Starting Point
​
How do I say ‘I do’?
What goes into a wedding ceremony?
You’ve probably seen or attended weddings before, but now that you’re planning your own you may be wondering what to do.
Which part goes first? What elements must you have and what things can you do to personalise your wedding ceremony?
I can help you put the puzzle together and prepare a wedding ceremony that’s just right for you.
After all it is your wedding and you want it to be special.
While there are some legalities and formalities which must remain, there are many ways to make your wedding ceremony your own very memorable event.
The basic ceremony outline is as follows:
1. Entrance, processional and music
2. Introduction and welcome
3. Readings, songs, activities and/or prayers
4. Questions of intent ("Will you have this man/woman?)
A Marriage Celebrant is required to recite a monitum (a latin word meaning ‘warning’) from the Marriage Act. This informs a wedding couple of the legal expectation of the binding nature of marriage within Australia. It also makes your marriage legal! The exact wording is as follows:
“My name is Frances Crampton. I am a Marriage Celebrant and I am duly authorised by law, to solemnize marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of your witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship you are about to enter.
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”
5. Readings, songs, activities and/or prayers
6. Exchange of Wedding Vows ("I promise to love you...")
In Australia, the following must also be repeated by both Parties (this is the minimum wording required to make your marriage legal):
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, (full name) take you (full name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/partner/spouse/words to that effect.”
More personalised vows can be said after those words.
7. Exchange of Ring/s
8. Declaration of marriage and “the kiss”
9. Signing of the register and legal documents
10. Introduction of the couple.
I can adapt this basic format to encompass your requirements. Any special cultural rights or multicultural contributions can be included.
While these are the main elements of a wedding ceremony, you can personalise the ceremony to suit your taste.
When you confirm your booking I shall provide sample scripts for your consideration.
Your wedding ceremony can include any number of additional components (your location may also determine what you include). It is limited only by your imagination. Some examples are:
Handfasting ceremony
Candle ceremony
Sand ceremony
Rose ceremony
Sharing of wine
Butterfly release
Dove release
Time capsule
Cultural rituals
There are many kinds of wedding traditions and symbols.