Poronui Estate near Lake Taupo is a private 16,000-acre wedding venue renowned for its surrounding wilderness and world-class, luxurious accommodations. You are able to design your dream wedding according to your budget – by choosing the whole estate or a single venue on this sprawling private property. Fly in via helicopter, sample award-winning wines from their overflowing wine cellar and indulge in fine foods made by your very own chef.

http://www.poronui.com/index.php/special-events/weddings

Nestled in 5 acres of breath-taking sub-tropical gardens near the Takou River, Magic Cottages – is just that – purely magical. Considered both a wedding and a honeymoon venue, it is rated in the top 10 luxury accommodation sites in all of New Zealand. The property not only has enough room for a Schupepe marquee, but there is also plenty of space to land a helicopter or if you need to tie up your boat, there is a private jetty with access to the Takou Bay.

http://www.takouriver.com/index.html

One of Northland’s most sought after locations, the Totara Country Lodge is an ideal venue for weddings. Surrounded by native bush and placed high above the Whangaroa Harbour, this place has everything a nature lover could possibly want. You can take day trips out to the Bay of Islands, Waipoua Forest, or Cape Reinga or stay in the historic villa, taking in the majestic beauty of the native trees sprawling across the grounds.

http://totaracountrylodge.co.nz/

Nicara Lakeside Lodge, rated 5 Star by Qualmark, is one of Lake Rotorua’s most luxurious world-class accommodations. Ideal for outdoor weddings, this lakeside homestay is right on the water’s edge and is accessible by both boats and planes (and roads, of course!) Regardless of whether you prefer an intimate or grand affair, this top-notch venue has everything you could possibly dream of and more!

http://www.nicaralodge.co.nz/

Contact Schupepe to book a wedding marquee for your special day.
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http://www.mataia.co.nz/weddings_accommodation.htm

If you are looking for a 5-star accommodation and venue with a genuine New Zealand beauty and world-class comfort, look no further than Waimana Point in Matakana. This luxury lodge offers a sauna, an indoor heated pool, a helipad, gym, 6-hole golf-chipping course and much, much more. Just one hour north of Auckland, this place is perfect for an intimate wedding or private event. We have had the pleasure of rigging one of our marquees on their beautiful grounds. Needless to say, the team didn’t want to leave, and neither will you or your guests!

http://www.waimanapoint.co.nz/

Nestled within 200 acres of unspoiled oceanfront, native bush, and wildlife, Pakiria Point Lodge is one of the best-kept secrets on New Zealand’s North Island. Just outside of Matakana, this exclusive B & B is an award-winning venue. Here at Schupepe, we are often honoured and admittedly, excited to showcase our magnificent marquees on the manicured lawns of such breath-taking venues.

www.pakiripoint.com
The Landing, for those seeking a modern, yet quaint wedding setting, provides the perfect backdrop for those couples who desire weeping willows, dove-houses, and rustic farm wagons. Just imagine the photo opportunities! A sparkling marquee set up upon the sprawling lawns will be captivating to say the least!

a href=”https://schupepe.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/the-landing.jpg”>

http://thelanding.net.nz/index.php/weddings

Schupepe has been all over New Zealand, participating in weddings both intimate and extravagant. As such, we consider ourselves fairly knowledgeable about the wedding scene in New Zealand. We would love to hear from you! If you are looking for a wedding marquee, or have an opinion about one of our blogs… Contact us today.

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We are so happy to bring to light one of Northland’s best kept secrets, the stunning Pawhaoa Lodge & Villas are situated in Bland Bay, Hikurangi. It is truly a nature-lover’s paradise. You and your guests will be surrounded by sub-tropical bush and native wildlife. The decadent accommodation offers fully catered or self catered rooms. It is no surprise that this palatial place has received nothing but positive reviews – it has even received a qualmark 5 star rating.
http://www.northlandnz.com/…/accommodation/pawhaoa-bay-lodge

Perhaps you would like to treat you and your spouse to be, along with your wedding guests to a helicopter tour, horseback-riding on the beach, or a game of golf? If so, look no further than Kauri Cliff’s Owner’s Cottage, in Matauri Bay, Northland – overlooking the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course. This is certainly a 5 Star Luxury location for a wedding. Schupepe’s wedding marquees have graced the well-manicured lawns of the golf course for both lavish and intimate weddings! You better call soon for a booking!

