Wedding dress designer Jules Bly. 12 May 2015 Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by Andrew Warner. BTG 16May15 - Wedding dress designer Jules Bly. PHOTOS/ANDREW WARNER BTG 16May15 -
Wedding dress designer Jules Bly. 12 May 2015 Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by Andrew Warner. BTG 16May15 - Wedding dress designer Jules Bly. PHOTOS/ANDREW WARNER BTG 16May15 -
The Bay wedding industry is booming, with operators taking inquiries from brides for weddings several years away.
"It's been a mad wedding season," says owner of Lemongrass catering Belinda Lombard, who recently took a bridal inquiry for 2018.
Steve and Jackie Brown from Bay of Plenty Weddings also have bookings up until 2018, with Jackie as celebrant and Steve as photographer.
Says Steve Brown: "The bookings for photographers normally take place 12-18 months ahead, but that being said we are taking inquires for 2018."
Wedding photographer Katie Horrocks agrees that photography should be early in the planning stage, and notes the growing trend in the Bay for brides to enlist a stylist to help them decide on the theme of the day. "Vintage with bunting and old suitcases is not the rage any more. Some of our brides are really investing in their day to be styled."
Rochelle, wedding planner. 14 May 2015 Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by George Novak
Organiser of The Tauranga Wedding Show 2015, Rochelle Free says that many brides like to plan the big day in one day at such shows.
"Planning your wedding should be fun not stressful. A good way to get organised, and have some fun, in preparation for your big day is attending The Tauranga Wedding Show. You could potentially plan your entire wedding in one day."
This year's event, on Sunday, May 24, will showcase professionals from all aspects of the wedding industry. This includes florists, car hire, music, celebrants, holidays, bridal wear and fashion, jewellery, photography, caterers and more. Free says this year, there's even a party bus on display outside that can be hired for potential hen or stag dos. Local travel agent Harvey World Travel Bayfair will have an area dedicated to overseas weddings. indulge asked some locals involved in The Wedding Show what trends we can expect in Bay weddings in 2015/16.
With the venue and food sorted and the photographer booked, brides can focus on surely the most fun part of wedding planning: the dress.
indulge asked two Bay wedding dress experts - Jules Bly of Exquisite Couture and Deidre Rowe, design director at Jopanni Bridal - what trends we can expect for the next wedding season.
The mermaid shape is making a comeback. Dress by Oscar de la Renta Bridal Spring 2016 collection. Photo AP
"There is a revival of the 90s look, so the mermaid gown is popular - figure-hugging to the knee and full skirt below the knee," says Bly.
"Trains are more dramatic in length. But the mermaid is not suitable for all figure types. Gowns with an empire line are more flattering on most."
Rowe says a new trend in bridal wear is white bridal pantsuits. For dresses, Rowe says brides are going for long sleeves. Nude and skin coloured linings are popular. Plunging necklines are back, as are tulle overlay skirts.
Bly thinks vintage has had its day.
"The trend is more modern gowns, simple silhouettes, longer trains. This ties in with more modern table settings and invitations."
However, Rowe says some brides are still going for the looks of yesteryear: "Fifties styles, Great Gatsby styles, boho styles."
Bly says lace is still a predominate feature on gowns, "however heavier guipure lace, rather than the soft vintage look. Metallic threads among the lace, especially gold thread, is strong."
Rowe says many brides still choose the lace look. "A girl's wedding day is the best day of a girl's life to wear lace. Lace is still very big in bridal."
Like Bly, Rowe agrees that brides are exploring different looks in lace. "Delicate chantilly lace is the new lace of choice. Three dimensional textured laces are also becoming popular, as is beaded lace which gives you that Great Gatsby feel."
Next wedding season expect to see more dresses that show off backs. Dress by Oscar de la Renta. Photo/AP
This season, open-backed dresses have been huge and this is set to continue, says Bly.
"The back of the gown is as important as the front. Everyone is going to be looking at the back of the bride for the first 30 minutes. Plunging backs or illusion backs are very in right now."
Rowe agrees there is a lot of emphasis on the back of the dress. "The upper back of the dress has become a place where lace and sheer can create a picture."
As for colour, Bly says that while ivory is still the most popular, some brides are going for soft blue over white or soft blush pink with gold.
Rowe says brides still love the blush hues, golds and the new light shade of "something blue".
As for bridesmaids, Bly says that jewel colours are moving pastels out.
"Magenta is huge. Navy is strong; also popular in men's suits."
Rowe agrees navy is the new black for bridesmaids, but is also seeing more white-on-white weddings, where the whole bridal party wear white.
For the mums ... there is no longer a stereotypical "mother of the bride" look, says Rowe. As long as the colour complements wedding photos she can wear labels like Karen Walker or Augustine and Moochi.
"Mother of the bride fashion has moved away from the blush taupe suit of long ago into a more dressy smart casual, incorporating many of New Zealand's top fashion labels to create the look for the day."
The Tauranga Wedding Show ASB Baypark May 24, 10am - 4pm Cost $10 Offering all the professionals from the wedding industry.
Harvey World Travel Bayfair will have an area dedicated to overseas weddings. There will be competitions, special deals, gifts and discounts at the show. The main competition is run by The Hits radio station "Make Your Big Day Bigger". People can enter the draw (via catching a bouquet) to go in to win $14,000 of various prizes donated by exhibitors. Another competition is winning a party worth $4000
