Planning a wedding through COVID
How Kristy and Mark got married ❤ I first met Kristy and Mark at a wedding expo in late 2018. They were newly engaged, totally excited about getting married and planned a wedding for 2020. They dreamed of a rustic themed wedding, hired a venue in Toowoomba and were happy to wait to give overseas family time to plan and come to the wedding. They, like so many other couples, could not foresee what was coming in 2020 with COVID. As 2020 progressed it became clear that their wedding...
Should I insure my wedding?
In the midst of COVID-19 and the many cancellations and postponements faced in 2020 the uncertainty of whether to book a wedding continues well into 2021. Personally, I have had wedding cancellations for each of the 3 Queensland lockdowns from January to June and the impact for all concerned is devastating. Given that a typical wedding costs over $30,000 many couples have been inquiring about the value of wedding insurance. The reality is that wedding insurance is not likely to cover cancellations due to COVID-19. Many of us were...
Changing my name after the wedding
A common question I am asked is how do I change my name after I am married? Firstly, you don’t have to change your name! It is not a legal requirement. Tradition has been that married couples live under the same name but these days with people marrying much later, your single name is going to be on everything! Work, passport, driver’s licence, bank accounts, insurance, bills etc. will all be in your maiden name…. the list is endless (see the list at the end of this blog). If you do...
How much do Celebrants cost?
A similar question might be “how long is a piece of string?” I never cease to be amazed at how many family and guests come to me and comment on how much they enjoyed the ceremony and how “I got them” (the couple). They are equally keen to share the not so good experiences (sometimes horror stories) they had at previous weddings, including their own. It has helped me to understand how important it is to get the right celebrant for your wedding. Remember, they don’t just marry you,...
Why testimonials are important
When it comes to choosing your celebrant for the special occasion of your marriage you need someone who is going to make the moment just a little bit magic for you, your partner and your family and friends. Celebrants come with many varied styles, looks, presentation vibe and experience - no wonder it’s overwhelming when the time comes to choose one. A good idea is to check out testimonials - what are other couples saying about the celebrant and what did they like about them. What roles did...
Looking after yourself when things do not go as planned….
Planning a wedding takes time, energy, and a lot of emotion. To have your plans unexpectedly cancelled due to a pandemic is devastating. Having to rethink and replan your wedding while managing the disappointment is no small undertaking. The restrictions have meant that weddings that were to be joyous occasions bringing together family and friends, often from overseas, have been halted with no idea as to when this might change. Feelings of loss and grief when things don't go to plan are normal. For many, this is coinciding...
Should you have a professional MC for your reception?
There are a million and one reasons why you should consider having a professional MC for your wedding reception. It has been a tradition to ask Uncle Fred, a brother, sister or mate and so often it is a disaster. We have all heard the stories of the inebriated MC and, while they may be chosen because they are 'funny', what these good folk don't understand is how a venue works, the importance of managing time and the run sheet (just ask the kitchen) and the number of...
What’s your wedding style?
Today there are so many options you can choose for your marriage ceremony and reception it is mind boggling! Fortunately, there are no rules and, if it’s legal, you can get married anywhere in Australia with a civil celebrant. Whether you choose the beach, mountains, reception venues, pubs, a boat or a private home will depend on your style and whether a place has a special meaning for you. Don’t be limited by thinking only traditional venues, for example, couples have been married on the water’s edge with everyone...
What Makes a Great Wedding Ceremony
A marriage ceremony is THE reason for all the celebrations you have planned and dreamed of for so long. Written and performed well it will be the highlight of your day. Your wedding begins with the ceremony ...
Hurray For Marriage Equality!
The 9th December 2017, heralded a wonderful change in Australia's history with the passing of legislation that now enables same sex couples to legally marry. And about time too! I'm a great believer in love - it's one of the main reasons why I became a Civil Marriage Celebrant and I felt the frustrations of the gay community in not being able to make a recognised commitment to one another. Today things have changed and I am excited to now be able to marry same sex couples. Brisbane, Gold Coast,...