Bridal expos ~ what to expect
Bridal expos are a fantastic way to get a snapshot of current trends and to meet with many of your local suppliers. Here’s a list of what to expect: ♥ You will be able to chat, obligation free, with a range of wedding suppliers including celebrants, decorators, jewellers, florists, photographers, venues, wedding car hire companies, […]
Shortening of time to marry
The shortest time I have been approached by a couple requesting a “shortening of time” to marry was 1 day! The application was successful as the prescribed authority deemed the reason for the shortening of time fell into one of the following categories. If you feel that your circumstances also meet one of the following […]
“Giving away” the bride
Here are some ideas for “giving away” the bride on your wedding day … Tradition Centuries ago, fathers did actually “give away” their daughters when they married into the care of their new husband as daughters were considered their “property” until then. Women in those days had no source of income and were totally […]
What documents will we need to get married?
In order for a marriage to be legal in Australia, your celebrant is required to sight certain documents before your marriage can take place. There are several key pieces of information that must be provided which are (i) the date and place of birth of both parties and (ii) proof of identity of both parties. […]
Toasts ~ A quick guide
The who, what & when … A special occasion often calls for one or more toasts to be made. This allows those who have played a key role in the event to be publicly acknowledged and thanked. At a wedding, there are several toasts which are traditionally made but, like many things, these have changed […]
Do we need a wedding rehearsal?
According to the Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants, a wedding ceremony rehearsal must be provided to all couples who request one. Usually, I would arrange this a week or two before the wedding. ♥ Practise “walking the walk” It’s a great opportunity for your wedding party to practise walking up to the groom (assuming […]
Planning a long distance wedding
The legislation in Australia applies equally to marriages involving persons who are not Australian citizens as it does to marriages involving one or two Australians. As an authorised marriage celebrant, I usually meet with couples three times before their wedding – at an initial meeting, then at a follow up meeting, then at the rehearsal; […]
Registering your marriage
What is the process? Since 1 July 2014, a new system called LifeLink, introduced by the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages in NSW, allows celebrants the option of lodging online the official paperwork for each marriage they have conducted in NSW so they can be officially registered. As per the Marriage Act 1961, this […]
Marriage ~ some little known facts & figures
One of the key roles of the Attorney-General’s Department is to administer The Marriage Act 1961. Each year, it collects statistics regarding weddings performed by those authorised to do so. Who knew that in Australia … ♥ Lois D’Arcy was awarded the honour of being Australia’s first Civil Celebrant on 19th July 1973. She […]
Wedding photos ~ 20 memorable ideas
Apart from the traditional, what else is there? “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever … it remembers little things long after you have forgotten everything.” – Aaron Siskind. Your photographer will no doubt supply you with a list of shots which s/he […]