Where can we get married?

 

Wherever and whenever you want! Whether it be a chapel, beach, park, garden, hotel, resort, winery, boat or even a hot air balloon - the choices are endless.

Some venues such as special parks may require a licence and charge a fee. Others just require some local knowledge, for example a grassy stretch next to a beautiful river may sound gorgeous…but not if the river happens to be infested with crocodiles! Although that would make for a memorable day and a great photo opportunity! Always best, wherever you choose, to have a back-up plan in case of weather disturbances. Especially in Melbourne!!

 

 

Where can we conduct the interview?

 

Why not meet in a cosy café for a cuppa? If you prefer and you are local (Metro area) I can come to you. If you are overseas or interstate we can do the interview by Skype or via phone.

 

 

How far will you travel to conduct a ceremony?

 

I have conducted weddings interstate! Included in the fee is travel an hour away from my home (Loch). Anywhere outside that will incur a small travelling charge that can be discussed between us.

 

 

How much time do you spend on our wedding?

 

As much time as necessary to get it perfect for you! As well as the first no obligation meeting, I am happy to meet with you again to discuss any parts of the ceremony and for you to fire any burning questions at me! A rehearsal at your venue or alternate place is also recommended as well as the actual ceremony presentation on your special day! I’ll be contactable by phone and email as much as you like as well.

 

 

What are your appointment hours?

 

As much as I claim to be a wonder woman, there are some times when I am unavailable and my appointment hours can vary. Although this sounds like an answering machine message…I am always contactable by email or text message if you need to reach me and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I realise most people have work commitments so I’m happy to see you after working hours or on weekends. Contact me and we’ll make a time that suits you.

 

 

Do you have sample ceremonies for us to choose from?

 

Yes, I have many ideas and samples for different parts of the ceremony that you can choose from to mix and match. I'm also happy to use these as a guideline and write a completely unique ceremony just for you!

 

 

Can I have a friend or family member read a poem at my wedding?

 

Absolutely! They can read a poem, sing a song, quote Beyoncé… the content is up to you!

 

 

Can we write our own vows?

 

Of course!  Please do! They sound beautiful and often more meaningful if they come straight from you. If you need a little help or a board to bounce off, just ask. That’s what I'm here for!

 

 

Do we have to memorise our vows?

 

No!  That would just be an added stress and almost nobody does. You just relax and enjoy the ceremony, without having to worry about what you have to say, I will take care of everything. You can repeat them after me (and no-one else will hear me, but you). Easy!

 

 

Can we choose spiritual or religious wording and readings for our ceremony?

 

Certainly. You are welcome to include any wording you feel reflects your beliefs or way of life.

 

 

Who usually gives the bride away? Do I have to be given away?

 

This archaic tradition started thousands of years ago when a bride was seen as property to be traded from father to new husband. Walking her down the aisle was probably a necessity to see that she didn’t kick up her heels and run in the opposite direction as soon as she could! Today, thank goodness, the act of giving the bride away is symbolic of her parents' blessing of the marriage to the chosen groom.

In short, no, you do not have to be given away. You may be escorted by anyone you wish. Father, Mother, both, a friend, your groom or even yourself! You may include any type of wording to mention the person escorting you or you could just start the ceremony with no mention of it at all! Some brides have been known to answer the ‘Who gives this woman’ question with, “I give myself, but with the blessings of my family”. All up to you, there are many different ways of involving your family in the ceremony!

 

 

We want to arrive at the ceremony together, is this suitable?

 

Absolutely – these days anything goes, it’s your day and your choice.

 

 

Who can I have as my witnesses?

 

Anyone you like! As long as they are over the age of 18 years. They must be able to understand what you, your lovely fiancé and I are saying though, so they may need an interpreter if they don’t speak English or they are hearing impaired.

 

 

Some of our guests don’t speak English!

 

Not a problem! I can incorporate some of their native language into the ceremony if you are willing to help me with pronunciation and will try my best not to butcher it! If a lot of your guests do not speak English, it may be an idea to hire an interpreter to communicate what is being said.

 

 

Is it fashionable for the bride to be late?

 

It might have been once upon a time but let’s start a new fashion trend shall we? Remember that if the ceremony runs late, so will everything that follows. Let’s not give the guests anything to complain about and instead let them get on with exclaiming how beautiful you are!

 

 

How long will the Ceremony take?

 

The average time is 15 – 20 minutes from the first sighting of a bridesmaid to the new Mr and Mrs skipping away merrily down the aisle, but this depends on how many readings/poems/songs/rituals/circus performers etc. you include.

 

 

Will you help us with music?

 

Absolutely! You can make a playlist on your phone/ mp3/ laptop/ iproduct with the music for your ceremony and play it through my PA system. BUT you will need to have a button monkey to press play and stop at the right times. If you need suggestions for types of songs, I can help you with that as well!  

 

 

What will you wear?

 

What would you like me to wear? I love any excuse for a good dress up or costume party, even if it is just playing the character of the Celebrant! I always make every effort to co-ordinate as best I can to your bridal colours and styles, so make a request and I will try my utmost to complement your theme.

 

 

We would like a theme as we aren’t really very traditional….

 

Great! The more ‘you’ your wedding is, the better! You don’t have to have a formal, traditional ceremony, at all. You can be light and friendly and casual, or funny, or elegant  – or anything you like. Have a Harry Potter theme and be sorted into your new family or a pirate theme and walk a plank instead of an aisle! Have an Alice in Wonderland theme with a tea party for a reception or a Lord of the Rings style with… whatever that consists of! A shindig, knees up or hootenanny! No need to pretend you are anything that you aren’t…..

 

 

What happens after the Ceremony – do you stay for the reception?

 

After I have seen you start your married life by skipping back up the aisle to an encore of delighted clapping etc. I will pack up quietly and discreetly and leave you to your family and friends. I would love a photo opportunity with you two to add to my collection though if you could squeeze me in!

 

 

What happens in the event that we have to postpone our wedding?

 

Things happen sometimes. I am more than happy to reschedule your wedding to another date in the event of those ‘things’! The required paperwork (Notice of Intended Marriage) is valid for 18 months, and if it happens to fall outside of that time…we’ll fill in another copy!

 

 

What would happen if you were to get sick?

 

Unless I am on my death bed, I will attend to your Ceremony with all the bubbliness and professionalism I normally have. In the event that I am too sick, I have a wonderful group of celebrants I can call on who would perform your ceremony just as I have written it for you. All the fees and documentation would be sorted out between us and you would not have to worry about a thing.

 

 

It’s only a little wedding…..

 

Big or small, it’s your wedding day, so let’s make it as beautiful as we possibly can. Some weddings I’ve heard of consisted of a celebrant, bride, groom and 2 witnesses in a hot air balloon! That’s about as small and cosy as you can get!

 

 

Do we really need a rehearsal?

 

A rehearsal is not compulsory! Many people want one in order to feel more comfortable with knowing exactly what will go on but some people are fine with going with the flow! I can go over everything before the ceremony as I will be there at least half an hour prior. Plenty of time to sort everything – and everyone – out, before the ceremony! 

 

 

Do you do more than one wedding a day?

 

Yes sometimes I do. (I am a busy girl!),  especially in peak seasons, but I promise you that they will never be less than two hours apart, never be too far, from one to the other to work, never be any likelihood of  one clashing with the other. And I will give my all to each and every one!