Tell us about Canterbury Bride. What sort of content do you publish, and how often?
We're a twice-yearly publication featuring all types of weddings throughout the South Island, from elopements to large-scale, grand celebrations. It's a gorgeous 180-page coffee-table publication with wedding inspiration, the latest trends, vendor interviews, and real weddings.
 
Who is reading the magazine?
Our largest audience is engaged couples, their families, and wedding attendants. It's also for those whose weddings are featured (along with several additional copies for their families and friends who are also in the photos), vendors from within the wedding and event industry, and also the wedded ones who aspire to be featured in our beautiful magazine.
 
What are the top trends you’ve noticed in the past year?
I'm definitely going to contradict myself here: weddings are getting smaller and bigger. Generally, before COVID-19, couples were throwing large, traditional weddings with anywhere from 70 to 150 (or more) guests. Then the pandemic came along and threw plans into disarray. But what we've seen is a resilient industry, which knows how to work its magic in any given situation, and engaged couples who are loving the different options now presented to them.

Although some couples are still choosing to celebrate our current freedom of no limits at gatherings and going all out because they can, others are enjoying the trend of eloping with a couple of witnesses or the micro-wedding option of 30 or fewer guests. Now couples have a choice and that's refreshing.
 
Who makes up the editorial team at Canterbury Bride?
We're a tiny editorial team of one. Everything is sourced, curated, and written by me. It's a big job, but it's certainly fine-honed my writing and editing skills.
 
What is the best way for PRs to pitch to Canterbury Bride?
Email is definitely the best contact. It gives me a chance to read and think about what they've sent to me, and see how it could potentially fit into an upcoming issue. I prefer it when they follow up a week later because by then, I will have made a decision.

Answers submitted by Kineta Booker, Editor.