So You’re Engaged ~where do we start wedding planning?
Woohoooo!!! You’ve said “YES!” and you’re still floating on a cloud of champagne bubbles.
But after the initial celebration, most couples find themselves thinking… “Wait ~what do we do next?”
That’s where I come in! As a seasoned New Zealand Marriage Celebrant, Small Wedding Planner and Fairy Godmother of all things weddings, I’ve helped hundreds of couples breeze through their wedding journey with more fun, less expense and zero stress.
So, here it is. My best-kept wedding secrets every bride and groom should know (and most don’t until it’s too late).
💍 Secret #1 — Your Wedding Ceremony Sets the Entire Tone
One of the biggest wedding planning myths? That the ceremony is just the “formal bit.” Nope! It’s the beating heart of your entire day. It sets the tone, anchors your guests in your love story, and gives the whole celebration meaning.
🔥 Top Tip: Don’t leave picking your Celebrant ‘til last. In fact, I recommend making it one of your first 3 moves — alongside setting a date and choosing a venue.
👉 Not sure where to start? Download my free wedding guide on how to Pick Your Perfect Officiant is 5 easy steps ~it’s packed with practical questions and insider advice to help you find your ceremony soulmate.
💫 Secret #2 — Wedding Planning Shouldn’t Be Stressful (Yes, Really!)
Planning your wedding should feel exciting, not exhausting. And yet, so many couples find themselves overwhelmed because they’re trying to do everything on their own. Here’s the truth: You don’t have to.
✨ With the right support ~and a pro who’s been there, done that (me!) ~ you can enjoy a fuss-free wedding experience that still has all the style, meaning and magic.
From micro weddings to luxurious little elopements, there’s a small wedding solution for every couple ~ that doesn’t mean sacrificing the vibe you want or putting your life on hold til you save up for it.
💎 Secret #3 — It’s Not About Tradition, It’s About What’s Meaningful
Gone are the days of same-same weddings we still all over insta. Your day should reflect you. Whether that means exchanging vows barefoot on a beach, saying “I Do” in a candlelit vineyard, or dancing down the aisle to your favourite 90s jam ~do what feels right for your love story.
And remember ~you don’t need a 200 person guest list to have a legendary party. Some of the most intimate, unforgettable weddings I’ve been a part of had under 20 guests and more love than a season of Bridgerton.
🌟 Need More Insider Secrets?
You’ve got them, gorgeous! Head to my freebie page and grab “Wedding Secrets Every Bride and Groom Should Know” ~a juicy guide filled with even more fairy-godmother-approved tips, insider knowledge and my signature sprinkle of wedding magic.
💌 Feeling Lucky in Love?
Let’s plan a wedding that makes your heart race (for all the right reasons).
👉 Contact me to start your small wedding journey
Arohanui / much love
your Marriage Officiant + Small Wedding Planner
