YOUR CEREMONY

A Celebrant marriage ceremony allows you complete freedom of choice. It is your wedding; you are the reason for, and the focus of the ceremony. You choose the celebrant, the time, the place, the words, the music and how you wish the ceremony to be conducted.

Your ceremony should be unique, like you. I write a special ceremony for each couple. Some couples opt for a standard short ceremony which is fine, but they usually tell me afterwards that they wished it had been longer. Most couples want to do it all over again! I recommend that you put some thought into your ceremony as it IS an occasion you will never forget.

I also advise that you have a rehearsal before the wedding. This avoids mix-ups, allows everyone to be relaxed and confident about the ceremony and we can also finalise any necessary legalities.

On the wedding day I will arrive 45 mins before commencement to meet those assembled, set up the wedding table etc and check final arrangements. Generally, I will not book another wedding that day to allow for flexibility.

Many couples also like to have family or friends or even their children involved in the ceremony. These can be included by saying a few words they have written or by reading a poem. Children in particular can be included by participating in one of the many ceremony rituals.

Music is an integral part of any ceremony but many people leave the arrangements for this until the last minute. My Public Address System is also excellent for music and playing your favourite compact discs.

Ceremony rituals can include :

Candle lighting; Sharing of wine/champagne or beer; Warming the rings; Hand blessing/binding with ribbon; Releasing of butterflies, doves or balloons; Sand ceremony; Rose ceremony; Gifts for children; Step parents vows; and many others. There are many special rituals available with special words written for these occasions.