Newmarket's guide to weddings

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Planning a wedding should be the most exciting time of your life, and we’re here to take the stress out of finding exactly where to shop. If you have a special day coming up, and you’re looking to plan ahead, marking a date on the calendar to visit and check out Newmarket’s bridal offering will be well worth your while. We have unpacked your guide to Newmarket’s bridal offering, whether it’s finding the ring, shopping for the wedding dress, pre-wedding pampering or finding a venue, Newmarket has many options to suit a range of budgets, dress codes and destinations.

Saying yes to the dress (or suit) is one of the most important parts of wedding preparation, and it’s certainly one of the most exciting. Whether opting for a classic style or something that stands out from the crowd, Newmarket has endless options that will see you through your wedding in style. 

THE DRESS

Jessica Bridal (255 Broadway)

Offering a wide range of stylish bridal couture and bespoke dresses, Jessica Bridal is the place to go when searching for your dream dress. 

When visiting for a consultation, it is always helpful bring pictures of styles you like, a close friend or family member, and your chosen wedding theme. This will help the stylists on the journey to finding your dream dress. 

If you're needing expert advice from afar, Jessica Bridal also offers virtual styling sessions. Held via Zoom, these one-on-one appointments include live shopping with a Jessica Bridal stylist. And if they couldn’t be any more accommodating, the company also offers at-home try ons, where a dress can be delivered to you.

Karen Walker (6 Balm Street)

If you’re after a dress with a bit of an edge, Karen Walker is the designer for you. Her bridal collection ‘Atelier’ boasts 12 dresses, two suits, a fine jewellery collection and four incredible veils, each so distinct you’ll feel like a celebrity. Not to mention the gorgeous fabric sourced from Gratacos, a Barcelona company that produces textiles for luxury fashion houses like Chanel.

Modes Bridal (26 McColl Street)

Dressing brides for more than 20 years, Modes Eventwear is second to none. Tucked away on McColl Street, the spacious store boasts high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a sweeping spiral staircase, making bridal shopping even more special. 

With highly experienced seamstresses, the bridal team prides themselves in fitting gowns perfectly and helping brides feel their absolute best on their wedding day. With labels like Pronovias, Nicole Miller, and George Gross, and a size range of 4-26, there truly is something for everyone. 

Where would a bride be without her bridesmaids? When it comes to your wedding day, having one, or several, of your dearest friends by your side can be a tremendous help, but what you also need to consider is what they will be wearing. Many of Newmarket’s boutiques offer beautiful bridesmaids dresses, and sometimes the most difficult decision can be narrowing down options to suit different budgets, body types and style preferences.

With a bridesmaid offering that is second to none, BLAK (18 Osborne Street) has garnered quite the reputation when it comes to fashion for the bridal party. Whether it’s a piece from their signature Bridesmaids collection or a dress made to order, this brand always delivers.

THE SUIT

When shopping for a wedding suit, there can be a lot to consider - from fit to colour, material to cost, at times it can feel overwhelming. But instead of shaking your head with frustration, we encourage you to pay a visit to these Newmarket retailers for a bit of guidance.  

3 Wise Men (4 Balm Street)

For more than 15 years, 3 Wise Men have been helping men get suited and booted for their wedding. From formal weddings to casual weddings, elopements, and everything in between, you’ll easily find an outfit for your special day. 

When it comes to suits, 3 Wise Men’s are made from 100% superfine merino wool, available in a range of up-to-the-minute styles and colours to suit every season. If you require shirts, the brand offers shirts made with the best possible cotton fabrics that are built to impress. Choose from classic, tailored, and slim fit cuts in traditional white or a range of stripes, checks, and prints. To finish the look, put your best foot forward with a pair of classic brogues or your choice of boots. 

Rembrandt (288 Broadway)

If you're a groom and you're stuck on where to find a suit, Rembrandt on Broadway is a must-visit. With a refined collection of men’s wedding attire, and a team of excellent stylists, all you will have to focus on is getting down the aisle. 

When a summer wedding is on the cards, we suggest trying out Rembrandt's selection of linen suits. With an ultra-soft lightweight fabric, these will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the ceremony.

Barkers (277 Broadway)

Barkers is your one-stop shop for reasonably priced but high-quality suits, perfect for any occasion. If you’re after more bang for your buck, the brand’s Wedding Suit Package covers everything from the one-on-one consultation, through to the suits and the haircut. 

