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Timeline yourself out of wedding stress

October 2, 2017 / Kineta

Spring is here so wedding season has arrived!

As a celebrant, what I’m hearing most from my couples is how they’re feeling overwhelmed with everything they have to do.

My biggest advice: write yourself a timeline. My best tip: work backwards.

Timelines seem logical but you’ve got to actually start one for it to be helpful. The procrastination in starting one is where on earth to start, and that’s why it’s best to start backwards, at the bottom of your Excel spreadsheet.

For example, if there are things that need to be dropped off in the days following your wedding, such as props or glasses you’ve hired, they go at the end, then you work yourself up the document to today.

Consider things such as:

The time you have to leave the reception by?
How you’re getting to your accommodation from the reception
What time is transport arriving to take guests home?
When is the band booked to play until?
When are last drinks being served?
What time would you like the first dance?
When will you cut the cake?
What time do you want the speeches to start, and who’s speaking in which order?
What time is the dinner served?
What time do you want the guests seated by?
How long will you be away taking photos?
When do drinks and canapes get served?

The above list is an example of working backwards. Once you spend a good couple of hours doing this, you’ll work up the Excel spreadsheet to the present day. This will save you a lot of time in overthinking so you can spend more time looking forward to your big day!

Written by Kineta Booker

What’s in a vow?

September 27, 2017 / Kineta

Public speaking is one of life’s biggest fears, so it’s no wonder many couples feel anxious when considering their wedding vows.

They’re a significant part of the ceremony. It’s often the only time the couple speaks to each other (other than the “I do’s”) during the formal part of the wedding.

Much of the anxiety comes from not knowing what to say to each other. Here are some tips:

The legal part: “I take you to be my husband…”
What your partner means to you
How your partner makes you feel
Some humour – if that’s your style
Your favourite quote to wrap it all up

Many celebrants will aid you in writing your vows, or even offer a list of suggestions to take inspiration from. Remember, your celebrant is there to guide you, so don’t be shy in asking for help.

If you’re still feeling nervous about public speaking, embrace it. It’s going to be one of the best days of your life, and many of us do it only once.

If you find that the “embrace” part still doesn’t help, consider this: you’re speaking directly to your mate, no one else. Feel excited that they’ll finally hear the words you’ve pondered over and written just for them.

Written by Kineta Booker

Favourite products and services

August 17, 2017 / Kineta

Look wedding day perfect everyday

For those of us not born as flawless Greek gods or goddesses a little bit of prep might have to go into looking your absolute stunning best on your wedding day.

Heck, I remember my own husband getting a spray tan for our wedding – and it ended up being one of the funniest stories at the reception – thanks to his best man who’d discovered his secret.

But I say embrace the season. It’s your time to shine!

With the number of weddings I officiate each season, I always have to look like I haven’t just rocked up straight out of the shower. I, too, like to look my best at your wedding.

Here are some of my favourite products and services to look wedding day perfect everyday.

PRODUCTS

Beautifully bright wedding pearly whites!

I’ve had so many of my couples and friends try this whitening toothpaste and I’ve already seen some awesome results! It’s the secret to my confident smile.

It’s a whitening fluoride toothpaste which is selling out around the world. Here are the facts:
No peroxide or harsh abrasives
Protects enamel
Reduces plaque
Quickly removes red wine, coffee & nicotine stains
Safe for the whole family (two years plus)
Lovely MILD vanilla/mint flavour

Flick me a message if you’d like to give the toothpaste a go! [email protected]

Luscious lashes!

How would you like gorgeous lashes, curled and lengthened by just using your mascara?
– No oils
– It’s water-based for sensitive eyes
– Perfect for eyelash extensions
– No fibres!

From the same people who brought us the whitening toothpaste. Let me know if you’d like to try some! [email protected]

Get a natural-looking Eco Tan

What I love most about this product is that you apply it just like toner with just your hands to a clean face.

