Author Archives: hayley

Breaking down the cost question…..

I often get asked why Celebrants charge so much for a “few hours’ work”. What a lot of people don’t realise is that you CANNOT get married without a Celebrant. They are one (if not the) most important elements of your wedding day. While I charge a lot less than most Celebrants I do so by choice and because I am not a full time Celebrant. If this was my full time job then I would have to charge a lot more. I thought I would write this Blog post to help couples understand why Celebrants charge what they do. Here is a breakdown of our costs.

Meetings and travel – While Celebrants don’t charge by the hour they have to take every hour into account. Some Celebrants meet couples at their homes and therefore have to factor travel time and petrol into their expenses. Travel and petrol to and from our weddings is also an expense we need to factor in. I keep my costs down by holding all of my meetings at home and only travelling within 45minutes of Brisbane. Meetings also have to be factored into the time it takes to prepare for your Ceremony.

Stationery – From the pen that I write with to the paper I write my notes to the printing of documents…. it all adds up. Paper, ink, electricity are all bulk costs that have to be broken down to a per wedding basis when you are a Celebrant. Celebrants also have to buy some of the official paperwork from one supplier who dictates the price of those products.

PA system – This is where there can be a significant difference when it comes to costs. Legally all weddings must be able to be clearly heard by guests. Therefore in most situations Celebrants will use a PA system. PA systems with microphones and headsets are expensive. Some play music and others connect to an iPad etc. The cost of a specialised PA system can be extremely high depending upon what it can do. Not only do these systems need to be maintained they also need a constant supply of batteries. Most Celebrants will also have a speaker stand and expensive case for their system.

Wardrobe – While I don’t have a specific “Celebrant wardrobe” as such I do have certain outfits that I have purchased with weddings in mind. Your wardrobe has to be a bit more diverse than the “normal” wardrobe keeping in mind weather, colours and themes for weddings.

Time – Writing ceremonies, Finding the perfect poem or even writing verses from scratch all takes time. Sometimes I can sit down and write a Ceremony from start to finish in an hour or so because the words will just flow. Other times I will spend a few hours on a ceremony if the couple has specific requirements such as a sand ceremony or a hand fasting etc. No one wedding is more important than the other but they all require time.

Looking over paperwork for accuracy and even just preparation before and during the Ceremony takes time.

Insurance and Annual Fees – Something not a lot of couples know is that Celebrants pay an annual fee to stay Celebrants, we also pay insurance and copyright fees. Many Celebrants are also members of Associations and pay an annual fee towards this and the conferences they attend to help improve their skills. Another fee incurred annually is an ongoing professional development fee. Each year every Celebrant is required to undertake compulsory on-going professional development through an approved organisation. This is on top of the course that we paid for to become Celebrants, as all Celebrants have studied and obtained a Certificate IV to be qualified.

Marketing – Some Celebrants choose to market their services and pay for online listings and attend expos. This is a great expense to many Celebrants, especially those who hold the profession full time.

Phone calls and follow up – Time spent following up and phoning couples also needs to be factored into the expense of being a Celebrant. Not to mention the costs of phone calls.

Miscellaneous – I am sure for some Celebrants I have forgotten a few things and most will provide a small gift for their couples, while others have bubbles and signage etc.

Like any wedding supplier being a Celebrant is a job, a form of income, and while many of us are Celebrants because we love it and we consider it a privilege we can’t do it for free and we have sat down and carefully considered the costs related to our services. I keep my costs down, as previously mentioned, by holding meetings at home, and reducing my travel times and distances. I also do most of my advertising online. Other Celebrants who provide more services, travel further distances, hold more meetings, attend expos, and have bigger and better PA systems charge more for their services because their overheads are higher. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are better or provide a more professional service it just means that their costs are higher and therefore they need to charge more to maintain their level of service.

