7 Helpful Fast Ceremony Facts
1. Yes you may include people, other than the celebrant, in your ceremony.
A bridal party member or special guest to recite a poem or reading, children participating in a family sand ceremony or a special family tradition. The options are endless and inviting others to take part in your ceremony is another way to include special family and friends and make them feel part of the day.
2. In accordance with the Marriage Act 1961, there are certain words that must be included in your ceremony.
Your full names must be used at least once, your celebrant must read out ‘the monitum’, and there is a specific set of words you each must state out loud for your witnesses to hear. Your celebrant should ensure these elements are included in your ceremony and will work with you to fit these in where it’s appropriate.
3. “Giving Away,” is optional although it is rather nice to walk down the aisle and make your entrance on the arm of someone special.
Walking down the aisle with one of your nearest and dearest can provide you with a lot of comfort and help calm your nerves. Not to mention they are a great crutch, especially if you’re walking in stiletto heals or have a long dress. This can be anyone close to you; a parent (or both), sibling, child, or close family member or friend – anyone who will bring calmness and happiness.
4. It is acceptable to include religious or spiritual wording in a civil ceremony.
It is your ceremony after all! And using a civil celebrant allows you to include wording or readings from various sources so you can easily include words that represent you as a couple.
5. It is no longer fashionable for the bride (or groom) to keep guests waiting more than ten minutes
As weddings evolve this is more and more important. Read the full blog here.
6. You require two adult witnesses at your ceremony.
Witnesses do not have to be part of your bridal party, they can be parents, other family members or friends, so long as they are over 18 years of age. In some instances, especially for eloping couples, other wedding suppliers can also stand in and sign the legal documents. Your celebrant cannot be a witness.
7. The bride signs all documentation on the wedding day with the same name she used on the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.
Regardless if you’ve been practicing your new signature or not, it’s imperative that you sign all documents before and on the day as your legal name.
