Photography by Samantha Elizabeth Photography
Let's be honest.
Some people still think the ceremony is just the bit you have to get through before the drinks start flowing.
I couldn’t disagree more. Well…. not on my watch, anyway!
Your ceremony is the only time on your wedding day when every single person you love is together in one place, witnessing one incredible moment.
It’s where the laughter happens, where the tears sneak out, where your favourite people cheer you on, and where you actually become married.
So, if you’re planning your big day, here are a few ideas to make your ceremony the part everyone talks about long after the dance floor has emptied.
Make Your Wedding Ceremony Entrance Count
If you’re going to make an entrance… make an entrance.
Your ceremony begins long before the vows. It starts the moment your music begins, and your guests turn to see you.
Choose a song that means something to you both, or, that one song that is going to bring all the feels.
Maybe it’s your song, (ours is Never Tear Us Apart by INXS) maybe it’s beautifully romantic, or maybe it’s completely unexpected and has everyone grinning widely.
Then think about who (or what!) walks beside you.
Photography by Captured by Peta
Traditionally it’s a parent, but your wedding doesn’t have to follow tradition if it doesn’t fit your story.
You might choose your mum, your dad, both parents, stepparents, your grandparents, your children, your best friend, your siblings or walk proudly on your own.
And yes… I’ve seen dogs, horses and even Harleys become part of the entrance!
Some couples start the ceremony together because that’s exactly how they want to kick off the day, and why not?
The most important thing is that whoever walks beside you has guided you to become who you are today. They’ve loved you, supported you and helped you be the person who’s so ready for this next chapter.
This is not a race to the finish!
Now what I really want you to remember is this – This isn’t the Melbourne Cup. Do not gallop down that straight!
When you finally see your partner waiting there for you…slow down.
Pause. Take a breath. Look at them. Smile. Soak it all in.
Photography by Rebecca Fulton Photography
That exact moment only happens once in your lifetime. We can all wait an extra few seconds while you live it. (Your photographer will love you for it too.)
You’re there, woo hoo!
Hold hands, squeeze a little tighter if you need to. Say hello, go in for a sneaky kiss if you can’t resist.
Nobody is standing there wishing you’d hurry up, your guests are loving every second of it, believe me. The more they see you soaking up every moment the more they’re drawn into your story too.
It is your wedding day. You only get to experience those moments once. Take them all in.
Give Your Favourite People More Than a Seat
Give Your Favourite People More Than a Seat
Your guests don’t have to simply watch.
Some of the best ceremonies involve the people you love in fun, meaningful ways.
I love doing guest vows, where everyone promises to cheer loudly, support you both always, to have the best time ever, keep that dance floor pumping and celebrate in style!
Photography by Andrea Sissons Photography
Find some fun people to be the confetti captains.
Maybe grandparents witness the signing of your marriage certificates. Invite friends to do a reading, hold the rings or help with a special ceremony ritual. They can even announce you as married if you like.
We have so many options to explore together.
When people feel involved, they become part of your story instead of simply watching it unfold. It’s not for everybody, and it’s not for every ceremony and that is completely OK, because you get to decide, see you’re winning already!
Have a Plan B (Your Guests Will Thank You)
We’ve all imagined the perfect outdoor ceremony, but Mother Nature likes to keep us guessing.
Forty-five-degree heat, freezing winds, pouring rain or unexpected storms aren’t exactly romantic.
While nobody can control the weather, you can absolutely control how prepared you are.
Photography by Photos by Paj
A thoughtful wet-weather or extreme-weather backup plan isn’t admitting defeat – it’s taking care of the people you’ve invited to celebrate with you.
Your guests, your wedding party and your vendors will all be far more relaxed if they’re comfortable, and I promise, so will you two.
So, again, let’s be honest…
Nobody looks their best melting in the sun, shivering through their vows or regretting that blow wave while the wind whips your fresh flowers straight into the vineyard or straight into Lake Mulwala.
Hopefully you’ll never need your backup plan.
But if you do, you’ll be so glad it’s there.
Let Your Dress Code Match Your Personality
Your dress code is one of the very first clues your guests have about what your day might look like – literally.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the classics – think Black Tie, Cocktail, Garden Party or Smart Casual.
But don’t be afraid to have some fun with it.
Photography by Bianca Virtue Weddings
If your wedding has personality plus, let your dress code reflect it.
Think Cowboy Couture, Palm Springs, Rural Luxe, Op Shop finest, or maybe Dopamine Dressing for bold colours and guaranteed fun!
Or create your own theme that perfectly captures your people.
I’m always happy to join in and complement your style and will always ask the theme or colour vibe.
When your dress code fits your venue and your personalities, guests arrive already feeling part of the experience and ready to embrace the day.
Photography by Georgie James Photography
Personalise the Little Moments
The magic is often found in the little things.
Maybe I share your story in a way that has everyone feeling the love vibes or reminiscing and sharing a giggle over long forgotten first dates.
Maybe your pampered pooches deliver the rings.
Maybe everyone joins in with those guest vows.
Maybe there’s a surprise confetti tunnel, a martini toast straight after the kiss or a huge group photo before anyone leaves.
None of these moments happen by accident.
They’re planned. We explore ideas together, have a few laughs, keep what feels right for your celebration and before you know it, we have a ceremony that’s all yours!
Forget Trends. Choose What Feels Like You
Social media is overflowing with beautiful weddings. But remember – they’re someone else’s weddings. Not yours.
If you love traditions, embrace them. If you’d rather throw tradition out the window, that’s perfectly okay too.
Walk together, walk alone. Write funny vows. Wear pink. Bring your alpaca.
Play country music, play classical music, whatever. Have a ceremony that celebrates the two of you.
Because years from now, you won’t remember what was on trend, you’ll remember how it felt.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Photography by Andrea Sissons Photography
The best ceremonies aren’t remembered because they cost the most.
They’re remembered because of how they made people feel. The laughter, the happy tears, that little look you give each other. The way your guests leave saying “That was so them.”
So, build a ceremony that’s full of laughter, personality, genuine moments and all the little things that make your story yours.
Because after all… it’s not just the bit before the party.
It is the reason for the party.
And when you’ve nailed a great ceremony, your favourite people head into the celebrations already smiling, already emotional and completely invested in making it the best night ever!
wedding CEREMONIES north east Victoria
As a marriage celebrant, this is what I love to create - ceremonies that feel like a breath of fresh air, that are relaxed, heartfelt, full of love and laughter and unmistakenly you.
If you’re planning a wedding in Yarrawonga, Mulwala, the King Valley, Rutherglen, Echuca or anywhere else across country Victoria or southern NSW, I’d love to help create a ceremony that you and your favourite people will remember for years to come.
Photography by Lisa Nardella Photography