Like any small business owner and service provider Celebrants all charge differently. Always compare Celebrants and what they offer and chat with them before deciding on the right Celebrant for you. While the most expensive Celebrant isn’t always the best Celebrant they are charging according to what they feel they can offer compared to others in the same profession. Finding the right fit for you is always more important than price.

I hope that this post helps you better understand why Celebrants charge what they do. I also hope that it helps alleviate any concerns some people had with regard to why I charge less than the registry office and thus had fears that maybe I didn’t provide a full professional service. Rest assured I do, I just choose to keep my overheads low and my professionalism high. I hope that I can help provide you with the fun, relaxed and professional service in the future.

Must have wedding day photos

Once your guests have all left, your dress has gone to the dry cleaners, and is getting packed away forever, and your bouquet is wilting, what you have left from your wedding day is the photos of those beautiful memories. All of the details that you painstakingly spent months coordinating and getting exactly right are left to live on through your photos.

It’s no wonder that capturing those memories is a priority for many couples.

When choosing your photographer, you need to find someone whose style you love, and who’s personality suits you. Much like finding a Celebrant. Your photographer will be spending the most time with you on your wedding day and will be there for all of your most intimate Moments (some you may not even share with anyone else).

The photos you get on the day will really come down to your photographer and their style. You are relying on the photographer you choose and trust to utilize their professional artistic vision to tell the story of your day. Although most photographers know what they should and would normally capture on most occasions, be sure to let them know of any little details they may miss such as family heirlooms, memorial pieces for loved ones who have passed or nana’s lace handkerchief that you’re going to hide in your bra for when you start crying during your vows.

In terms of photos getting ready, you really only need the final touches of putting on your makeup and getting dressed. Your photographer will have time to get all of your small detail shots as soon as they arrive, while you’re getting your hair and makeup done.

Make sure you have all of your details together when your photographer arrives so they can easily access them and go straight to work getting creative with your stuff.

This includes:

  • Shoes
  • Perfume
  • Dress
  • Jewellery
  • Flowers
  • Garter
  • Veil
  • Rings

And for the guys:

  • Shirts
  • Jackets
  • Belts
  • Shoes
  • Cufflinks
  • Rings

If the photographer isn’t covering the guys getting ready and they have the rings, you may not want to take the rings off after you’ve finally got them on your finger, so be sure to get photos that feature the rings on your hand.

Before you leave for the ceremony make sure you take a few Moments to get photos with your parents and bridal party. Capturing those Moments putting on your parents buttonholes are always so touching and of course your bridesmaids helping to put on your jewellery.

What you will need to emphasise to your photographer is the special people in your lives. They do not know all of your friends and family and it will be hard for you to get around and see everyone.

Be sure to include your grandparents. They are the pillars of your family and also the oldest. It’s unfortunate but I have been asked many times if I managed to capture any other photos of someone who has recently passed away. Your photos are memories not just for you but for your family and future generations.

Make a list of family photos that are important to you and get a family member or someone from the bridal party to help locate those people and tick them off the list. (There is an ideas list below)

Pinterest is a great resource for getting inspirational shot ideas, but don’t expect your photographer to copy anything exactly. If you show them some ideas it will give them a very good idea of the sorts of photos that you like, for me I can usually see a theme, such as sunny backlit photos, landscapes, close-ups, intimate, candid or silly Moments. Your wedding day is unique, so use this opportunity to create your own unique photos and not something everyone has seen before.

It’s a good idea to let your photographer know what you’re planning to do with your photos. For example if you plan on doing an album, you’ll want lots of variety in your detail shots to give you plenty to work with when creating your design. If you plan to do a big art piece for your lounge room wall, you probably want more of the landscape rather than a close up of yourselves kissing.

While this is not a comprehensive ‘list’, of what you need to get photos of on your wedding day, it’s giving you the important things you need to think about to pass on to your photographer. Every wedding is unique and your photographer will know what to do. Enjoy your day and leave the rest to the professionals!

