Ceremony content and structure - please scroll down
Here are some ceremonies from you to choose from. I encourage you to read them and think about their meaning to you and your partner.
Each meaningful wedding reflects the two people getting married. The choices here are flexible except for the legal wording which must be in place for the marriage to be legal in the eyes of the law.
You May........
- Take parts from a number of ceremonies and join them
- Add wording or poetry of your own choosing
- Write your own vows
- Add music
- Add rituals: candles, sand ceremonies, rose ceremony etc.
Your ceremony should be written in a style that expresses you as a couple.
- What do you care about in your marriage? (your vows can reflect your individual needs)
- What have you learnt from the relationship you already have?
- What are the fundamental values that you respect in each other?
- Is the ceremony in keeping with the language you speak to each other?
In the ceremonies that I have provided you may find wording that touches you both in many ceremonies. We are able to take parts from many to make your ceremony valid to you.
Please read the ceremonies and then we can discuss you options more fully.
At the end of this document is a small questionnaire which will help me in creating a ceremony that will be personal and relevant. As well as collecting any relevant information that will help with the flow of the ceremony.
Please answer what you can and return it to me by mail, email or in person at your next meeting.
Order of Ceremony
This is a basic order of ceremony and can be changed to suit your needs
1. PROCESSIONAL (or Bridal March)
The Bridesmaids enter, followed by the Bride with the person who is giving her away.
2. WELCOMING
The Celebrant welcomes family and friends, and introduces her/himself.
3. GIVING AWAY
Giving away of the Bride to the Groom can be done in many ways.
Giving away of the Bride by her dad/ brother/mum/sister/other family member/friend
Giving away of the Bride and Groom by their parents.
Giving away of the Bride by her own parents.
Giving yourselves to one another
4. INTRODUCTION
The Celebrant speaks about the couple's commitment to each other and what marriage means to the couple and anything else about them.
5. READING
Verses or poetry can be used. It is usual to have a close friend or family member do these readings.
6. MONITUM/LEGAL
From the Marriage Act and said appropriately by the Celebrant. Section 46 Marriage Act
7. DECLARATION OF INTENTION TO MARRY Section 45 Marriage Act
This is often called the 'Declaration of Marriage' which is a public declaration to everyone.
8. VOWS
A selection of either custom written or poetic vows.
9. RING CEREMONY
Most couples give rings to each other however, some couples might give gifts or some other form of ceremonial symbol depending on their race/religion.
10. THE DECLARATION
The Celebrant announces the couple ‘Man and Wife'.
11. SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
The couple and two witnesses sign the Marriage Register, Certificate of Marriage and the Marriage Certificate.
12. CONCLUSION
A short conclusion is said by the Celebrant and acknowledgement of other parties. At this stage you still have the attention of the guests. It is most important to announce any further details before announcing the couple.
13. CONGRATULATIONS & PRESENTATION TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The Celebrant congratulates the couple and introduces them in an agreed way. For example, “Introducing Mr & Mrs….”
14. RECESSIONAL
The couple leave the ceremony area, followed by the bridal party, generally to some music, bubble blowers, confetti and or applause.