More Kiwi couples forgoing drawn-out engagements

Spontaneous newlyweds Phil McGoldrick and Alison Aitken. Photo / Supplied

Long engagements are out as an increasing number of Kiwis say "I do" after three months or less.

Wedding planners report more couples racing up the aisle - and leaving jobs such as ordering flowers and even choosing dresses to the last minute.

"Where people used to take around 12 or 18 months to plan, we saw people plan a wedding in just two or three months last season," said Auckland planner Nicky Gomes-Luis.

"We have noticed how quickly people are getting married. Normally things for the wedding are booked two to three months in advance, but now some are requesting stuff just two or three weeks in advance."

Christchurch-based wedding planner Emma Newman has clients who want to plan a wedding in two months - but still gets those who need two years to plot their perfect day.

"I had several change the dates on me last year because they got up the duff," she said. "You usually get half being anal about it and taking two years and then the girls who want the perfect day and will pay for it to happen really quickly."

She said the optimum time is about 10 months, long enough to firm up details without second guessing yourself: "But I love the girls who want to do it within three months."

Sharon Watson, owner of Toi Toi floral boutique in Auckland's Herne Bay, said one client asked for flowers just two weeks before her wedding.

And like Newman, she prefers last-minute jobs.

"It's quick and easy and the flowers the bride wants are usually in season. We have a better idea of the prices at the time and we can often more easily supply what they want.

"We're finding that people getting engaged don't need to plan a year in advance.

"It comes down to their budget, where they just want whatever they can afford at the time and are happier to go with the flow."

Tracy Revera, co-owner of Auckland's City Cake Company, also prefers customers booking their dessert of choice close to the wedding.

She says there will always be those who book a long time in advance but she has noticed more people leaving it later to confirm a booking.

"I can only think it's because they are maybe holding off financially," she says.

Despite the last-minute bookings, picking a venue remains a top priority.

Jessica Haast, director of romance at Matakana's Ascension Vineyard, said most couples have to book popular venues a year out but she still gets a few late inquiries.

Gomes-Luis believes more couples are having quickie weddings because they realise the planning doesn't need to take a year.

"Most couples now will only hold off a wedding to save enough money ... or for seasonal reasons. It's fun doing it quickly."

Spontaneity seals the deal

When Phil McGoldrick and Alison Aitken got engaged last June, they didn't expect to have the rings on their fingers six months later.

Christchurch auctioneer Phil, 56, said he and Alison, 50, had been living together for 10 years before deciding to get hitched.

"I just said we should go ahead and get married, and then suddenly I thought, 'Now I've just got to organise it'."

Their first priority was booking their dream venue - the Terrace Downs Resort near Mt Hutt - which they wanted to pin down before Christmas.

The resort was not available until January 15, also Alison's 50th birthday.

So, with the help of wedding planner Emma Newman, the couple went ahead with a two-day wedding and birthday extravaganza, complete with 155 guests and two cakes.

"When we first got engaged we just said we were going to get married and we've got no idea when," said Phil. "But then we're both a bit spontaneous so we just thought, let's get on with it."

With Newman's help the couple arranged the venue, catering, furniture, wedding dress, cakes, makeup and a photographer before Christmas.

"We're both very, very busy people - Ali is a successful real estate consultant - and we just didn't have the time to go out and about and source things."

Other wedding trends

* Slashing the guestlist

Wedding planner Nicky Gomes-Luis said the average wedding used to have about 120 guests, but money-conscious couples are reducing numbers.

* Trade Me dresses

A decent wedding dress can be bought from the rack for about $700, but for those really tightening the purse-strings, Trade Me is popular.

* Quirky gifts

Many couples are asking guests to contribute to a big ticket item, such as a furniture. Honeymoon registries are popular for those who haven't budgeted for their post-wedding getaway.

* Eco-friendly weddings

Vicky Church, editor of The Fusion Group, which is behind today's Bride & Groom Show at Auckland's Ellerslie Racecourse, said climate change is at the front of people's minds - and wedding needs - from serving locally made food to sending invites by email.

* Keeping it fun

Church said guests are increasingly being included in the first dance, rather than having to watch the bride and groom in action. Many couples organise video kiosks and photo booths to keep guests entertained between the ceremony and reception.

rebecca.lewis@hos.co.nz