The structure for a modern Australian marriage ceremony should be planned in close consultation with your wedding celebrant.
I've created over 200 ceremonies for my Melbourne couples and every single one of them has been different. I believe in taking time to write a creative brief based on what my clients imagine will work; like how long they think the ceremony should run, quirky ideas to make it unique and ways to really reflect them and their relationship.
Just a few of those include:
fun ways to engage guests
animals - pets bringing in rings or messages from their dog from home!
family members or the group making the marriage declaration
Grandmothers as flower girls
lots of fun ways to include children
surprise announcements
flash mob songs, poems, dances
mentions of family
different rituals from warming of rings, wine box letters to planting a tree
I give my couples an extensive 'Wedding Kit' full of ideas and once we've nailed the brief, we begin on the structure which is very roughly outlined below.
Kate's Basic Ceremony Structure
The main thing to remember is that there are less rules than you'd imagine, but in terms of a rough starting structure, I use this:
Pre-ceremony announcements
Music (Processional - Entrance)
Acknowledgement of Country
Welcome
Reading, Poetry or Ritual
Love Story – (Lots of different styles to consider)
Honouring of Family / Honouring of Friends
The Monitum (should be before the vows)
The Asking
Vows Legal (& Personal) & Ring Ceremony
Sign Marriage Certificates
Music (during signing)
Presentation of Marriage Certificate
Final AnnouncementsDeclaration of Marriage
Declaration of Marriage
“The Kiss”
Music (Recessional – Exit)
Good luck! x
Kate Morgan is a Melbourne based wedding celebrant. For more info visit the website: https://www.katemorgan.net.au/
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