It feels like water and you basically can’t get the tanning process wrong. I wear this on my face, neck and décolletage.

Eco Face Tan Water makes your skin look so lovely and even that you can go without foundation – perfect for when you’re on honeymoon! But it’s also a great base for your wedding day beauty regime.

Use Google to find the best price for it, but I found THIS one to be cheapest at time of writing this.

Don’t forget sunscreen!

In all honesty, it makes my eyes roll every time I read people’s beauty tips ‘to always wear sunscreen’ – cos I hate* the stuff!

That was until I met Image Daily Ultra Sheer Spray SPF 45+. It’s an ultra-sheer, lightweight moisturising spray!

The reason I loathed sunscreen was because it was thick, gunky, hurt my sensitive skin, I couldn’t put make-up on because it wouldn’t sit on top of it etc etc.

Most of my weddings are outside so sunblock is actually one of the most important things in my celebrant’s beauty kit.

The only place I could find who stocks it in Christchurch actually turned out to be one of my most favourite places around – Making Faces (see eyebrows post below).

*Yes, hate is a strong word, but I’m sure you know what I mean now.

Wipe your makeup away with just water!

Throw away those horrendous makeup wipes you bought at the supermarket, unless they have ingredients you know and recognise in them.

Norwex makeup wipes are all you need! Just use water!

The company is changing the way of living by offering chemical-free products and cloths.

Those who have met me (and also by reading above) you’ll know I like to wear makeup… Quite a bit of makeup… And this is exactly how I take it off each day – with a damp Norwex cloth! No cleanser, just water! My skin has never looked or felt this good! (The cloths also come with a two-year warrantee!)

Flick me a message if you’d like to know more! [email protected]

SERVICES

My biggest secret… shhhh!

OK, so I talk about how my whitening toothpaste is the secret to my confident smile, but do you want to know my biggest secret? My eyebrows!

I was blessed with mediocre brows growing up but thanks to Making Faces in Ferrymead, I’ve now been blessed with amazing brows!

Great brows frame the face beautifully. Micropigmentation is applied by Pip at Making Faces to form the perfect brow for your face shape.

My first appointment was in March 2016, and there’s never been a day that I’ve regretted getting it done. I expect to need a top up every 2-5 years.

Perfect for your wedding day! Just make sure you book in well in advance. They’re a very popular place.

Perfect hair every time

I first met Stewart Corkin when I presented a daily show on CTV. Out of the plethora of choice we have in Christchurch, he was my chosen and preferred stylist, and was so happy that he could do my wedding hair, too.

Having a great relationship with the person who performs magic on your hair on your wedding day is so important because, frankly, it’s a nerve-wracking time.

Stewart handled my dramatics with ease… probably with a glass of bubbly and a goss.

Get yourself a Stewart Corkin, or maybe even contact the man himself at Corkin + Friends. Tell him I sent you x

The most beautiful eyes!

I don’t know how she does it, but Fiona Maguire knows how to master perfect eyes. And flawless skin.

So, she was an obvious choice for my wedding day.

Fiona, too, was someone I worked with while on CTV, so I knew her and her craft well. She’s an absolute stunner!

Email me and I’ll put you in touch with her – [email protected]

Lucky wedding traditions around the world

August 15, 2017 / Kineta

Lucky wedding traditions around the world

By Kineta Booker

If there’s one thing Hollywood has taught us, smashing plates at a Greek wedding is tradition. But what about the rest of the world?

The team at 888Poker has pulled together a list of 21 lucky traditions which include broom jumping, bell breaking, and running away. Wedding entertainment can often make the big day truly special, so it’s worth giving a lot of thought to if you’re planning a wedding of your own. Making sure you have a reliable fort collins wedding dj is one way to ensure that the entertainment is up to scratch.

Let’s start close to home. In Australia, some couples opt for the Unity Bowl. Each member of the bride and groom’s families are given a coloured stone which is unique to them. During the ceremony they each place the stone in a bowl which is then displayed at the couple’s home, symbolising how the families have coloured the couple’s life, and to remind the newlyweds of their families.

