Thousands vote for a people's wedding award

A mix of well-established and new businesses have been named finalists in the Wedding Industry Awards - with hot competition to be named the "people's choice".

Most finalists of the Wedding Industry Awards were named this week and organiser Peter Duncan said they represented some of the best wedding-related businesses around the region.

He said finalists were a good mix from across the Rotorua, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau areas.

The "people's choice", awarded to the business with the most votes up until the end of Wednesday had almost 3700 votes.

Mr Duncan said the icon award, which celebrates love and longevity would go to a local couple who had been married at least 50 years.

The awards ceremony is on Friday night.

The finalists are:

Outstanding Wedding Reception Venue: Huka Falls Resort (Taupo); Peppers on the Point Lodge (Rotorua); L'Orangerie (Tauranga); VR Rotorua Lake Resort.

Outstanding Wedding Ceremony Venue: Huka Falls Resort (Taupo); L'Orangerie (Tauranga); VR Rotorua Lake Resort; Rotorua Lakes Council.

Outstanding Caterer: Lemongrass Catering (Tauranga); Classic Cuisine (Tauranga); The Original Spitroast Company (Hamilton).

Outstanding Photographer: Lewis Photography; Grace Jones Photography; Bay of Plenty Weddings - Steve Brown; Brooke Baker (Hamilton); Photo Visual Works (Hamilton).

Outstanding Videographer/cinematographer: Sugar & Splice (Tauranga); InTheFrame (Rotorua); Christa Elizabeth Photography & Videography (Rotorua); Shine Wedding Films (Tauranga).

Outstanding Florist: Rotorua Florist (Pamela Jenkins) - Rotorua; Floristry in Flax (Tauranga); Bloom Art (Rotorua).

Outstanding Celebrant: Christine Grant (Tauranga); Jackie Brown, Bay of Plenty Weddings (Tauranga); The Wedding Angel (Taupo); Donna Inch (Taupo); Jude Vachre (Tauranga); Kylie McKay (Hamilton).

Outstanding Bridal House: Vanilla Bridal (Tauranga); Bridal Gallery (Hamilton); Astra Bridal (Hamilton).

Outstanding Hair Stylist: Copperhead Hair & Beauty (Rotorua); Salon One, The Cove; Crme Brulee Hair & Beauty (Taupo); Zhoosh U (Rotorua).

Outstanding Make-up Artist: Abbie Hartland Make-up Artist (Cambridge); The Final Touch Make-up Artistry (Rotorua); Chrissie Callard (Tauranga); A Beautiful Education (Tauranga); Copperhead Hair & Beauty (Rotorua).

Outstanding Beverage: LK Rotorua; Bird Wines (Mt Maunganui).

Outstanding Transport: Xquizit Limousines & Tours (Rotorua); NZ Classic Cruisers (Hamilton); Hudson Hire (Hamilton); Bloke With a Bus (Rotorua).

Outstanding Hire and Theming: Event Rent (Taupo); Mad Hatters Event Management (Rotorua); Andy's Marquee and Party Hire (Taupo); Luna Vintage Prop & Party Hire (Rotorua).

Outstanding Wedding Entertainment: Icefire Band (Tauranga); Groove DJs (Tauranga); Absolute DJs (Rotorua); Addictive DJs (Tauranga); Five O'Clock Shadow band (Tauranga); Photobooth Fever (Rotorua).

Outstanding Cake Artists: Sugar Tiers (Rotorua); Yummy Cakes (Hamilton).

Outstanding Grooms Attire: Frank Casey (Tauranga); Dorset Suit Hire (Hamilton).