Hallenstein Brothers (217 Broadway)

For a more affordable option, Hallenstein Brothers is your best friend. Modern and sophisticated, Hallenstein’s range of blazers, suit jackets and trousers will ensure you stay looking sharp from the ceremony to the dancefloor. Ranging from slim to stretch skinny there is a suit to flatter every frame. Whether you’re the groom, the best man, or the guest, you’re bound to find the perfect suit. 


THE MAKEOVER 

One of the most exciting parts to getting married is the pampering beforehand. Let’s face it, if there were ever a day to look the best you possibly can, it would be your wedding day. 

When it comes to hair, Newmarket is bursting with salons. Whether you need a fresh cut, a new colour, or a hydrating treatment, it’s important to find a hairdresser that can meet your expectations. See our list of Newmarket’s best hair salons to find the right one for you. 

Whether it be laser, brows, tan, or a facial, we highly recommend getting pampered in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Not only will this relieve some stress, but will also leave you feeling refreshed and confident. Check out Newmarket’s beauty bible for all of your pampering needs. 

To ensure you’re looking camera ready, from fingertip to toe, your nails are the perfect way to complete your look. A French manicure to match your white dress or a swipe of nude polish will provide the canvas for your ring to shine. Take a look at our round-up of Newmarket’s top nail salons before booking yourself an appointment. 


THE RING

Shopping for wedding rings can be a confusing process, especially since you’ve probably never done it before. From the shape of the ring to the price, there's a fair bit to consider. As Auckland’s premier shopping district, Newmarket is bursting with jewellery stores, housing well-known brands like Michael Hill, Zoe & Morgan and Guthrie’s. For exclusive designers like Jessica McCormack, Simon James store is just a stone’s throw away, while more affordable jewellery can be found at The Warehouse. No matter where you go or what you’re after, each store offers plenty of ways to help you find what you like. 

Zoe & Morgan (6B Kent Street)

After launching their first engagement collection in 2014, Zoe & Morgan has quickly become a popular destination for ring shopping. Celebrating a lifetime of love, their current range reflects the brand’s Art Deco style and originality, with each ring being as unique as the last. 

Michael Hill (Westfield Newmarket)

Of all the jewellery stores in New Zealand, Michael Hill is often one of the first to spring to mind. The brand's ethos 'to make fine jewellery available to everyone' is what has resulted in people coming back time and time again. So, whether you’re on a budget or happy to splurge, Michael Hill has plenty of wedding rings to choose from. 

Guthrie’s Jewellers (6C Kent Street)

Unique to Newmarket, Guthrie’s Jewellers is the perfect place to visit for high-quality, long-lasting rings. Choose from a variety of widths, precious metals, and gemstones, all customisable to help you get the look you want. If you have a design in mind that isn't part of the range, the brand also offers a bespoke jewellery consultation at their Newmarket store. 

Simon James Store (2 Kent Street)

Housing the covetable Jessica McCormack brand, Simon James goes hand in hand with wedding ring shopping. New Zealand-born, London-based designer Jessica McCormack is known globally for her exceptional diamond jewellery, so if you’re after a ring that stops people in their tracks, this is the store to visit. 

The Warehouse (64 Broadway)

For those on a budget, you can’t go wrong with The Warehouse! Who said you need to spend your life savings on a ring? From as little as $30 you can have yourself a dazzling wedding band, and for any money left over, why not spend it on the honeymoon? 

THE VENUE 

Highwic (40 Gillies Avenue)

You can’t have a wedding without a venue, and Newmarket’s Highwic is a great option. Built in 1862, Highwic is one of New Zealand’s finest Victorian mansions and is bursting with history. 

Weddings at Highwic often combine several of its unique and charming spaces. The drawing-room, boasting an 1890s grand piano, is the perfect backdrop for an intimate ceremony. Whereas the historic billiard house can be used for a formal dinner and cocktail reception. 

If you’re after an outdoor ceremony, the croquet lawn surrounded by stunning heritage will do the trick. And if you're needing some shelter, a marquee is available. 

Highwic’s wedding package includes full access to the historic house and grounds for your guests to explore, as well as Victorian lawn games and onsite parking for up to 40 cars. 

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