Your Ceremony

In this Vow Vault, you'll find all the information you need to help create your dream ceremony.

It's likely you've attended a wedding or two and thought about what you'd like for yours, and now it's time to take those ideas and make your ceremony.

First things first, it's important to keep an eye on your emails from me and complete your Couple Questionnaire that will be sent through. This questionnaire is all about the two of you, and the foundation for your love story for your ceremony.

It's important to complete this even if you are having a small intimate ceremony, as it helps me get an idea to craft the perfect ceremony.

Here's a general format for a ceremony to help you decide what you'd like in or out for yours.

Guests Arrival
This is an opportunity to set the tone for your ceremony with some background music as your guests arrive.

Introduction
This is where I will welcome your guests, one of you and your bridal party may take your places at the end of the aisle, I'll introduce myself and raise any requirements you may have.

Some things to think about are - do you want mobile phones off, no posting on social media until you do, do you both want to walk down the aisle in grand entrances, did you want music played while one of you settles into position?

Procession
It's time for the walk down the aisle, aka the procession.

Some things to think about are - how many will you have in your bridal party, what song would you like to play, if you have a large bridal party you may require two songs, do you want a traditional entrance or something a little different?

Vows
Your vows can be as simple as the Monitum and the Asking, the words I must read to make your marriage legal, or you can add something personal.

These can be as short or long as you like, and I've got a whole section on Vows here for you.

Exchanging of Rings
Is this something you want to do? Check out the Vows section for some ideas on wording.

Signing the Register
This must be done legally and can be done as part of your ceremony, or after your ceremony. You must have two witnesses over the age of 18 to witness your signatures in the Register.

Some things to think about - will you tell your witnesses of their role, or keep it a surprise, would you like me to assist in providing witnesses, would you like a song played while you do this it's part of your ceremony.

Status - Married!
Once your ceremony is complete it's time to announce you as a married couple. How would you like to be introduced?

Closing and Recessional
Before you walk back down the aisle, is there anything extra you'd like your guests to know about your wedding or reception? This is the time to let them know.

Here are some other ideas on what you may like to include in your ceremony and I've included additional information on these here in the Vow Vault.

Readings and Rituals
Do you have a poem or reading you'd like someone to read or a ritual you'd like to do? Check out the Readings and Rituals section here for some ideas.

Acknowledging and Including Special People
Would you like to acknowledge or include any special people during your ceremony? This may be honouring a loved one who can't be with you, or is no longer with us, or including your children in your vows. I've included examples for both in here for you.

Hopefully, this has given you some ideas and that you find the information here useful.