http://www.kauricliffs.com/weddings-at-kauri-cliffs

The Huka Lodge boasts the exclusive “Owner’s Cottage” that is an extraordinary site for weddings and private events. It offers you and your partner complete privacy and a chance to tramp through the native bush located right on the Waikato River. There is nothing like getting pampered on your special day!

http://www.hukalodge.co.nz/occasions/weddings/venues/

Sun God Over the Ocean is the Maori translation for this epic villa nestled in The Bay of Islands. The Eagle’s Nest provides superior accommodation in the form of spectacular villas in The Bay of Islands, Schupepe has had the pleasure of rigging one of our wedding marquees on their 44 acre, jaw-dropping grounds – complete with 300 degree views of the sea, islands, and the breath-taking landscapes. This location is perfect for those wanting a memorable and elite wedding experience.

Rahimoana

Stay tuned for our next blog featuring Private Residences: The Ultimate Venue for Weddings in NZ
Contact Schupepe today for a free onsite visit!

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St Margaret’s Café in Karaka specialises in weddings and private functions. The manicured gardens are a sprawling six acres – perfect for both intimate and larger weddings. The owner, who is also a renowned chef, will ensure that your guests dine on scrumptious food. Schupepe will ensure that your guests stay dry and comfortable under our marquees.
http://stmargaretscafe.co.nz/

Maree’s Mansion House Café Restaurant, located on Kawau Island, can comfortably seat up to 100 guests. With a Schupepe marquee – situated on the breath-taking water-front lawn, the sky is the limit. You can create the island wedding that you and your spouse-to-be have only dreamed of!
http://www.kawauisland.org.nz/weddings

Colenso House / Café in the Coromandel is quite a unique spot for a wedding. It is important to note that they do not host weddings from December through to February; however, this is an ideal location any other time of year. The sprawling lawns and lush trees make it perfect for an outdoor, marquee wedding.
http://www.colensocafe.co.nz/

Just a thirty-minute drive out of Auckland’s CBD, located in Kumeu, Provence provides seasonal food grown in their lush gardens. We’ve provided deck and lawn coverage at this particular venue and it is stunning to say the least! The Hipgroup has several beautiful venues to choose from and are renowned for providing a first-class service.
http://www.hipgroup.co.nz/

Stay tuned for our next blog featuring Wedding Venues Outside of Auckland Part II!
Contact Schupepe today for a free onsite visit!

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Howick Historic Village in Auckland is an ideal backdrop for weddings – this quaint little town was built in the 1850’s, combining a sense of history with all of the modern amenities needed to ensure that your wedding ceremony runs smoothly. Our wedding marquees are a sight to behold on the manicured lawns of Bell House, a delightful two-storied, timber homestead with a contemporary kitchen and restroom!
http://www.fencible.org.nz/venue-hire/

Highwic House, located in Epsom, Auckland is a magnificent Victorian estate situated on lush grounds, perfect for Schupepe’s marquees and a memorable garden wedding. A family home until 1978, this renowned venue offers a ballroom, a billiard house, and a tennis court! It’s central location is convenient for out-of-town guests as it close to the motorway and offers plenty of guest parking.

http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/auckland-region/highwic

Hunua Falls Camp, under an hour away from downtown Auckland, is an incredibly convenient and charming location for an outdoor, marquee wedding. It is close to the city, offers affordable accommodation and a multitude of outdoor activities in a lush, forest park setting. Encompassed by native bush and accompanied by its own, private chapel, Hunua Falls Camp is absolutely stunning.

http://www.hunuafallscamp.co.nz/weddings.html

Villa Maria Estate in Auckland, while the volcanic basin may be dormant, this setting is still very much alive with romance! With a spectacular Schupepe marquee, this location can accommodate up to 500 guests! Your guests will be in awe of the landscape – not to mention quenching their thirst with the award-winning wines!

http://www.villamaria.co.nz/news-and-events/functions-and-weddings/

Stay tuned for our spotlight on unique wedding venues on the North Island, as well as how so many people are opting to rent private estates and transform them into spectacular, exclusive sites for weddings!

