10 Things You Didn’t Think About When Planning Your Wedding Ceremony

Dear lovelies,

As a marriage celebrant, I thought I would do a brain dump of the top things my couples are enlightened by once we have our planning sessions.

Chances are, if this is your first wedding, you haven't thought of these either!

1. You have 3 opportunities to kiss during the ceremony: After the 'You may now kiss!" moment, after the "I now pronounce you married!" moment, and halfway down the aisle if you want a dip kiss involved.

2. Are you throwing petals when you walk down the aisle? If so, are they going to be in baskets, a box or a bowl (this is what I recommend), or are they going to be in the classic cones? Think about when they are going to be handed out - I strongly recommend doing this during the signing of the documents moment, by either a venue coordinator or wedding party members.

   

3. Where is your celebrant standing? Make sure you know where they are going to be most of the ceremony. The last thing you want is them standing inbetween you the whole ceremony and in all your photos... unless that is what you want hehe!

   

4. Are you assigning seats for the ceremony? At every ceremony I have conducted, guests are hesitant to take a seat unless you label it or physically tell them to sit down. Mainly because they don't think they are important enough to sit down. If you are wanting family to be in the front rows, let your celebrant know OR even have little labels on the seats to clear up any confusion.

   

   
   

5. What is happening straight after the ceremony? Group photo? Family photos? Straight to your couple photos? 15min mingle with guests? Have a clear idea about what you are leading into and let you celebrant and media team know so they can direct guests.

6. Having family photos straight after? CREATE A LIST! I have seen family/small group photos be done with and without a list and by golly, please just create a list. It is also helpful to label every single person in that shot so someone can call out names. I sometimes do this for my couples but it is also good to have someone there helping who KNOWS people and faces. David could be standing right next to me and I don't know because we have never met. Family members are good with this!

7. Are you reading personalised vows during the ceremony? Who is sourcing a vows booklet? You may order some, handwrite your vows and have them as keepsakes. I also have booklets for my couples too, so ask your celebrant who is responsible for these.

   

8. Are you recording the ceremony? It is totally fine to set up a tripod with your phone andcpature this so you don't have to wait a longtime to get footage back. This way you can watch it straight away! Chat to your media team where the best place is out of their way but in a good view.

9. Is the ceremony space sheltered at all? Lots of people have wet-weather plans BUT more specifically for the sun. Will your guests have to sit in direct sunlight on a very hot day? Can you organise umbrellas or fans if this is the case?

10. Are you walking down the aisle? Have you times actually how long it will take from your hiding position? This may dictate the songs you choose and when you walk down. Do you know where that hiding position is? Ask your venue!

Alright, fine. I have a couple more -

Will your guests remain seated or stand during the procession? Does your celebrant know this?

Will there be a different song for your wedding party walking down, or the same?

Do you want the signing of documents to be during or after the ceremony?

Are the guests being served water beforehand, even if the bar isn't open yet?

COMMENT what your decisions were!!

Keen to hear everyones thoughts and opinions, as well as if there is anything else that YOU didn't think of and would like to add.

Have a great day,

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