Unplugged weddings ~ what are they?
As social media has increasingly taken a key place in our lives so, too, have unplugged weddings become more popular. What are unplugged weddings? This simply means that the bride and groom have chosen for guests to sit back and capture all the precious moments from their wedding ceremony without the distraction of taking photos with their camera or phone. This role is left to either their professional photographer or, perhaps, one or two close friends. As well as family and friends soaking up the atmosphere and listening to what...
read moreA promise is a promise
Making promises I always suggest to each couple booking with me that they take the time to find a quiet space to write down each promise they’d like to make to their partner and … to write from the heart. This part of every ceremony is so intimate and special. It’s like a moment in time, perfectly captured by two people who love each other. Whether it’s in the presence of their celebrant and a minimum of two witnesses over the age of 18 or in front of a crowd of family and friends, it is a significant moment in their wedding ceremony....
read moreMarriage equality ~ love wins!
♥ A hot topic The question of marriage equality has been a hot topic in recent times. This is mainly due to the legislation which came into being during John Howard’s term as Prime Minister of Australia. In 2004, a series of words, known as The Monitum, was added to the Marriage Act 1961. These words must be said by all Commonwealth-registered celebrants (like me) and State and Territory officers (such as someone in a local Court House who is authorised to marry couples) in order for a marriage in Australia to be considered legal The...
read moreSave the Date ~ what does this mean?
What do you think about when you hear the phrase “Save the Date”? Usually this is known as a notification, sent to friends and family, in order to give them advance notice about an important event, such as a wedding. There are, however, TWO wedding-related reasons why someone may be asked to Save the Date and both scenarios are explained below: ♥ Timing There are no rules about when is the best time to send out a Save the Date prior to your marriage but your prime consideration should be your guests and how much notice...
read moreMarriage ~ the age old question!
As your celebrant, there are a few things surrounding marriage and the question of age that I’ll mention when I meet with you. ♥ Minimum Age The minimum age for someone marrying in Australia without any special consent is 18 years. This, of course, is as long as the couple meet the other relevant criteria such as they are not currently married to someone else, they are not (too) closely related and they are able to provide the necessary documentation to prove their name, date/place of birth and their identity. If either party is under...
read moreChoosing your wedding location
Choosing your wedding location will have a huge effect on how you, your family and friends remember your special day. Emotions will be high as, after all, your choice of wedding location provides the stage, as it were, for you and your partner to be joined in marriage. Many of your photographs will be taken during and soon after the ceremony, including the arrival of the bridal party, the groom’s first look, saying your vows, exchanging rings, your first kiss as a married couple, signing the Certificates of Marriage, with your celebrant, and...
read moreCan I have a surprise wedding?
I love a surprise wedding and, importantly, I’m great at keeping secrets! As long as your wedding isn’t a surprise for either of you (which is actually illegal in Australia), the answer is definitely “yes”! ♥ How to orchestrate a surprise wedding There are any number of reasons why you may choose to arrange a surprise wedding. For example, if things have become a bit stressful for you in the lead up to your wedding and you feel as though everyone has an opinion on absolutely every little detail, you could always change your date and...
read moreKeeping on track with your celebrant
For me, every couple and every wedding is different but there are certain things that I’ll go over with you, legal elements that I’ll explain and options and resources that I’ll offer you so as to make your celebration truly unique. ♥ Our first meeting At this meeting, I’ll make notes including your full names, address, contact numbers, email addresses etc. I’ll also run through my resource folder with you. This contains lots of really useful information including the legal elements associated with your wedding, sample readings and...
read moreAfter your wedding day
Well, the much anticipated day has now passed. What next? Here are a few things you may like to follow up on after you return from your honeymoon. ♥ Certificates of Marriage When your marriage takes place in NSW, I will discuss with you whether you would like me to order on your behalf, through Births Deaths & Marriages, a standard or standard plus commemorative Certificate of Marriage. I will keep you informed as to when the order has been placed and follow up with BDM in the unlikely event there are any delays in sending your...
read moreChoosing your wedding support group
♥ The lead up to your wedding day This is likely to be full of lots of research, decision-making and meetings with various suppliers and that’s in addition to what’s required of you in your job, within your family and circle of friends and in your day-to-day life! A key component of this is your wedding support group. You may choose, for instance, for this to be a friend whose opinion you trust, a family member or one or more members of your bridal party. While everyone is likely to have an opinion, what you need is someone to bounce ideas...
read moreReception seating plans
The layout and size of your venue may determine your reception seating plans for family and friends but it’s worth bearing in mind that you do have options. Your venue co-ordinator should be able to provide you with several floor plans so that you can choose the one that suits you best and which can accommodate your guests as well as other things such as a dance floor, band/DJ, cake station or lolly buffet etc. ♥ Round Tables Round tables to seat, say, 8-10 people, are great for getting everyone chatting. Your guests will have good eye...
read more10 biggest things brides forget!
A wedding can be small and intimate, a big glitzy affair or something in between. Whichever one you choose, here are a few things which some brides may forget in all the excitement. Now that you know them, they shouldn’t happen to you! 1. Start planning early Even if your wedding is months or over a year away, it’s always a good idea to have a checklist of things to be done and tick items off the list regularly. In Australia, a Notice of Intended Marriage can be lodged with a celebrant between one and 18 months before a marriage but some...
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