How It Works

COUPLES’ CHOICE NZ AWARDS

 

Recognizing Excellence in the New Zealand Wedding Industry

 

The Couples’ Choice NZ Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of wedding businesses across New Zealand. Held annually in the second quarter of the year, these awards provide a comprehensive, transparent, and prestigious recognition of excellence within the New Zealand Wedding Industry.

 

How the Voting Process Works

Unlike traditional awards, Couples’ Choice NZ does not require businesses to solicit reviews from newlyweds. Instead, we implement a seamless and inclusive process that allows wedding suppliers to be nominated through various channels. Many newlyweds are either time-poor or prefer not to leave reviews, so we ensure that their voices are heard through an effortless voting system.

 

Six Ways a Business Can Be Nominated

  1. Social Media Voting – Couples’ Choice NZ actively conducts social media campaigns on:
  2. Organic Promotion – Wedding businesses that encourage their newlyweds to vote also boost recognition for other suppliers involved in their wedding. Each nomination includes votes for five different businesses, fostering industry-wide engagement.
  3. Direct Outreach – Businesses can share the voting link or QR code with their clients via social media, email, or direct contact using our provided marketing materials.
  4. Engaging with Our Social Media – Simply share and tag yourself in our official Facebook and Instagram voting posts to increase visibility.
  5. Targeted Advertising – Couples’ Choice NZ runs paid social media campaigns reaching newlyweds from the past 12 months. However, these campaigns primarily cover major urban centres, so businesses outside these areas are encouraged to reach out to their own clientele.
  6. Personalized Email & SMS Invitations – While not mandatory, businesses with strong client relationships are encouraged to send a personalized email or SMS inviting their newlyweds to vote. Including the official voting link or QR code ensures a seamless experience.

Voting

When & How to Vote

  • Eligibility – Newlywed couples from the past 12 to 18 months are invited to vote via targeted Facebook and Instagram marketing.
  • Voting Period – Businesses will be notified via email one week before voting opens. The voting period lasts only two weeks, minimizing the risk of vote stacking.
  • Required Details for Voting – To validate votes, newlyweds must provide:
    • Partner Names
    • Wedding Date
    • Email Address
    • Wedding Reception Venue
    • Top 5 Wedding Suppliers
    • Wedding Venue Coordinator

Ensuring Fairness & Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness:

  • Vote Validation – If a business receives an unusually high number of nominations outside the expected range, votes will be adjusted accordingly.
  • Fraud Prevention – Our voting platform detects fraudulent activity through AI Platforms, including:
    • Fake email addresses
    • Duplicate submissions
    • IP tracking to prevent vote stacking

Judging Process

The Judging Process

Votes are independently processed using AI-driven technology, ensuring fairness and accuracy. Each vote is ranked on a descending scale:

  • 1st Choice – 5 points
  • 2nd Choice – 4 points
  • 3rd Choice – 3 points
  • 4th Choice – 2 points
  • 5th Choice – 1 point

Categories

Wedding Business Categories

With over 60 categories, Couples’ Choice NZ Awards honour a diverse range of wedding businesses, including:

  • Beauty Therapist & Treatments
  • Boutique Wedding Accommodation
  • Bridal Accessories
  • Bridal Gown Alterations
  • Bridal Gown Boutique
  • Bridal Gown Couture’
  • Bridal Gown Designer
  • Bridal Hair & MakeUp
  • Bridal Hair Stylist
  • Bridal MakeUp Artist
  • Bridesmaids & Formal Wear
  • Bucks and Hens
  • Caravans, Trucks, Carts & Bars
  • Civil Marriage Celebrant
  • Dance Studio
  • Day Spa
  • Decorator & Stylist
  • Elopements & Intimate Weddings
  • Entertainment Services
  • Event Hire
  • Health & Fitness
  • Hotel Wedding Accommodation
  • Hotel Wedding Accommodation
  • Jeweller
  • Live Entertainment
  • Marriage Proposals
  • Master of Ceremonies
  • Wedding Venue – Farm & Country
  • Wedding Venue – Function Centre
  • Wedding Venue – Garden
  • Wedding Venue – Golf & Country Club
  • Wedding Venue – Historic
  • Wedding Venue – Historic Winery
  • Wedding Venue – Licenced Club
  • PhotoBooth
  • Picnics, Grazing Tables & Platters
  • Suits & Formalwear
  • Suits & Formalwear Alterations
  • Wedding Cake Designer
  • Wedding Cake Designer
  • Wedding Caterer
  • Wedding Ceremony Location
  • Wedding Content Creator
  • Wedding DJ
  • Wedding Florist
  • Wedding Photographer
  • Wedding Photographer & Videographer
  • Wedding Planner & Coordinator
  • Wedding Services
  • Wedding Stationery
  • Wedding Transport
  • Wedding Venue – 4 – 5 Star Hotel
  • Wedding Venue – 6 Star Hotel
  • Wedding Venue – Beach
  • Wedding Venue – Boutique
  • Wedding Venue – Boutique Hotel
  • Wedding Venue – Boutique Winery
  • Wedding Venue – Community Hall
  • Wedding Venue – Coordinator
  • Wedding Venue – DIY
  • Wedding Venue – ECO
  • Wedding Venue – Resort Hotel
  • Wedding Venue – Restaurant
  • Wedding Venue – Surf Club
  • Wedding Venue – Unique
  • Wedding Venue – Waterfront
  • Wedding Venue – Winery
  • Wedding Videographer

Finalists

Finalists & Winners

  • Selection Process – Finalists must receive at least 20 votes in their category. Up to 20 finalists are selected per category.
  • Announcement Timeline – Finalists are revealed 2-4 weeks after voting closes via:
    • Email notifications
    • Instagram & Facebook posts and tags
  • Virtual Presentation – Winners and highly commended businesses are announced including TOP10*, TOP10*, TOP5*, TOP3*in some categories during the virtual event, allowing businesses to celebrate from the comfort of their home or office, saving on travel and accommodation expenses with time away from your business.

Recognition & Marketing Collateral

Finalists who register for the Virtual Presentation can access exclusive marketing materials:

  • Option 1: Digital Package (Personalized roundel, certificate, and business improvement resources)
  • Option 2: Premium Acrylic Plaque (Available only with Option 1)

Join us in celebrating the best of New Zealand’s wedding industry with Couples’ Choice NZ Awards—where excellence meets recognition!

UPCOMING EVENTS

FIND OUR LATEST AWARDS NIGHT

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