon close to home.