Contact Schupepe today for a free on-site visit.

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The Officers Mess

The Officers Mess is  located on the cliff-top on 170 Vauxhall Road, Narrow Neck Beach in Devonport, provides breath-taking sea views and a one-of-a-kind venue for your special day. In fact, Schupepe is in the process of installing permanent brackets on this venues’ roof so we can put up our marquees with ease to add extra room for additional guests.  http://www.theofficersmess.co.nz/the-officers-mess-devonport\

The Formosa Golf Resort

The Formosa Golf Resort in Beachlands, Auckland on 110 Jack Lachlan Drive is a high-end wedding venue overlooking the Pohutukawa Coast. Sophisticated and charming, this elegant site boasts extensive private grounds complete with 28 private villas for guest accommodation. Perfect for outdoor summer weddings, this resort can comfortably host over 250 guests with Schupepe’s weather-proof marquees to shield them from the elements.

http://www.formosa.co.nz/en/portfolio/weddings

The Alberton House

The Alberton House, located on 100 Mt Albert Road, in Mt. Albert, Auckland, rich with history and kept alive with modern-day romance, this Indian-inspired, timber mansion is the perfect setting for weddings both large and small. Its gardens boast exotic verandah’s and when combined with Schupepe’s stunning marquees, this venue is ideal for an intimate outdoor wedding. http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/auckland-region/alberton/venue-hire

Mollies Boutique Hotel

If you are looking for a 5-star, world-class accommodation, look no further than Mollies Boutique Hotel, situated in St. Mary’s Bay in Auckland. They offer the exclusive use of their beautiful gardens and grounds for intimate wedding ceremonies. Bewitch your guests with the fairy lights twinkling on our marquees and the sparkling of the harbour lights in the distance at this top-notch wedding venue in the heart of Auckland. http://www.mollies.co.nz/weddings_at_mollies.html

The Abbeville Estate

The Abbeville Estate, nestled deceptively on Nixon Road near the Auckland airport, is a 150-year-old property that has everything a traditional couple could possibly need. Gardens and spectacularly manicured lawns that complement our stunning canopies; an authentic, rustic barn, and a quaint yet breath-taking chapel with stained glass panes. There is even a separate parlour for the beautiful bride-to-be. Needless to say, the photographs will be amazing. http://abbeville.co.nz/weddings/

Stay tuned for Part II of our spotlight on stunning Wedding Venues in Auckland!

Contact Schupepe today for a free on-site visit.

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First things first!

1/ The guest list must be completed so that you have an idea of how many people the venue will need to accommodate.
2/ You should have a list of dates that are suitable, so you can confirm availability.
3/ Obviously, you will need to consider your budget.
4/ You and your partner should compose a list of your most important, non-negotiable priorities before visiting any venue.
5/ As it is an outdoor event, you will want to ensure that the venue will allow marquees to be placed upon their grounds.

Venue Location

It is important to consider the location of your wedding venue in terms of how far your guests will need to travel. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• What is the traffic going to be like during the time-frames of your wedding?
• Will you be able to post signs to help out-of-town guests?
• If you are providing transport, ensure that guests are provided with entertainment and maybe even beverages!
• For those using their own vehicles, ensure that there are adequate parking facilities.
• Make sure that there is suitable accommodation nearby for out-of-town guests.

Questions you may not have considered:

1. Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or Sunday through Friday?
2. Is the deposit refundable?
3. Is the site handicap accessible?
4. What is the cancellation policy?
5. Is there an overtime fee if my ceremony runs longer than expected?
6. Can my vendors set up the day before? How early can deliveries be made?
7. Does the venue have liability insurance?
8. Is there a recycling policy?
9. Are there any areas that you and your guests will not have access to?
10. Is there a noise ordinance you need to be aware of?

Fortunately, here at Schupepe, we have everything you need as far as interior hire options – furniture, lighting, heating, and much more. New Zealand is host to some of the most beautiful venues in the world! The only limit is your own imagination when you decide to have your wedding under one of Schupepe’s spectacular marquees today for your free onsite visit.

