By: Ann Hills

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so choosing the right celebrant will ensure that your day is a memorable one.

1. Always have a personal “one-on-one interview” with a few celebrants before choosing the right one for you.

2. Choose a celebrant that can effectively communicate with you. Remember this is your day, and the right celebrant will design a ceremony that will be perfect for you.

3. The most important requirement for you is to lodge a “Notice of Intended Marriage” with your chosen celebrant and this must be done no later than one month and one day before your wedding day. Birth certificates and/or passports must be sighted by the celebrant. I think it is advisable to do this as soon as you can. A lodgement fee is usually charged at this time with the balance of the quoted fee payable about one week before your wedding.

4. If you have any special requirements you want included in your service, make sure you communicate these to your celebrant. You may wish to acknowledge parents, or include children.

5. Your celebrant will offer many different options for your service. There are several rituals that are included in some services today that may just be what you want e.g. sand ceremonies, candle and ribbon ceremonies, just to name a few.

6. Think about the type of wedding you would like – beach, restaurant or hinterland. If you choose an outdoor wedding make sure you always have an indoor venue as a back up plan in case of inclement weather.

7. Take into account who will be attending your wedding and ensure your venue is suitable for children and/or elderly guests.

8. You should always sign an agreement/contract with your celebrant. It is easy to forget details promised months ago so make sure everything is written in a signed contract and includes the date, time and fee for your wedding day.

9. If you are to be married overseas make sure you have all the legal paperwork in place. You could find that you are not legally married when you return home.

10. Keep your cool, and enjoy every moment ! It is a fun, happy, beautiful time. Do not let the planning process mask that for you. Take time to enjoy what is happening. Especially on the day of your wedding, just enjoy it.

Further information about Ann Hills can be found HERE