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Self confessed weddingaholic and creator of Paper & Lace, Jax, loves nothing more than hunting down the most beautiful and inspiring images, unique and talented vendors and the hottest wedding trends. She lives and breathes weddings and the details that make that big day so special. Paper & Lace is a beautifully curated space where brides-to-be and wedding lovers can get lost in a sea of inspiration. One of our favourite features of Paper & Lace is The Little White Book. The LWB is a comprehensive vendor directory that covers both New Zealand and international talents and is an invaluable resource for wedding planning. With wedding and engagement season in full swing, we decided to have a chat with Jax and get a little inside knowledge on what we need to know now.

What are your top 5 essential vendors for creating the perfect wedding day?
I would have to start with a great photographer! While you may not want to look at your wedding photos everyday of your life, I think it is important to find someone that is not only technically great but also friendly and easy to hang out with who will understand how to capture your day in a style that suits you as a couple. And it always pays to check what you will actually get at the end of the day. There are still photographers out there that will not give you digital images of your day, so if this is important to you then be sure to check first!

Also a great hair and makeup artist is key! Looking and more importantly feeling fantastic on your big day is not something to compromise on (especially when you have invested money in a great photographer). I ALWAYS recommend that brides-to-be get trials with both a hair and makeup artist before the big day (trust me, I learnt this the hard way) as you might just find the look you had in mind doesn’t actually rock your world like you thought it would, and if you have left it to the last minute to think of something new you might end up disappointed and very stressed out!

With the last two essential vendors, it really comes down to what is a priority to you as a couple. If you are big foodies then I would focus on finding a great caterer,  if you are short of time for planning then hire a wedding planner, if flowers and styling is important to you then hire a floral stylist who also hires out props and can take care of the ceremony and reception styling for you. Invest in the vendors that are aligned with your priorities and you can’t go wrong!

Which vendors should you book first to avoid missing out on your first preference?
The photographer for sure (especially if you have a favourite in mind). Many couples don’t realise that some photographers can be booked a season ahead (or may be booked on your preferred date already) so it pays to get organized early. If you have a particular venue in mind I would also contact them as soon as possible to avoid missing out. Again, book those vendors that are most important to you earlier than the rest to avoid disappointment.

Do you recommend using a wedding planner?
I do! I think we have a warped view of wedding planning thanks to Hollywood movies where people run around with giant headpieces for celebrities and the rich only. A wedding planner/stylist is actually much more affordable than you think, and in many cases the money you will save (they can often get great deals from other suppliers)  will cover the cost of their service, not to mention the amount of time and stress they save you.

If you are organizing a wedding from overseas, heading overseas to get married or simply getting married out of the region you live in then have a planner or stylist is a fantastic idea. You will find that most planners/stylist offer a range of packages from a simple consultation to help you with planning, on the day management only, setup and styling, through to the full service.

What qualities should you consider when selecting a vendor? Recommendations from other industry vendors your love or family/ friends are always great, but as every couple is different it is important to find someone who YOU feel comfortable with. If you are ever made to feel like you are a hassle from the beginning then RUN as while you are not the first person to get married in the world, a great vendor will still be enthusiastic and excited for you and your day. Check out their website and social media accounts for examples of their work, as this will give you an idea of whether they could be a good fit for you, without actually taking time off work to meet lots of different vendors.

Which wedding day trends are you loving right now?
Oooooh that is a tough one! I am loving that weddings are becoming more mobile with an increasing amount of companies catering for weddings in untraditional locations. From ‘glamping’ companies that can set up accommodation and a reception tent for you and a bunch of guests in the middle of nowhere (they will even provide generators!) to mobile food and drinks trucks and caravans that can practically serve your guests anywhere. We have so many great spots in New Zealand that are perfect for a party, you just need to think outside the box when it comes to making it happen.

In your opinion, what is the key to making a wedding day truly special and unique to each couple?
I think that making a day truly special comes down to remembering why you are getting married in the first place. Take time out with your significant other on the day to celebrate your marriage, even if it means sneaking away from the guests for 30 minutes and just hanging out with each other. Sometimes a couple can get so wrapped up in the logistics of the day that they forget to take a moment to reflect on their journey as a couple so far, and what exciting things lay ahead.

A unique wedding is all about sharing a day with your loved one, friends and family that expresses your personalities and showcases what is important to you both individually and together. If you have any particular hobbies or interests that can be integrated into the day then go for it! If you are both farmers and are passionate about animals and the rural lifestyle, then decorate an old barn, get in a food truck or spit-roast, get out the hay bales and include some animal touches in your day in the way of decoration. If you are chalk and cheese in the life department, try find ways to have a little of both worlds!

Visit Paper & Lace here.

All Images taken from Paper & Lace.