Hi, Donna here!
Today, I found myself contemplating elopement weddings and how the trend has evolved over the past 24 years of planning weddings.
In the past, churches and chapels used to be the go-to choice for couples eloping to New Zealand, but now that trend has reduced to approximately 1%.
Couples today are seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path locations with breathtaking backdrops of majestic mountains, secluded lakes, and boundless vistas for their elopement ceremonies.
A lot has changed in the wedding industry during my time. We’ve faced significant events like SARS, the Christchurch earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have impacted and temporarily halted wedding plans in New Zealand.
Despite facing challenges, I am unafraid of pushing boundaries, as evidenced by past experiences. One example is a UK couple who got married on a Waka (a Maori Canoe with the Warriors), which garnered attention both domestically and internationally.
Another achievement was overseeing a UK couple’s wedding on the large local Marae in Christchurch, a first for the International Wedding industry at the location. This event even made the news during Tony Blair’s election as PM for the UK.
I feel privileged to have been part of these groundbreaking moments. It’s immensely rewarding to witness the joy on couples’ faces as they exchange their vows in locations they once only dreamt of, turning their fantasies into reality. I consider myself fortunate and am grateful to every couple who has chosen to work with New Zealand Dream Weddings.
The trending destinations at the moment are Wanaka, Queenstown, and Lake Tekapo, and it’s not hard to see why.
New Zealand boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and these particular locations are becoming increasingly popular for elopements. Imagine exchanging vows after landing on a mountain via helicopter, or saying “I do” on a glacier or a beside stunning lake – the options are truly endless…
I absolutely love planning weddings and I can’t imagine myself not doing it. In the past, I used to do everything – from planning to being the assistant, the photographer, and even one of the witnesses. However, nowadays, I have an incredible crew that supports me, so my travelling has reduced significantly.
I personally put together the wedding day schedule that my amazing team follows to ensure everything runs smoothly for the couple. Even though I’m not physically present, I’m still involved and in the loop with every detail.
I have some exciting plans in the pipeline that involve international wedding destinations, but honestly, it’s going to be difficult to find a place that rivals my beloved New Zealand.
Happy wedding planning,
Donna xx