 

Leoni is the founder of Leoni Bolt Photography and she has been photographing weddings since 2005. Prior to that she had worked in many wedding venues across Australia. Her team work together in a candid and relaxed style, capturing all of the heartfelt Moments of your day. Their new studio ‘Bolt Studioz’ has recently opened up in North Brisbane.

Basic wedding day shot list

Shot list ideas (This is a list to be considered and give you ideas ONLY)

Getting Ready

  • Wedding dress on a hanger
  • Wedding invitation
  • Engagement ring and wedding bands
  • Bride and bridesmaids’ bouquets
  • Bride’s jewellery
  • Bride applying makeup
  • Bridesmaids and/or mother of the bride helping the bride into her dress
  • Putting on the veil
  • Groom tying his tie
  • Groom pinning boutonniere on his father
  • Father pinning boutonniere on the groom
  • Leaving for the ceremony
  • Entire bridal party.

Family and Friends

  • All guests and bridal party
  • Bride and groom and celebrant
  • Generational shot: Bride, Mum, sister(s), grandmother
  • Bride with Mum and mother-in-law
  • Bride with mother-in-law
  • Bride with bridesmaids
  • Bride with maid of honour
  • Bride with flower girl(s)
  • Generational shot: Groom, father, brother(s), grandfather
  • Groom with father and father-in-law
  • Groom with father-in-law
  • Groom with groomsmen
  • Groom with best man
  • Groom with ring bearer(s)
  • Bride and groom
  • Bride, groom, bride’s immediate family
  • Bride, groom, bride’s parents
  • Bride, groom, groom’s immediate family
  • Bride, groom, groom’s parents
  • Bride, groom, both sets of parents
  •  Bride, groom, both immediate families
  • Bride, groom, siblings
  • Bride, groom, all grandparents
  • Bride, groom, each grandparent (or set of grandparents)
  • Bride and groom with extended families
  • Bride, groom, maid of honour, best man
  • Bride, groom, flower girl, ring bearer
  • Bride with groomsmen
  • Groom with bridesmaids
  • Bride, groom, full wedding party

Important Moments

  • The first look
  • Room shots at ceremony
  • Wedding party and parents walking down the aisle
  • Bride walking down the aisle
  • Groom’s face as he waits/sees her
  • The vows
  • Close-up of the exchange of rings
  • The first kiss as husband and wife
  • The recessional
  • Celebrant and couple signing and/or signing of marriage certificate
  • Room shots at reception
  • Close-up of seating-card display
  • Close-up of centrepieces
  • Reception entrance
  • The first dance
  • Father/daughter dance
  • Mother/son dance
  • The toasts
  • The cake cutting
  • Bouquet and garter toss
  • Parents of bride dancing
  • Parents of groom dancing
  • Couple’s departure

 

*Don’t forget to include step parents and get a photo with your best friend/friends.

Change of Name Checklist

Do I have to change my name after marriage?

No you don’t have to; a lot of newlyweds choose not to change their name at all. This is fine and means that you won’t have to change any of your documents. You can use your new last name without formally changing it as long as it isn’t for fraudulent or legal purposes. Eg you can be known as Mrs Mcleod to the kids at your child’s school but you cannot apply for a mortgage in your new name.

*A note to all newlyweds do not book plane tickets in your married name for a honeymoon or holiday. It is safer to get all documents, especially your passport changed before booking tickets or accommodation.

What can I change my name to after I’m married?

You may choose to:

-Take on your husband’s last name.

-Hyphenate your last names (ie Smith-Jones).

-Turn your maiden name into a new middle name and take on your husband’s name as your last name.

-Make up a new last name that is a combination of your maiden name and married name.

-Make up a totally new name. Please note if your husband is also changing his last name he will have to do this through a process with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

What is an official marriage certificate?

