Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the ceremony go for?
I always suggest that you leave between 25-30 minutes depending on the size of your bridal party, and if you are including readings or rituals.
What will you be wearing?
Well, well, well….. I am a very stylish Marriage Celebrant. I have a large selection of vintage dresses. I always make an effort to co-ordinate as best I can to your bridal colours and style.
Do you perform more than one wedding ceremony a day?
Yes, I do. (I am a very popular lady!) Most of my work is on weekends, so it is not uncommon for me to perform multiple weddings. There’s no need to worry about this; all my couples know my schedule for the day and I always allow plenty of time in between weddings.
What about music?
You can organise live music or you can load up your ipod, iphone or mp3 player with music for your ceremony and play it through my quality PA system. Remember, you need to give someone else the job of pressing the buttons, as I will be standing up front with you both.
What do we need to do regarding recorded music?
Create a playlists! The bride will need one song to come down the aisle to.
Choose something you love, that is meaningful to you both, and put it in a playlist titled: AISLE SONG. You’ll need 2 songs to cover the signing titled: SIGNING and lastly a fun upbeat, celebratory song for the RECESSIONAL once I announce you as the newly weds!
Do we have to memorise our vows?
Of course not! I want you to be relaxed on your special day. I will have them neatly printed out on card for you to read from during the ceremony. Your vows are sacred promises that you are making to each other and should be between you only.
Will you bring the readings for the ceremony?
Yes! I will have a printed copy, in large font, in my folder for your guests to read from. I will show them what to do on the day.
What if you are sick on the day?
I have never not turned up yet. I have even performed a ceremony with a dislocated arm. If (god forbid) I am in a hospital (that is what it would take), I will organise someone else. It would have to be very serious though.
Do you know any good wedding vendors?
Yes, I live and breathe weddings. Please visit Recommended Suppliers for my favourite peeps that I have had the pleasure of working with.
And what if it’s a really hot day?
The view is not always everything! Your excited guests will all be there early – and the ceremony will go for at least 25 minutes. The groom and his groomsmen will be in suits and there are usually elderly present. (Not to mention me and all your other fantastic suppliers working under boiling conditions).
Australian summers are very hot and there is nothing worse than sweaty, shiny uncomfortable looking people in photos. If there is a shady tree option, please take it. And water for everyone please. It costs very little to supply bottles of water.
Do we really need a back-up plan?
Yes! You really do. We all hope that your special day is filled with sunshine and delight – but you never know… It is worth spending a little extra, or making arrangements with your reception venue – just in case.
What if our wet weather plan is at another time and place?
Excellent! Great planning. However you need to let me know what it is. If it’s at a different venue, or different time of day, we need to talk about that.
For example, if your good weather ceremony is at 2.30pm, but your wet-day ceremony is at 5:30pm, in a different location and time slot. You are asking me to say no to other lovely couples that want a fabulous ceremony too – not to mention a loss of income.
If you need me on stand-by, then there is an additional fee to keep me twiddling my thumbs for you – just in case. It’s only fair…
How do I change my surname?
In order to change your name legally, you will need to complete an official Marriage Certificate form from Births Deaths and Marriages. Once this is submitted, your certificate will arrive a few weeks after your wedding day via registered mail from Births Deaths and Marriages.
Once you have the official certificate, you then use this as proof that you are married in order to change all your legal identification. That means passport, Medicare, the ATO, NSW Services etc. There is no time limit in which this needs to be done – but definitely leave it until you are back from your honeymoon.