Wairarapa Bride of the Year

16/03/2026

✨️The committee has made the decision to defer the Wairarapa Bride of the Year event for 2026. This follows a number of long‑serving volunteers and helpers choosing to step down after generously contributing between 5 and 10 years to this incredible fundraiser for Plunket Wairarapa.

We’re taking this time to regroup, and anyone who has expressed interest in being part of the 2026 event will be invited to take part in 2027.

Plus if you’re keen to be involved (or know someone who is) on the committee as we plan for the event’s return, please send us a message.

We look forward to bringing Bride of the Year back in 2027. ✨️

01/09/2025

Each year Bride of the Year is brought together by an amazing group of volunteer committee and helpers for the night - this year was not different.

A few of our committee missing from the photo however a huge Thank You for all your mahi in 2025 in bringing together a wonderful evening for a fantastic cause Plunket Wairarapa

31/08/2025

A massive shout out to all our supporters and sponsors that allow Wairarapa Bride of Year to each year provide Wairarapa experiences to all our brides and winners.
for Plunket Wairarapa

30/08/2025

Congratulations to all our wonderful brides who supported the 55th Wairarapa Bride of the Year. Our winners for 2025 were

Bride of the Year - Holly Barnard
Highly Commended - Destiny Martin
Commended - Erin Everett
Most Original or Innovative Gown - Holly Hull
Audience Choice - Katie Wald
Brides Choice - Lanya Penman

Photos by Krysti Jaims Media

Venue Wairarapa Events Centre & proudly raising funds for Plunket Wairarapa

30/08/2025

Last night our brides all came together for a practice strut. Our rehearsal night is a chance for our brides to meet each other, meet the committee, and learn the tips and tricks for strutting their stuff! We are SO excited to see them in their finery tonight. One bride walked into the fully decorated hall last night and said “ok now I’m excited”- and so are we! ✨

It’s not too late to get your tickets ⬇️

https://www.cartertonec.co.nz/bride-of-the-year-2025-saturday-30-august-700pm/d fgg

30/08/2025

Ticket sales are looking fantastic this year and we reckon that the advertising in the Wairarapa Times-Age and Wairarapa Midweek has played a huge part! So a big thank you to the teams at the Times Age, Midweek and Stuff for their support 🗞️

30/08/2025

Thank you to the team of Woolworths Masterton 🥗

Woolworths Masterton is your local branch of New Zealand's favourite supermarket (formerly Countdown). Woolworths provides you with choice, value and convenience, so you can enjoy the best possible shopping experience, whether that's online or in-store. At Woolworths Masterton you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood, items to restock the pantry or freezer, beer and wine, and items for your baby and pets. We also stock household essentials and health staples. Woolworths is committed to making Kiwis' lives a little easier every day. Whether we are doing our bit for the environment or helping our communities. Visit Woolworths Masterton - your local supermarket.

30/08/2025

Thanks to the team at Newbolds Masterton 🏡

They are locally owned and operated, and have been looking after locals for generations!

29/08/2025

Thank you to Larissa Deana Carlson 📷🤳

We are so lucky to have the support of Larissa, not only as sponsor of our event but as one of our judges!

Larissa Deana Carlson is one of New Zealand’s most recognised content creators, now offering modern, cinematic wedding day coverage captured with a documentarian’s instinct and an artist’s eye.
Larissa brings a refined, editorial approach to every celebration—creating content that feels real, romantic, and deeply personal.

She specializes in fast-turnaround wedding coverage, delivering reels, stills, and highlight videos within 24–48 hours, so couples can relive and share the magic while the energy is still soaring and the confetti’s yet to be swept.

Her work blends behind-the-scenes intimacy with beautifully composed, emotionally led visuals—crafted intuitively, never staged.

Whether it’s short-form video, candid stills, camcorder or creative documentation of the day as it unfolds, Larissa captures the true essence of each celebration.
Content that feels authentic, raw, cinematic, and unmistakably yours.

Website: www.larissadeanacarlson.com / Follow on Socials:

Wairarapa Blogger & Digital Creator

29/08/2025

Thanks to Evie May Shoes 👠

Nestled in the Kuripuni shopping precinct, Evie May have shoes and accessories galore!!! They love footwear and fashion... come and have a play!!

29/08/2025

Cheers to Aperitif Wine Bar & Shop 🍸

Tucked away in the middle of Greytown, Aperitif Wine Bar & Eatery specializes in shared plates, wine, beer & cocktails.

Their menu is designed to be shared, and their dishes change as fresh produce comes in season. Offering contemporary tapas and larger plates to share.

Food to be shared with friends, and when dining at Aperitif, they encourage you to relax into this communal way of eating. Trying a little bit of this and a little bit of that, all accompanied by a hand-picked wine list, a great selection of New Zealand craft beers and signature cocktails.

Stop by and see them for lunch, dinner & drinks or anything in between. They also cater for larger groups, functions and weddings in their beautiful garden or their cozy covered outdoor area. Contact them now if you would be interested in having your next special event at Aperitif.

They also have a wine shop located at the front of our wine bar, offering a huge range of wines, gins, spirits & giftware.