It’s your day, and the ceremony should be reflective of you as a couple; traditional, modern, offbeat, humorous. As long as we cover off the legals, the rest my lovelies is up to you.....but here’s an idea how your marriage ceremony could play out
Introduction I am legally required to introduce myself as your celebrant and the fact we have a fabulous reason to come together and celebrate (ie your marriage)
Your story Simply the best way to make your ceremony unique and celebrate everything that is the two of you! It's also a great link for your crowd to remember what it is about you that makes you so special, and get involved in this big moment in your life.
Marriage Act this is a legal requirement – to let you know are consenting to this;
“I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and the presence of all your family and friends, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter. Marriage according to law in Australia is the union of TWO PEOPLE (yay!), to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
Vows there are legal vows that each Partner must say – then you can add your own personal vows or I can help you choose from selections
Rings it’s seems fitting to have a symbol to commemorate the occasion – or to steal some Beyonce “if you like it put a ring on it”
Declaration “the KISS” the easiest part of your wedding where all the nervous stuff is over and you 2 have a big pash in front of all your favourite people
Certificates we make this official before the party begins with a couple of adult witnesses
Presentation the moment you walk back down the aisle after being cheered on as a newly married couple
The “EXTRAS”
There’s no legal requirement to include any of them in your ceremony. I often suggest to couples to keep these as part of your speeches and that leaves your ceremony to simply be about the 2 of you!!
Giving Away your parents/significant others are asked if they’re happy with your union, and I make a bit of fuss about their role in making you the beautiful people you are today
The Asking I call this the Hollywood question – I ask you a few promises you're happy to make to each other with the usual response “I do”
Readings & Rituals there are heaps of places (including my marriage ceremony guide) you can find inspiration for a reading or ritual that resonates or represents the 2 of you, so if you find one then let’s include it
Special mentions you might like to mention particular people who’ve travelled from a distance, couldn’t make it, are no longer with us, your bridal party, etc, etc....
How do you want to celebrate your marriage? Contact me and let's make that happen.....
Kelly Rossi - Melbourne Marriage Celebrant