The “certificate” presented to you at your wedding is a “commemorative certificate”.  This is different to the certificate that is issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to confirm marriage registration.  While some organisations will accept commemorative certificates as proof of marriage, most won’t.  Your Celebrant has two weeks from the date of your wedding to lodge official documentation and then it is best to wait about a week before applying for your “official marriage certificate”

You can start using your new name whenever you like, and you don’t actually have to change your name on any documentation if you don’t want to, this is called ‘name by association’ and is perfectly legal.  Quite a few new brides take on their husband’s name in this way – they use their married name with family and friends, but keep their maiden name on their official ID documentation.  This can get confusing though, which is why most newlyweds choose to change their name on their driver’s license, passport, bank accounts etc, and go about their name change in a more official way.

If you’re just taking on your husband’s name, this is a fairly simple process.  A Marriage Certificate issued by your state or territory’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is sufficient evidence that you are married and you do not need to go through any application process to change your name.  While this will not change your name on your birth certificate / birth record, it will allow you to legally change your name on all of your identification documents.  You can start officially changing your name as soon as you are married and have your Marriage Certificate.

The following is a list of some of the places and or ID’s that may need updating:

Proof of name change Memberships
      Marriage Certificate (from BDM)       Library memberships
Government       Gym membership
      Driver’s licence       Subscriptions
      Car registration       Frequent Flyer membership
      Passport       Loyalty programs (eg FlyBuys)
      Electoral roll       Video libraries
      Australian Taxation Office       Automobile Clubs
      Medicare       Professional memberships
      Council (for property owners)       Sporting associations
      Centrelink Health
Utilities       Doctor
      Electricity provider       Dentist
      Gas provider       Optometrist
      Water provider       Ambulance subscription
Communications       Specialists
      Home phone account Employment & Education
      Mobile phone account       Your employer
      Internet       Australian Business Registrar (if you are a company director)
      Pay TV       Superannuation funds
Finance       Alumni organisations
      Bank accounts       High School
      Credit Cards       Your children’s school
      Store Cards Other
      Building Societies       Your will
      Investment accounts       Title Deeds office
      Mortgage       Real estate agent (if renting)
      Personal loans       Lawyer / Solicitor
      Share holdings       Accountant
Insurance       Tollway accounts
      Home / contents insurance       Ebay & PayPal
      Car insurance       Facebook / LinkedIN
      Health insurance       Australian Organ Donor Register
      Life insurance       Vet
      Income protection insurance       Pet microchip company
        Voicemail

How to choose your Celebrant

One of the biggest questions on wedding forums is how do I choose a Marriage Celebrant? I will be honest in my assessment of this question as (1) I have been a bride and (2) I am a Marriage Celebrant. So I did some investigating and this is what I have found so far.

  • There are thousands of Marriage Celebrants throughout Australia.
  • Most people know a Marriage Celebrant or have a friend of a friend who knows one.
  • Most brides to be rely on testimonials online or recommendations from friends and or family.

So how should you choose a Marriage Celebrant?

1)      It is always good to ask your partner what type of Celebrant they would like. My husband was adamant that he wanted a male Marriage Celebrant. Something to be aware of is that there aren’t as many around as female Marriage Celebrants so they can be harder to find and are sometimes more expensive, so booking early is key.

2)      Testimonials. Can you rely on 5 star ratings and testimonials? Unfortunately not. I have noticed in several forums that while it appears that other brides may be endorsing Marriage Celebrants they are in fact suppliers or friends. This makes the Celebrant look good and they will in turn endorse their friends. There is nothing wrong with this practise but it is something to be aware of. Also remember that not all brides and grooms show their gratitude in writing. They may tell a Celebrant on the day what a great job they have done but getting them to put it into writing can be more difficult, especially once they are married and life returns to their normal busy schedules.

