City offers brides 'chill' factor

Lakeside for a chilled-out wedding venue. Photo / File

Most of us have heard of Bridezilla but a new trend is emerging around the world - called the "bridechilla" - and Rotorua could be the perfect spot for a relaxed wedding.

In true chilled-out style, bridechillas are moving away from traditional wedding venues in search of something unique and affordable and the quintessential Kiwi bach has become the new "it" venue.

A report in Grazia magazine defines a bridechilla as the opposite of the bridezilla. Brides who fall into this group are known to be relaxed, level-headed and 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.

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 also noticed by accommodation website Bookabach, which says lots of wedding enquiries are coming in for holiday homes of all shapes and sizes - from rustic cottages to million dollar lakeside homes.

"Most Kiwis have fond memories of special times spent at baches with family and friends," said Bookabach New Zealand spokesman 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."

Mr Lloyd said lakeside holiday homes in Rotorua were 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."

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

"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," he said.

The city is also renowned for its world-class spa facilities where bridal parties can enjoy being pampered before the big day.

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

Rotorua wedding planner Peter Duncan said picking a memorable location was an important consideration for any couple getting married.

"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," he said.