Wedding Ceremonies
- How does the process work?
- Wedding themes and unique ceremony ideas
- Wedding vows
- Wedding ceremony checklist
- Ceremony location
What happens – how does the process work?
It's an exciting time, and as your marriage celebrant, Kerry will meet with you to discuss your wedding ceremony. This is an obligation-free chance for you to see whether you would like to book my services, ask any questions you like and for Kerry to gather information from you, in order to create your ceremony and take care of the legal necessities.
Kerry will offer suggestions and guidance on how to create your dream wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony has many elements that come together to set you at ease and create a special moment in time. Here are some ideas Kerry will assist you with:
- A selection of music to suit everyone - a list of music to complement your wedding day.
- As a couple, choose styles and pieces that you and your guests will enjoy, at least seven songs to be played at four stages of the Wedding Ceremony:
- Prelude - music begins when the first guest arrives. You may need to choose more than one piece of music, depending on your schedule. The prelude music may be played by a band, soloist, duo, choir, DJ or recorded music, to establish the mood for the ceremony. You may have your own ideas but a detailed list will be emailed through to you, to inspire you and remind you of an artist you may have temporarily forgotten.
- The Processional - music accompanies the bridal party's walk down the aisle.
- The Interlude - When the bride and groom and witnesses sign the marriage certificate. The music chosen enhances the mood and emphasises the meaning of marriage.
- The Recessional - This music is played as the newlyweds leave the wedding altar and walk down the aisle to be congratulated. This music reflects a joyous mood.
Theme of your Wedding, or Unique Ceremony Ideas
Creating your style of wedding, the theme or style reflects your personality as a couple and manifests itself in your dress design, ceremony and reception location, guest numbers, flower style, vow wording, invitation wording, speeches, type of food and drinks served, transport used to arrive at the ceremony location and the overall level of traditions and formality.
For example, a beach/Hawaiian theme, the bridesmaids could wear floral sundresses and the groomsmen matching aloha shirts and khaki pants, with the ceremony held on the beach you can use palms, seashells and starfish as decorations.
Seashells with candles or fresh tropical flowers make great table centrepieces, as you offer a menu of classic Hawaiian food and wine. The music 'Hawaii 5-0 theme from the TV show is played while the couple cut the wedding cake made in the shape of a surfboard.
Kerry also provides resources on a myriad of ideas that you may like to include in your ceremony, as well as discuss these in person with you.
Vows
Kerry will provide original vows for you to choose from, or give advice on how to write your own. There is a small legal section that Kerry will ensure you say on the day of your wedding, so that your marriage is valid in law.
Wedding Ceremony Checklist
In order to conduct your ceremony, I will ask you to provide the following information.
Legal information
- Your wedding date and preferred ceremony start time.
- Venue/location - If you want to marry in a popular destination, it is important that you book your venue/location for the wedding ceremony. If you are marrying in a public open space such as the beach or a park then you will need permission from the local Council.
- If you are over 18.
- What country you were both born in.
- If either of you have ever been previously married (and, if so, you will need to provide a death, annulment or divorce certificate).
- Provide documents of identification, namely your original birth certificate or passport, proof of age or drivers' licence. (Note: If your birth certificate is not in English you will need a certified translation. Refer to the Yellow pages - Translations/Interpreters – NAATI accredited).
- Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form (in CAPITAL LETTERS AND BLACK INK) and lodge with your celebrant at least one month prior to your wedding date. If this is not done it is not possible to marry unless you get a shortening of notice. If this is required please contact me to find out how. Similarly, you must be over 18 years of age otherwise permission is required by the Courts.
- Other documents may be required. If this is the case, you will be advised of this during our discussions.
- A deposit payment is required for me to confidently turn away other couples and reserve your date and time in my diary. The balance of my fee is due one month prior to your wedding day.
Optional (but equally important) details
- Your preferred day to have your rehearsal (which takes 1.5 hours and is best held on-site at your ceremony location). You will need to check the availability of all parties (including your bridesmaids, your venue, and myself) before your rehearsal can be confirmed.
- A little bit about you both – how you met, got engaged, what you both love about each other, things you imagine your wedding ceremony to be, and things you want to avoid for your wedding day!
- Suppliers details – who are you using for music, photography, videography, catering, decorating, etc. If you are still looking, please take a look at some of the suppliers I have worked with.
- Where do you want guests seated, and how many guests you are expecting?
- What music you want for your pre-ceremony, entrance, signing and recessional, and whether you'd like to utilise my PA system to play your ceremonial music (included in my fee).
The Ceremony Location
A civil ceremony offers flexibility with the choice of vows, music, location and style of the wedding, seven days a week. When selecting a location on the beach, contact your local council for permission, to book the time and place for the wedding ceremony.
There is contact information listed under wedding resources, to assist you in finding your dream location.
A civil celebrant caters for most requests, like getting married in your favourite place beside a waterfall.
Although you most likely will not need it, ensure you have a wet weather option in place.