3)      5 star ratings and awards. These awards are given to Celebrants who advertise on specific websites which means they aren’t rated against all Celebrants they are rated against the ones that are mostly full time celebrants and who advertise on those particular sites. Just because a Celebrant doesn’t have a 5 star rating from an Australian Bridal Magazine doesn’t mean they aren’t 5 star, all it means is that they don’t or cannot afford to advertise in such magazines.

4)      Choose a Celebrant that best fits your personality. Age and gender can play a large part in this selection process. Make a few phone calls and send a few emails. Please remember that interviewing several Celebrants can be a waste of your time and theirs. If you cannot ascertain from a phone call if your Celebrant is the right fit for you then by all means arrange a meeting. Choose someone that both you and your partner feel comfortable with.

5)      Not all Celebrants are full time Celebrants. For many Celebrants being a Celebrant isn’t something they do full time. It doesn’t mean they don’t love what they do, for many it means that they do it because they love it but because there are so many Celebrants available it is not something that most people can afford to do full time. This does NOT mean they aren’t just as good as the full time Celebrants.

6)      Select a Celebrant who is close to your venue. Most Celebrants are willing to travel but remember the further away your Celebrant it is the more likely they are to get stuck in traffic on the way to your ceremony. Choosing a locally based Celebrant can be an advantage.

7)      Look for Celebrants who are part of Associations or Groups, this can benefit you from the perspective that they will have “back-up” Celebrants available to you in the event of illness or unforeseen circumstances.

8)      Don’t judge a Celebrant based on price. I have seen people say that more expensive Celebrants offer more services. This is not true. All Celebrants should have a list of “inclusions” on their websites. Celebrants can charge whatever they like for their services but higher prices don’t always mean better service.

9)      Check that your Celebrant is registered. This may sound strange but I have heard of people thinking they are getting married by a registered Celebrant and the person marrying them didn’t know they had to be registered. You can check this on the Attorney General’s website: https://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Marriage/Findamarriagecelebrant/Pages/default.aspx

10)   Ask your venue if they have a selection of Celebrants that work in the area that may be able to assist you.

11)   Check the terms and conditions that your Celebrant gives you. Check for any “extra” costs.

12)   Ask your Celebrant how many “draft” ceremonies they will provide for you? You want to make sure that you are happy with what is being said on the day.

13)   Visit celebrant association websites such as http://professionalcelebrants.asn.au/find-a-celebrant/

14)   Ensure that your Celebrant has insurance and has paid for copyright licenses.

15)   Most importantly select a Celebrant you feel comfortable working with as they are going to play a large part in your special day.

I hope this helps. If I can help you further please visit my website for more information at www.hayleymcleodbrisbanecelebrant.com

A basic guide to speechces

Hi just a quick guidel for those who are worried about speeches at their wedding. It is always a good idea to have someone close to you to be your MC for the evening. They cannot only keep guests entertained and introduce the bridal party but they can act as a time-keeper if they need to be.

The Father of the Bride usually goes first followed by the Groom, The Best Man, The Bride and then the Matron of Honour. Some mothers also like to do a speech.

MC

  • Have a run sheet for the night (e.g. times of first dance, meals, speeches), people who are going to speak, the name of the photographer and or caterer.
  • Have some quirky intro’s prepared and know the bridal parties names.

The Father of the Bride
The Father of the Bride’s speech is usually an emotional journey of his daughter’s life…. From birth and the memories he (or he and his wife) have of her growing up.

Inclusions:

  • Welcome everyone to the wedding, including the Groom’s parents and thank them for coming. Thank your beautiful wife and those who made the day possible.
  • Say how beautiful and handsome the bridal party are.
  • Tell a lovely story about your daughter growing up.
  • Offer some words of advice/wisdom for the newly married couple.
  • Propose a toast.

The Groom
This is more of a thank you speech and a speech of praise for the wonderful woman you have married.

Inclusions:

  • Thank the Bride’s parents for allowing you to marry their daughter and if they have helped out with the day and don’t forget your own parents.
  • Thank those who have travelled.
  • Say something nice or tell a nice story about your new wife and your journey together.
  • Say something nice about the bridesmaids.
  • Thank your groomsmen.

