Congratulations on getting engaged!!!!!  And now onto the fun of planning your wedding!!! 

Here are the steps are handy to know in the planning of your special day;

 

THE FUN STUFF

The following is a typical overview of a ceremony to give you idea of what can be included. So long as we include the legal wording, everything else is up to you.  This is YOUR day so we will make it exactly how YOU would like it to be!!

Introduction / Housekeeping: I typically introduce myself and mention any housekeeping items you would like your guests to know.  “My name is Melinda Frowde and I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law                         .

Processional: There are a multitude of ways the bridal party can arrive at the ceremony, or maybe you might even like to already be there when your guests arrive.  Consider if there is any music you would like to be playing for the processional and also how your guests will be seated or standing.

Address to the guests: Possibly including yet not limited to an introduction to couple, parents blessing, couples beliefs in marriage, love, inclusion of family and friends etc

A reading / or ritual such as lighting candles: If desired these can be placed anywhere as suited in the ceremony

Address to the Bride and Groom: This includes the legal monitum, mentioned above in the legalities.

Exchange of the Vows: This can be broken down into three types of vows – the legal, traditional and personal;

The inclusion of the legal vows is mandatory and are typically repeated after me.  The wording is;

l call upon the persons here present to witness that I, <Groom’s full name>,

Take thee, <Bride’s full name>, to be my lawful wedded wife”

The inclusion of traditional vows are entirely up to you and an example is: “Will you love her, comfort, honour her, keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?”

The inclusion of personal vows are entirely up to you.  they can be the same vows together or they can be different  and an example is;  “I will always need your unwavering support, I will always give you my heart and my hand, I will always cherish the love we share”.  The personal vows can be as long or short as you like and could even be spoken as you place the rings on one another’s fingers.

Ring Ceremony: I mention what the rings mean to you both and you might like to make a promise to one another as you put the rings on one another’s fingers.

Proclamation of Marriage:  “It is my great pleasure to declare you to be husband and wife; you may kiss your Bride”

Signing of the Register: When we sign the legal paperwork you will require two witnesses over the age of 18 to also sign.   Consider also if you would like music to be playing whilst completing the paperwork.

Presentation: Final announcement of you both as MR and MRS