WEDDING TIPS & TRICKS 
Here are my Top 10 Wedding Tips & Tricks. They’re a combination of life experience, officiating 100’s of wedding ceremonies and my eye for detail.
1. Keep it Personal
The best weddings aren’t necessarily perfect; they’re personal. Your family and friends won’t be dissecting everything on the day but, if you’re relaxed and feeling the love, they will too.
2. Running Sheet
Start by making a spreadsheet and allocate space to list each element in the lead up to and on your wedding day. Include references to who’s responsible, timing, costs etc. Then, in the final week or so, make a wedding day running sheet so that each step is covered (wake up alarm, breakfast, hair, makeup, drinks & nibbles, photographer, getting dressed, travel time etc.) and allow extra time for anything unforeseen.
3. Wedding Committee Party
Don’t over-share your vision with random people. Choose one or two special people, let’s call them your “wedding committee party”, (who doesn’t love a party?) and discuss things with them. Too many opinions is, simply, too many opinions … and they will do your head in!
4. Less is More
Less is often more. You don’t need to throw everything at your ceremony and reception. Keep the good bits, the meaningful parts, and decide whether you really need those aisle chair decorations and some of those old traditions.
5. Do You!
Spending time with comparisons or worrying about what other people think you should do is not helpful. It really is about you and your partner (and ticking those legal boxes … I’ll help you with those!)
6. Wedding Wisdom
If you choose me, you’ll know that I’ve been the celebrant at 100’s of weddings so I know a thing or two! I can offer you ideas and guide you with lots of wedding wisdom but, in the end, I’m happy for you to choose what resonates with you and go with that.
7. Timing
Yes, you can book me outside the 18-month notice period but I always advise we don’t get into the actual planning stage until your Notice of Intended Marriage has been lodged with me. You can pay a booking fee to hold your date, then we’ll meet to complete your NOIM when we’re within the 18-month notice period and chat about the process and a timeline. Then, when we’re closer to your date, we’ll meet again to nut out all the important people and things you’d like to include in your ceremony (the fun part.) That way, everything doesn’t get stale and overworked. Fresh is best and it will definitely save you second-guessing everything.
8. When You Don’t Have a Plan, Adapt
If something doesn’t go to plan, pivot and go with plan B or make a new plan on the spot. It’s highly likely that no one else will know what step has been missed and will go with the flow.
9. Allow Yourself Space
Allow yourself some space straight after your ceremony to mingle with family and friends. It’s probably taken months to get to your big day so don’t make the mistake of getting ushered straight into photos and being directed this way and that as soon as you’ve walked back up the aisle together. I see it all too often. Ask your photographer to take images of those beautiful post-ceremony ad hoc moments, genuine hugs and laughs before they get everyone together for a group photo. Your day is all about you and your loved ones, so soak it in. I always suggest having 3 songs (your exit song + 2 more) to keep the happy vibe going before your photographer steps in. This equals about 10 minutes for the congratulations to flow in while you’re feeling amazing after your ceremony.
10. Celebrate!
I read recently that there are really only two occasions when family and friends will all come together to celebrate you. Have the wedding!
#129 ~ 06/05/26
© Lindy Cooke Celebrant