Hide doffs the mustard jacket for nuptials

Rodney Hide and Louise Crome. Photo / Supplied.

Act leader Rodney Hide won't know what his bride is wearing until she walks down the aisle in the Coromandel today.

The beach wedding between Mr Hide and former squash player Louise Crome will be a double celebration for Mr Hide, who turned 54 on Thursday, and a joyful way to end the year after political upheavals in his party.

"It's the most exciting day of my life," Mr Hide told the Herald.

Mr Hide will be kitted out in a traditional black suit, white shirt and cream tie, but is clueless about what Ms Crome, 32, will be wearing.

"In terms of the outfits, that's been her domain ... I'm more excited [about the day] than nervous. I'm a little nervous about our dance," Mr Hide said.

The pair will entertain guests with a traditional waltz to Norah Jones' Come Away With Me.

Mr Hide, who competed on the television show Dancing With the Stars, said he preferred the tango, but thought it might be a bit too frisky.

About 50 family members and friends will attend and it will be a politician-free event, excepting Mr Hide, as he found it too hard to decide who to exclude.

His son from his first marriage, Zach, will be his best man and Ms Crome's two brothers will be groomsmen.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry is expected to attend - he is a family friend of the Cromes and went to university with Ms Crome's mother.

Mr Hide has hired a number of properties to accommodate his guests for the weekend.

"I've hired a big house on the beachfront, that's where I'm staying with my parents. We're getting married on a reserve on the edge of the beach, on the grass, and then we will move to this house for drinks.

"The great thing about the spot is we'll be able to swim in the sea and have BBQs and [it will be] a relaxing time for everyone."

The couple will spend Christmas with family and then travel to Bali for a few days in January.

"I'm really looking forward to just [having] a rest ... and having this wonderful time with Louise. Next year's going to be a big year with the election."

The couple are expecting a baby girl at the end of March.

"[Our wedding is] a very special moment for both of us and I'm very excited."