Ceremony

A marriage ceremony comprises a number of separate components, some are essential for the wedding to be legal. Others are included to make the ceremony meaningful to the participants. Think of it as a piece of music. A song can be played on a single instrument, and sound quite good, it can also be played by a full orchestra or band, complete with special effects if you like. The difference can be enormous!

Components of a wedding:

  • Opening music
  • A welcome to the guests by the Celebrant
  • An introduction that refers to the Bride & Groom
  • A reading as selected by the principals (possibly with the assistance of the celebrant
  • A Monitum. This is adapted from the Marriage Act and outlines the type of commitment that is being made - Required
  • The giving away of the bride
  • The Marriage Commitment, comprising the asking if the couple will take one another and the vows - Required
  • The exchange of the ring/s
  • Another reading as selected
  • Declaration of the Marriage
  • Signing of the register and certificates, with selected music - Required
  • The presentation of the Marriage Certificate

There are also a number of beautiful symbolic ceremonies that can be included. Your Celebrant can describe a number of them, or there are a number of publications that list many forms of symbolism appropriate for a wedding ceremony.

As you can see, there is very little of the ceremony that is legally required. Even parts of this can be adapted to suit the tastes of the participants.

Many people ask for a short ceremony, just the essentials. What they are usually saying is "I don't want it to be boring".

I strongly urge all couples to spend a little time designing a ceremony that will add to the significance of this most important ceremony. With a little effort, it can be made into a beautiful experience that will symbolise the hopes and expectations of the couple.

A well designed and presented ceremony will live with the couple into their future married life. To achieve this, the ceremony should include elements that make it personal and meaningful to the couple. The Celebrant can assist in personalising the ceremony.

Some general areas to consider are:

  • How will the music be presented, live, recorded, guests joining in?
  • What particular pieces of music, inserted at what parts of the ceremony?
  • What readings would be suited to what part of the ceremony?
  • Who should do the readings, this could be done by the Celebrant or anyone else the couple choose.
  • Will any particular symbolic ceremony be included?

Please don't feel daunted by this! Your Celebrant is there to help you, and will provide all the information and assistance you need. If you choose, he will design the entire event, based on the information you give him.