Access Date & Time 2025-09-14 06:55:43

At Bridgewater Country Estate, we’re lucky to see many weddings up close—and that means we get a front-row seat to what couples are loving and what they’re choosing for their big day. If you’re planning a wedding in Auckland, here are some of the trends we’re noticing lately.
These might spark ideas (or help you feel confident about what you already want).

1. Sustainability & Mindful Choices

More couples are asking: How can our wedding reflect our values and care for the planet? We’re seeing this show up in several ways:

* Choosing venues where everything is done onsite, to reduce transport / logistics.
* Less waste in décor: reusable materials, paperless invites, silk flowers / décor, donating rather than wasting unused bits.

2. Bold Style Choices (Colour, Décor & Design Elements)

Design is getting more adventurous, moving away from muted pastels or strictly classic tones. Here are elements showing up a lot:

* Stronger colour palettes: jewel tones, sunset hues, bright accent colours in flowers, decor, stationery. These are used in pops (so they don’t overwhelm), or paired with neutrals for balance.
* Mixed textures: combining natural elements (wood, greenery, stone) with more polished metallics or linens.
* Unique lighting: fairy lights, candles, mood lighting, decorative light fixtures to shape mood & highlight architecture or garden features.

3. Flexibility in Format & Timing

To adapt to changing guest expectations, budgets, and weather, weddings are becoming more flexible:

* Choosing weekday weddings or less traditional times (later afternoon into evening, or more daylight outdoor ceremonies) to make venues & vendors more available.
* Hybrid or streamed components: allowing guests who are overseas or unable to travel to join virtually
* Multi-day or weekend wedding celebrations are becoming more popular.


4. Elevated Food & Guest Experience

Food and guest interaction are no longer just “nice to have”—they’re central to how couples want their wedding remembered:

* Interactive food stations or grazing tables rather than strictly plated dinners. Guests like being able to move, try different things, mingle. (E.g. cheese boards, dessert grazing, build-your-own food stations.)
* Unique beverage moments: signature cocktails, wine or drink pairings, non-alcoholic creative options.
* Local flavours and personalised menus: adding in foods that reflect home, culture, family traditions.
* More attention to comfort of guests: good flow of space, shade, shelter if outdoor, thoughtful staging of timelines so people aren’t rushed.


What That Means for Couples Considering Bridgewater

Here at Bridgewater, these trends help us guide couples toward what might feel right for your wedding, not what everyone else is doing. Because trends are great—but it’s most important that your wedding feels like you.

If you’re interested, we'd love to chat about:

1. How to incorporate sustainability in your plans with minimal fuss
2. Ways to use our gardens, halls, outdoor spaces flexibly
3. Ideas for décor and lighting that work with our venue architecture and grounds
4. Menu options that are interactive, seasonally inspired & locally focused

Access Date & Time 2022-06-27 21:24:37

We are so excited that this month, Bridgwater Country Estate have been featured in the 'Top Reviews NZ' website for one of the best wedding venues in Auckland.  

When Justin and Tracey took over the venue over five years ago, they had big dreams of growing the business but keeping the venue as an exclusive 'semi' unknown venue.  They have been able to get that balance right, because five years on, business has grown by over 30% (even during the difficult Covid times) but yet they still hear from their couples and guests that they "never heard or been here before".  

To be recognised as a top venue in Auckland is acknowledgement of five years of hard (and at times interesting 'thanks Covid') times.  

Thanks Top Reviews for the vote of confidence and review.

https://www.topreviews.co.nz/best-wedding-venues-Auckland/#14_Bridgewater_Country_Estate

Access Date & Time 2019-09-06 03:09:00

We have all been to weddings where no one is up on the dancefloor and you wonder "why"?  Why has no one got into the party spirit because after all, it is meant to be one the happiest celebrations around.  So what could be the reason...... 

Access Date & Time 2019-09-06 03:08:18

Less than a week to go until the big royal wedding where we will be treated to the traditions of all things royal.  While many of the traditions that the royal family have does not apply to many of us, it does make me ponder around how many traditions are still common in todays weddings.

Access Date & Time 2019-09-06 03:07:32

Recently we hosted a photo shoot for one of the leading wedding magazines which will be on sale shortly.  This was really exciting to be a part of and we cannot wait to see how the photos came out.  Stunning models to work with so let's hope the backdrop that Bridgewater offered, complimented the amazing talent.

Access Date & Time 2019-09-06 03:05:47

Recently I stumbled across an article which is extremely informative to our couples who are questioning why it is a large investment to hire a wedding venue. It is worth a read but by all means, we would love to speak to you if you are overwhelmed by the cost and we can talk it through further.

Access Date & Time 2019-09-06 02:58:00

It is the 26th December, the day after the special time of the year. It is a great time for reflection on the year that has just been and also looking ahead into the new year.

Access Date & Time 2019-09-06 02:46:25

I recently came across the idea of different aisle layouts. This made me start comparing the traditional straight aisle to the new trend of circular aisle.