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,...
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 ...
Queensland – Perfect for Weddings
Are you considering a wedding in Brisbane or the magnificent surrounding areas of the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Hinterlands? Being a celebrant gives me a wonderful opportunity to visit so many of these stunning areas, with every wedding providing its own delights of discovery and the best weather Australia has to offer almost all year round. From a casual beach themed wedding or a woodland delight, to top of a mountain or a simple garden or pretty park wedding, South East Queensland provides some of the most amazing backdrops...