Some other traditions include:

Did you know that in Kenya the father of the bride spits on her head and chest to bring good luck to the bride
In an African-American wedding, the bride and groom jump over a broom at the end of the ceremony. Whoever jumps the highest is the decision maker in the household
Following a wedding in the Philippines, the couple release two white doves – symbolising a loving and successful marriage
The groom’s mother in Guatemala breaks a white ceramic bell filled with grains when the couple arrives, symbolising a prosperous marriage
A bell is also used in the Irish culture. It is rung after reciting the vows. The chime is said to ward off evil spirits
In the Korean culture, carved, wooden ducks or geese are thrown at the bride by her mother-in-law. If she catches one she will have a boy. If she doesn’t she will have a girl
Imagine running away during your wedding reception. That’s exactly what couples do in Venezuela. It’s good luck if they make it away without getting caught, and also good luck for anyone at the reception who realises they’re missing
Baumstamm Sägen is a wood-cutting ritual in Germany. The couple cut a piece of wood with a two-handled saw, symbolising the first obstacle they’ll get through as a married couple
In Japan, the couple, along with their parents, take part in a sake-sharing ceremony. They each take three sips from three cups. This formalises the bond between the families
Joota Chupai is a wedding tradition in India. The eldest unmarried girls from the bride’s family steal the groom’s shoes while his family try to get them back, usually through ransom. No one knows why they do this but it’s fun and gets everyone involved

Surprisingly, New Zealand has been missed from the research which means that we can start our own traditions. It’s more fun and creative that way!

Choosing the right celebrant

July 24, 2017 / Kineta

Dressing beautifully, spending precious time with your family and friends, drinking champagne, and laughing and enjoying your day away is exactly what you should look forward to at your wedding. But don’t forget to make it legal! Book a celebrant.

If you think it’s a bit of a drag meeting lots of celebrants to find the right fit for you, here’s a couple of tips to see who could make a short list before you even start approaching people.

Check out their website. What’s it like? Is it engaging? Informative? Do they have a calendar? Are they available on your wedding date?
Check their Facebook. Do they sound and look interesting? What’s their feedback like? How do they communicate and talk with others on their Facebook page?
Are they a member of CANZ (Celebrants Association of New Zealand)? You should find this information on their website, if not, look them up on www.celebrantsassociation.co.nz. It’s not mandatory for a celebrant to be a member but it’s a professional group and they support celebrants to deliver high-quality services

By finding out a little bit about each celebrant on their website and Facebook page, it gives you insight into what they’re like rather than just a name on a computer screen.

Once you’ve set a time to meet here are some things to think about:

Do you like them? Do they seem caring and kind? Obvious questions but you’ve got to like them cos they’ll be there when you’re most vulnerable – standing in front of many people, speaking your vows and saying “I do”
Are they warm and friendly? It’s not just you and your bridal party that will spend time with them, it’s your families and your guests too before you arrive
Are they enthusiastic and listen to what you want? If they don’t think your idea will work, they’re not right for you. It is your day, and a good celebrant will want you to fulfill your dream of 100 kittens walking you down the aisle
What do they charge, and what do they offer as part of their fee? Is it within your budget? Maybe it’s $50 or $100 more than you’d hoped, but my advice is go for them if they’re your perfect match.

Sure, it’s like a job interview or an awkward first date, but if they’re the right celebrant fit for you, don’t be shy in telling them at the meeting. You wouldn’t want the good one snapped up by another couple who loves them the very next day.

Weddings needn’t take long to plan

May 18, 2017 / Kineta

There are lots of things to consider for your wedding but it need not take long to plan, writes Christchurch marriage celebrant Kineta Booker.

