Retail manager Pip Anderson has set the date and venue but that's only the start of the organisation for her big wedding day.
She was one of many brides and bridegrooms visiting the Tauranga Wedding and Special Events Show at Baypark Stadium yesterday.
Her wedding is booked for next March
at the garden and marquee venue Ambiance in Pyes Pa and now she wants to add the finishing touches to her special day.
"I'm here looking for lots of ideas and a photographer, and I'll be tasting the (wedding) cakes," said Pip, national manager of Colorado Adventurewear based in Tauranga.
She also checked out the wedding dresses but hasn't found the one she wants yet.
"I'm looking for one with a little bit of lace on the top half."
Pip is marrying Rohan Kovell who works for a wholesale electrical business in Tauranga. They have been together for nine years and made it official by becoming engaged in March.
Rohan finished rebuilding his 1975 Ford Fairmont and then popped the question.
"One project at a time," said Pip.
She reckoned planning a wedding wasn't as stressful as finishing an old car.
"I've been planning it in my head for five years," she said.
"There's 10 months to go and lots to do but I'm enjoying every minute of it, so far."
Their wedding will cost $15,000-plus.
"It's worth every cent, absolutely. In my books, you only do it once and it's a very special day."
Every facet of organising a wedding was covered at the Baypark show, which was organised by The Wedding Planner Publishing company, owned by local business couple Menno and Ingrid Quartel.
With the help of experienced trade show promoter Graeme Martin, they held their first expo involving 80 exhibitors from Tauranga and Rotorua.
"We wanted to do something for our customers - and to showcase quality wedding planning in the region," said Mr Quartel.
"The brides in Tauranga don't need to go to an Auckland show. We can provide the same attractions here."
The Quartels will be putting on another wedding show at Baypark in September.
One lucky bride and groom will win a wedding package worth more than $4500 following yesterday's show.
A draw from the entries collected at the show will be made later this week.