The Best Man
This should be a speech that is short and light hearted. It is usually a speech about mateship.

Inclusions:

  • Thank the Groom for asking you to be by his side on the most important day of his life.
  • Tell a story about the Groom and or your friendship. Try to tell a story that includes others in the room. Don’t make the story too detailed or graphic.
  • If there were people who were unable to attend you may like to include apologies from them in your speech; if you know of any.
  • Propose a toast

The Bride
It has become more traditional for the Bride to give a short speech at her wedding.

Inclusions:

  • Thank parents.
  • Thank partner.
  • Tell a story about how you met or a story about travel etc.
  • Thank everyone for coming.
  • Thank MC.
  • Any special moments of the day you would like to share.

The Matron of Honour
This should be a speech that is short and light hearted. It is usually a speech about friendship.

Inclusions:

  • Thank the Bride for asking you to be by her side on the most important day of her life.
  • Tell a story about the Bride and or your friendship. Try to tell a story that includes others in the room. Don’t make the story too detailed or graphic.
  • Talk about the importance of marriage (maybe tell a poem or offer a few words of wisdom).
  • Propose a toast.

Speeches should be no more than about 3-5minutes each as you want to maintain guest’s attention.

Weddings on a Budget

I always ask my couples why they are getting married and it’s always the same answer…. Because we want to be husband and wife and we love each other. Spending $5,000 or spending $40,000 doesn’t make you any less husband and wife. You are getting married because you want to. Don’t get me wrong I believe every bride and groom should have a magical day but make sure the day is for you and about you, not how much you have spent or how much debt you are in. If you can afford to have your dream wedding and it costs you thousands of dollars then that is great but not everyone can do that or wants to do that. These are just a few ideas for those who would like to be married but don’t think they can afford it.

I am yet to walk away from a wedding where everyone was critical of the bride’s flowers, the cake or the table decorations. Prioritise what is important to you and not others. It is YOUR day, not THEIRS.

The average wedding in Australia costs between $30,000 and $40,000. A lot of people don’t have this type of money lying around and start their married life in debt. This is not a good way to start out. So if you want to get married but don’t have a big budget  here are a few simple ways you can save money.

1)      Invitations….. Making our own invitations can be hard and time consuming if you don’t know what you are doing. There are several university students out there studying graphic design who may be able to help you out then get them printed via Vistaprint or your local Officeworks. Save the date cards can be sent electronically via several websites and RSVP cards very rarely come back. Most people will respond verbally.

2)      Reception…… there are a few ways to cut costs when it comes to your biggest expense.

  • Look at your numbers carefully. Is everyone on your list a close family member or friend? You should be celebrating your day with those closest to you, especially if you are paying $100 a head for them to be there.
  • Have a large engagement party with everyone but only immediate family and friends at your wedding and reception.
  • Have a cocktail party instead of a sit down dinner.
  • Do you own catering. I have attended weddings at the bride and groom’s home where there was just hot finger food coming out prepared by the bride’s parents. Some bottle shops will supply alcohol and allow you to return what isn’t consumed (provided it is still consumable and saleable)
  • Ask guests to pay for their own meal instead of a gift. Keep in mind not every couple can afford a $100 a head meal though.
  • If your best friend has a partner who you have never met pay for your best friend’s meal but ask her to pay for that of the partner (this applies to family as well).
  • Be careful when thinking that hiring a hall and then hiring tables and chairs and a spit roast is easier and cheaper than a sit down dinner. Remember hiring plates and cutlery and wait staff can be expensive.

3)      Ceremony…While you want your ceremony to be beautiful think about what you really need to get married…… a Celebrant and that’s it.