So, you just got engaged at the top of Conical Hill, and you’re very happily walking back down to the Hanmer village, hand-in-hand with your brand new fiancé, admiring your sparkling new diamond, whilst planning your whole wedding in your head, when he turns to you and says “You know we don’t have to get married right away, eh?”

Not how it went for you? Oh, maybe that was just me.

So, I ignored him and six months later we were married.

I know what you’re thinking, isn’t “obey” in wedding vows. Not ours.

And, besides, he wasn’t my husband at that point.

Six months to plan a wedding? Yes, it can definitely be done.

Chat with your partner about what their vision is. Discuss budget, number of guests, anything they specifically want to include
Get yourself in front of a computer. Open a new document – this is where you’ll download all your ideas onto. This can be anything from flowers to dresses (for wedding dress inspiration you can start here) and everything in between! Delete what you don’t need as you go along. You don’t want the file to become crowded with old ideas
On Facebook there are some great groups for engaged couples. It’s a community of people with a big thing in common – weddings! They’re either recent brides or brides-to-be. Check out Wedding Discussion Group – New Zealand, and Christchurch Brides NZ Ideas, Advice & Support
Pinterest is a good place to find themes and get great ideas, but beware – you may come away with too many. Find what you’re looking for and get out
Venues: What are you looking for? BYO option?
Photographers: Do you like their work? Fit your budget? Make sure you spend plenty of time researching photographers as you want the perfect fit for your wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of their work. Some photographers will have an online gallery you can check out. For example, olgatopchii.com has various galleries for different events, making it easy for you to do your research.
Celebrants: Are they available? Do you click?

Once you have all the main things organised, everything else will fall into place quickly. And the ideas shared on brides’ online forums, in real time, makes organising a wedding in a shorter time frame easy to do with like-minded cheerleaders doing the same thing.

Know your theme

May 8, 2017 / Kineta

When it comes to planning your wedding day, knowing where to start is often the hardest part, writes Kineta Booker.

Some people grow up knowing exactly what they want on their big day, changing things in their minds along the way as trends and fashion change.

But what if ideas don’t come flowing as you thought they might? These tips might be a good starting place for you:

What do you want from your wedding? Do you want it to be a simple, elegant affair? Less than 80 guests? More than 150? Know exactly what you want.
What is your budget? $2000? $10,000? More?
What is your theme? Will you go with a current trend? Will you forget the latest trends and throw a superhero-themed wedding? Know which theme you want, then everything else seems to slot into place.
Where will it be? A local chapel with the reception in the church hall? A beautiful garden? Perhaps a destination wedding?
Who is coming? This is a big deal. You don’t want to accidentally leave anyone that matters off the list. It’s happened before and you don’t want to be the one that creates hurt and awkwardness among friends and family.
Who’s catering? Which photographer will you choose? What music will you walk up the aisle to, and dance your first dance to? Who’s in your wedding party? Who is doing your makeup? What will you wear? What will everyone else wear?

There are literally a hundred questions to ask, but only one to focus on for now: what is your theme?

When designing your wedding, as that’s exactly what you’re doing, having a theme is the first thing you want to do. Know your theme. Start with a blank Word document and type out everything that comes to mind. Do some research. If you want to go with a current trend Pinterest is always going to be a great starting place. It can either be your best friend or give you an overwhelming sense of confusion and dread.

Recent bride Lily Simons says ‘boho’ is trending at the moment – “big floral arrangements are everywhere, floral crowns, and boho dresses that only Victoria’s Secret models can wear.”

Simons loves the leafy green look with flowers hanging as far as the eye can see but feels this look may date. She believes “looking like a fairy on your wedding day is devine: I would have loved to incorporate this but it didn’t suit my natural state as a person. I am vintage and I love bringing old with new.”

Rather than go for the current boho trend, Simons went for ‘rustic carnivals’. “People say [this] has been done but I feel it had classic, simple elements. My dress lace was made to look older – more ‘Gatsby classic’ with a jewelled head piece for a ‘classic romantic’. I had a champagne lace which is also very current but I added my own twists of awesome.”

