Thinking on your feet
Thinking on your feet is not something that comes easily to everyone. Experience really does count for a lot. When something is important to you, having a professional on hand to guide you and smooth over any rough edges is invaluable. Some people need a script; others can adapt to the unexpected and make it look easy! If you hire a professional, it’s likely they’ll come with years of experience, but not all can cater to the unexpected or do so without anyone else being aware they’ve stepped up and saved the day.
The unexpected
Over 12+ years of being a celebrant, I can remember a few moments when the unexpected occurred. I remember the time, early in my career, when a gust of wind whisked the rings onto the ground from my ceremony folder where the best man had placed them. There was an audible gasp from the guests. As the bride retrieved them, I simply said “and that goes to show you, ladies and gentlemen, that nothing of value will be lost from this marriage!” There followed another audible gasp (this time of relief) and the moment was saved. (Oh, and future ones are too as I now ask whoever has the rings to open the ring box with both rings inside so nothing can be whisked away in the wind!)
There have also been a few occasions when the bride was delayed, the mother-of-the-groom was running late, the rings were left behind completely or when the bride forgot her bouquet. While, not a disaster in themselves, they were important elements of each ceremony, so it was how things were handled, what words were said to the couple and, if need be, to the guests that made the difference.
Prior planning
To prepare for each ceremony, the key thing I do before leaving home is to look at my checklist to ensure I have everything on hand that I may need. I like to pack everything the night before and have some supplies on hand should they be required at the venue. These include not only a backup ceremony script on my phone but things like tissues (for those sneaky tears!), Rescue Remedy, spare shoes, spare batteries for my PA, umbrellas and a spare couple’s Certificate of Marriage in case one is damaged or flies away in the wind.
The other thing I do is to include instructions (a guide in italics) in the draft ceremony I send to each couple. In this way, they can picture everything that will unfold in their mind’s eye. This includes details on where to stand or move to during the ceremony, where to place their partner’s ring on their hand as they say their ring promises (for the best photos), where I move to during the personal vows or readings, when the music should play and be faded out etc. etc. It’s all part of providing a visual picture ahead of time so that things flow smoothly.
It’s your job!
After all, I consider it’s your job, as a professional celebrant, to think on your feet and ensure the happiness of the couple you’re marrying.
128 ~ 31/03/2026
© Lindy Cooke Celebrant