Lakeside Baches Eyed Up As ‘Bridechilla’ Trend Hits NZ

Lakeside Baches Eyed Up As ‘Bridechilla’ Trend Hits New Zealand

ROTORUA, Thursday 26th September 2013: A new generation of brides is emerging - Bridechilla’s - and in true chilled out style, they are moving away from traditional wedding venues in search of something more unique and affordable. The quintessential Kiwi bach has become the new ‘it’ venue.

In a recent report by Grazia magazine, a ‘Bridechilla’ is defined as the opposite of the ‘Bridezilla’ and brides that fall into this group are known to be relaxed and level-headed brides who are focused on a stress-free and debt-free big day. This new breed of bride is more interested in an intimate, out of the limelight approach rather than the more full-on traditional wedding celebrations.

More and more Kiwi brides are favouring bach locations that can accommodate the bride and groom, allow them to spend more time with their guests, have photos taken nearby and host a breakfast or barbecue the following day.

This has been especially noticed by accommodation website Bookabach, that says lots of wedding enquiries are coming through for holiday homes of all shapes and sizes – everything from rustic cottages to million dollar lakeside homes.

“Most Kiwis have fond memories of special times spent at baches with family and friends,” says Bookabach New Zealand spokesperson Gavin Lloyd. “There’s a desire to return to those roots and re-visit favourite holiday spots to help celebrate one of the most important days in any couple’s life.”

Lloyd says lakeside holiday homes in Rotorua, for example, are attracting unprecedented attention from brides-to-be as an alternative wedding or honeymoon choice.

“The Love Shack on the edge of Lake Rotoiti is one of the most popular properties on Bookabach right now and can be utilised as a cost-effective wedding location and reception venue all in one.”

Nestled in native bush this small, self-contained cottage has stunning lake views and is described as the perfect romantic getaway for either an intimate wedding or honeymoon escape.

At the other end of the scale, Te Manu Lodge is the ultimate wedding destination.This luxurious holiday home is near the summit of Mount Ngongotaha and boasts stunning panoramic views across Lake Rotorua.

With five bedrooms and expansive manicured lawns, the lodge has incredible views over the city and is the picture-perfect location for wedding vows and the after-party

“Many baches in the Rotorua Lakes, as you would expect, are positioned for premium lake access or stunning views – so a Rotorua bach wedding offers couples a lot of options with 18 lakes in the region to choose from,” Lloyd says.

The city is also renowned for its world-class spa facilities where bridal parties can enjoy being pampered before the big day. As a well-known adventure mecca, there is also plenty of accommodation and activities for hen and stag parties.

Wedding planners agree that personalised, DIY weddings with smaller guest lists and smaller budgets are the trend this wedding season.

“Picking a memorable location is an important consideration for any couple getting married,” says Rotorua wedding planner Peter Duncan.

“We have certainly noticed an increase in the number of weddings being held in baches around our lakes. People love the idyllic setting and the flexibility of what they can do on their big day. Whether they want to fire up the barbecue themselves or bring in outside caterers, a bach can host a wedding of any style and size.”

Top tips for Bridechillas considering a lakeside bach wedding:

1. Ask the bach owner if the property has a boat or helipad available. Volcanic Air Safaris are professionals at creating that magical helicopter or floatplane bridal entrance. http://www.volcanicair.co.nz/

2. Many lakeside baches are in remote locations so allow budget to transport guests to the ceremony and safely back to their accommodation afterwards.

3. For a cost-cutting exercise, buy your own alcohol to serve guests - just check about alcohol licenses with the property owner.

4. Surprise your guests with a sunset cruise reception and enjoy the lake well into the evening. Pure Cruise has a stunning 53-foot catamaran which can be hired on a per-hour basis. http://www.purecruise.co.nz/

5. Collect props and think outside the square with decorations (e.g. lanterns down the jetty, or a ‘Just Married’ sign at the end of the boat) and work with your photographer to make the most of the water-side location.

ENDS

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