Her advice is “do what you know and love! Think about your images 20 years from now. Not about what Pinterest or Vogue Weddings are telling you to do. Just do you!”

Destination-wedding bride Jess Williams sees the current trends as anything DIY, photobooths, vintage, pastel colours and natural materials.

Williams says she got carried away with wanting to incorporate things into her wedding but it wasn’t practical taking it over in her luggage, so instead of going with a current trend she ended up as ‘Fiji’ being her theme.

She encourages other brides to “keep to your own style and what suits you. It’s easy to try and keep up with everyone else. Pinterest can sometimes be your enemy and get overwhelming and then you have too many ideas. Keep it simple and have a few special things. Stick to budget.” Williams says it’s easy to stray, so recommends checking out cheaper department stores, op shops and fairs to keep costs down, as well as looking at sites to book wedding bands Kent based just as one example.

Doing research and not being afraid to ask the silly questions, is also important, she says. “It will put your ‘bridezilla’ mind at ease in regard to destination weddings. Williams found joining a Facebook page for Fiji brides was helpful at finding all the information she needed – from nail colours to filling out wedding applications. If Fiji is the main theme throughout the wedding, the honeymoon could be had at a luxury five-star fiji resort on a beautiful exotic island, that the couple will love and enjoy as their own private area.

Williams’ final piece of advice – don’t sweat the small stuff: “On the day I didn’t even notice the small things you spent so much time worrying about.”

Kineta Booker – Christchurch Celebrant at Great NZ Bridal Show

April 3, 2017 / Kineta

If you’re planning a wedding and looking for some fabulous inspiration for your big day, grab a friend or your partner and head to the Great NZ Bridal Show.

And if you’re still yet to book your marriage celebrant, stop by my stand because I’ve got some wee treats I’d love to share with you.

‘Print on Wood’ by Printville

This is my favourite one: everyone who books with me before the end of April, will go in the draw for an original hand-made ‘Print on Wood’ from Printville. The talented Danny Knight-Baré will handcraft your favourite photo onto wood, which is a unique and fresh way to showcase the best moments of your life. It’s an alternative to traditional canvas and framed prints, made by hand here in Christchurch.

Find out more about them at www.printville.co.nz

See you Sunday at Addington Events Centre – 9am-3.30pm.

‘Print on Wood’ by Printville

WIN – with NZ Opera’s The Mikado

February 27, 2017 / Kineta

W I N !!

Imagine having to marry someone you didn’t love so you fled your hometown to escape the nuptials only to meet the love of your life!!

That’s the story of The Mikado – which opens next Tuesday at the Isaac Theatre Royal. And here’s a rare opportunity to WIN a double pass to New Zealand Opera‘s production!

The Mikado, New Zealand Opera, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, February 12, 2017.Photo: David Rowland / One-Image.com

All you need to do is:
– LIKE Kineta Booker – Christchurch Celebrant page
– LIKE New Zealand Opera page
– Tag someone on my celebrant page who you’d like to take! (You can tag as many people as you like. Just give each person a new comment)

The draw will take place 10am this Friday (4 March) by a random number generator. You can book your tickets here. GOOD LUCK! xo

www.kinetabooker.com

And the Valentine’s Day winner is…

February 19, 2017 / Kineta

And the winner of my ‘Love is love is LOVE’ this Valentine’s Day competition, for the double pass to Showbiz Christchurch‘s Priscilla Queen of the Desert AND some delicious fudge from Mary Gray Confections Ltd is…..

Sarah Keenan !!

Congratulations Sarah! Flick me a message so I can get these awesome prizes to you!

Thanks so much for the 161 votes we had!

Priscilla opens at the Isaac Theatre Royal on Friday March 24. Find more information: http://isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/…/priscilla-queen-of-the-de…/

Kineta Booker

Page 4 of 6

Timeline yourself out of wedding stress

What’s in a vow?