  • Only hire chairs for those who are elderly. Everyone else can stand for 20-30minutes.
    Shop around for quotes when looking for red carpets and arbours.
  • Celebrant – When it comes to getting a Celebrant prices can range from anywhere between $350 – $700. Choose a Celebrant that you feel comfortable with but at the end of the day they all have to abide by the same rules and laws and lodge the same paperwork.
  • Have your Ceremony at the same place as your reception. Some places will allow you to have your Ceremony at the venue for no extra charge.

4)      Music…. When it comes to music for your ceremony most Celebrants will have a PA system you can use. For the reception consider hiring a good amp you can hook up to a laptop and get your MC to run it for the night.

5)      Wedding dress and suits…. Most wedding dresses are worn once therefore buying second hand isn’t a big gamble. Some second hand stores also specialise in wedding gowns and suits. This is a great option for those on a budget. Also look for suit hire places that do hire four suits get one free etc. When it comes to bridesmaids dresses again look for second hand gowns and consider having them taken up and taken in, if required. Jewellery can also be bought second hand or made; if you are feeling creative.

6)      Hair and make-up. Most people know how to do their own make-up but if you aren’t sure consider going to your local beauty school who can offer you hair and make-up at a reduced price when done by students.

7)      Flowers….A lot of brides are making their own bouquets now either using fake flowers or wholesale flowers from flower markets. They are something that will die at the end of the day and can sometimes be more of a nuisance than anything else.

8)      Cake….The best advice I can give on this one is to shop around and get several quotes but again this is something that gets a couple of photos and is going to be eaten. Use your cake as dessert instead of having a three course meal.

9)      Table decorations and gifts……Your local Spotlight, Bunnings or craft store will become your new best friend when it comes to decorations. A few sprinkles and flowers and you are done. People are at your wedding for you, not to admire your table while they are eating.

10)  Photographers and videographers…. Again your local university can be a source of talented young people eager to expand their portfolios. Also consider making your own wedding album instead of having one put together for you.

11)  Honeymoon…..Consider staying local if you can’t afford to go somewhere big and take the trip of a lifetime at a later date. All you really need is a couple of days for the “we are husband and wife” time that every newly married couple should have.

12)  Cars/Transport….Local car clubs often have members who would be willing to drive you to and from your Ceremony or ask a friend who has a nice car if you can pop a ribbon on it. Most people don’t see the car you arrive in.

13)  Elope…..For those who really want to be married and don’t want the fuss eloping is always an option and then have a vow renewal at a later date with family and friends.

I hope this helps!

 

 

The Wedding Process

You got engaged… congratulations…. So what’s the next step?

1)      Choose date…. Set a date that is important to you if you can such as when you first met or your great grandparents wedding anniversary. This makes the date easier to remember.

2)      1-2 years in advance…Choose a venue. Sometimes you may have to be flexible with dates or change the year you are getting married if you have a dream venue in mind

3)      6-12 months in advance….Choose a Celebrant. Your Celebrant is a very important part of your wedding. Choose someone you feel comfortable with and who best fits with the personality of you and your fiancé.

  1. Sign the Notice of Intended Marriage with your Celebrant. This needs to be signed one month and one day before you get married and no more than 18 months.

4)      6-12 months in advance… Ask your Bridal Party to be part of your special day.

5)      6-12 months in advance…. Think about a theme and or colour scheme.

6)      3-6 months in advance Start organising flowers, hair and make-up, DJ/Music, cake, cars and a photographer and or videographer.

7)      Send out save the date cards about 6 months before your wedding day.

8)      1-2 months in advance….Begin to finalise Ceremony with your Celebrant.

9)      Send out Invitations approx. 2-3 months before wedding date. Earlier if people need to organise accommodation, flights and or babysitting.

10)  2-3 weeks…..Finalise ceremony with your Celebrant, including Vows.

11)  2-3 weeks…. Hens/Bucks Party

12)  1-2 days before weddings….Sign Declaration of No Legal Impediment with Celebrant/Rehearsal.

13)  Get married.