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Planning the Menu: Perfect Pairings

Pairing various cheeses with the right kind of wine can be a bit tricky. Here are some useful tips:
1/ Gouda: This buttery cheese has a mild, nutty flavour while still retaining a slightly sweet aftertaste. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or White Burgundy compliments a lighter or young Gouda. Aged gouda pairs will with Merlot or a tasty Bordeaux.
2/ Brie: Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, or reds such as; Chianti, Bordeaux, or Beaujolais go very well with this creamy, soft, mild French cheese.
3/ Gruyere: This dense, compact cheese has a texture that is slightly grainy. It goes well with a wide variety of wines: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir and Italian Chianti.
4/ Parmigiano Reggiano: This Italian hard cheese has a very sharp and nutty flavour which pairs well with most medium to full-bodied wines such as Pinot Noir, Chianti Riserva, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Barbaresco.
5/ Aged Cheddar: The longer this type of cheese ages, the taste becomes sharper and the texture becomes harder and crumblier. Rioja, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc are a perfect pair for this delicious cheese.
Various other items to include on the platter
Nuts, honey, jams, fruit and fruit paste are the perfect accompaniment to any wine and cheese platter. Italian meats such as Salami, Pancetta, and Prosciutto will be the proverbial icing on the cake! As far as fruit is concerned, you can let your imagination run away with you. Most people prefer strawberries, pears and figs; as well as nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Top this off with any type of French bread such as a baguette or flatbread, or Table Water Crackers and you have the ideal menu.

Keep it Classy with Superb Presentation

While wine-tasting events are elegant, they are not necessarily formal events. It is a chance for the guests to mingle and chat, while nibbling on tasty food and tasting beautiful wine. Here are some tips to keep it classy but informal.
1/ Prepare place cards for the wine stations – informing each guest of the background of each wine.
2/ Serve the wine in striking decanters, but keep the rest of the décor minimal.
3/ Whether you have a ceramic, glass or wooden cheeseboard, the importance lies in giving the background of each cheese as well. Perhaps you can separate the platters into specific regions.
There you have it, the perfect menu for your bestie’s Bridal Shower.

Contact Schupepe today to find out about our marquees for private parties!

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1. Fill out the RSVP card pronto. Couples need this to keep track – so don’t be that slacker friend!
2. If you are not invited with a plus one, do not bring someone anyway. Weddings are really expensive, so the couple has had to decide very carefully about who they are inviting. Be happy you made the list!
3. Don’t take the centrepiece home with you. Some décor is rented and needs to be returned.
4. Just because the booze is free doesn’t mean you should drink until you are rip roaring drunk. You will not only embarrass yourself, but the happy couple as well.
5. Pick a gift from the registry… and whatever you do – don’t regift!

6. Pay attention to the instructions on the invite, it may be a casual outdoor wedding, but a holey t-shirt and stained shorts just won’t do.
7. It is really rude to just go to the reception and not to the ceremony. It shows that you could care less about the couple and are more interested in getting a free meal and drinks.
8. Keep the conversation P.C. at the table, especially if you do not know the other guests sitting with you.
9. Unless you have been asked to give a toast, keep your hands off the microphone. You can say whatever you need to say privately to the couple.
10. Keep your mobile phone turned off. Be present and be thankful that the couple invited you to share in their happy day.

Contact Schupepe today for a free on-site visit.

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1. Be considerate to your Bridesmaids – try to find a happy medium when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. Think carefully about the fabric and the cost!
2. If you invite someone to your bachelorette or bachelor party, or even your engagement party – be sure to invite them to the wedding as well.
3. Consider the distance and time frame between the ceremony and reception. No one wants to drive for hours on end or wait around for long lengths of time for the festivities to begin.
4. Cut the cake at a reasonable time. There may be older guests who feel it is rude to leave before the cake cutting – or simply are more interested in eating cake rather than drinking booze. Don’t wait until the very end of the night.
5. Thank you notes are a necessity!

6. Provide a wedding marquee for outdoor weddings! Protect your guests from the elements.
7. Carefully consider your seating chart! If you have to invite family members who are feuding – make sure they are not sitting at the same table.
8. Give people a few choices for food – you never know who may be allergic to certain things or who doesn’t eat meat.
9. Provide non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, especially at an outdoor wedding.
10. Make sure there are enough restroom facilities. A rule of thumb is 1 bathroom per 25 guests.

Contact Schupepe today to book your free onsite visit.

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