How to develop a wedding checklist is a key challenge when getting married. Getting married is an exciting, wonderful time! However, without effective planning and coordination, it can be a stressful, overwhelming exercise.
Developing your own Wedding Planning Checklist will make the planning process smoother. Think of your wedding as an important project.
Your planning needs to:
Identify how you want your wedding to look and feel.
What you must have at your wedding? What’s the most important aspect of your wedding day? What do you want to remember most about your wedding day? Is there a wedding theme you want reflect? Is it a traditional/classic wedding or elegant/contemporary or vintage or a romantic vineyard or rustic or on the beach or bohemian or just simple with no frills?
Identify a realistic budget.
Who is funding the wedding? Do you understand the realistic costs of all the elements of your dream wedding? Are you aware you can save funds by considering dates, times that aren’t the highly in demand? Once you know what’s involved and what you want and how to develop a wedding checklist you are less likely to get yourself into financial challenges.
Identify the vendors you need.
Nowadays, venues, photographers and celebrants can be booked out years in advance. Consequently, booking these suppliers early is extremely wise. Easy Weddings and ABIA are 2 websites where you are likely to find trustworthy, professional wedding vendors in Australia.
Develop a timeframe.
A timeframe outlines the key steps and likely timings to make sure you enjoy your special day and create a celebration that you look back on with a smile on your face.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-04-23 14:11:212024-09-29 11:47:21How to Develop a Wedding Checklist
Whether you are planning a large or a small wedding, there is almost surely going to be some children among the attendees. While in the past, children may have been relegated to staying with a babysitter or were entertained by one of the adults while the event took place, more and more couples are tailoring their weddings to be more inclusive and enjoyable for all ages.
Preparing a kid-friendly wedding does not have to be difficult but it does take a bit of extra planning to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Fortunately, since kid-friendly weddings are becoming more common, there is ample advice out there to help you with the preparations. Sydney Marriage Celebrant Michael Janz shares some strategies to help you create a wedding plan that is memorable both for you and attendees of all ages.
Let’s look at some of the essential things that need to be considered when planning a kid-friendly wedding.
Get The Details ASAP
To plan for a kid-friendly wedding, it is important to know exactly how many children will be coming, and how old these children are. This is instrumental in deciding how much your wedding plans will need to be tweaked to accommodate the younger people. If there are many children on the guest list, for example, you will need to devote more time and budget for planning kids meals and activities.
Consider The Location
With a group of kids in the audience, it is important to pick a location that has some separate space for them to play. Even the most well-behaved kids will have difficulty in sitting through a long ceremony or bloviated speeches, indeed, this may be difficult for most adults. Be sure to have a separate room or separate outdoor area where kids can run around for a bit when they start to get restless.
Food For All
While wedding budgets are usually spent on providing top-tier food options for guests, catering to younger palates simply takes a bit of forethought. Including some finger foods, juice boxes, and non-messy desserts in your menu will allow everyone to be satisfied with the fare.
Activities For All
If planned well, your wedding can incorporate activities that will be fun for people of all ages. Outdoor weddings are great for this, as you can plan physical games or activities, for example, including larger things like an inflatable bouncy castle, without worrying about space limitations.
For younger children, you can be sure to have some age-appropriate activities on hand as well. Providing them with an activity pack with colouring materials or even craft supplies can work well. Blowing bubbles and board games are also an affordable way to keep younger attendees occupied.
Hire Babysitters
If there are a lot of children on the guest list and you want all adults in attendance to be able to enjoy the ceremony and reception, then hire a few babysitters, either from your social network or from a professional service, to look after the kids. While this will take a chunk out of your wedding budget, it will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on yourself on the big day.
Make It Fun For All Ages
If you want children to be at your wedding, make sure that the ceremony and reception are enjoyable for them. A group of bored or unsatisfied children is a ticking time bomb at your wedding, so be sure to use the tips outlined here to start crafting a plan to keep them happy. With a bit of effort and planning, you will be able to create a wedding plan that is enjoyable for all ages.
Crafting your wedding vows is a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony. It’s an opportunity to express your love, commitment, and promises to your partner in your own unique way. Whether you’re a bride, groom or friend helping couples prepare for their big day, these tips will make the process smoother and more meaningful. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your Marriage Celebrant too.
Why Write Your Own Wedding Vows?
Your wedding vows are a reflection of your relationship and the future you envision together. Writing your own vows allows you to:
Personalize your ceremony
Share intimate and heartfelt promises
Create lasting memories for you and your guests
Legal Requirements in Australia
Before you get started, it’s essential to know the legal requirements for wedding vows in Australia. Each person must recite a mandatory vow:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Full Name], take you, [Full Name], to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse.”
Now, let’s add some personal flair to those vows.
Preparing to Write Your Vows
Discuss with your partner – it’s important to be on the same page about the style and tone of your vows.
Set aside time for writing – give yourself enough time to reflect and write from the heart.
Consider the length – aim for one to two minutes worth of reading.
Think about what you want to include – share your love story, express your promises, or include inside jokes.
Take inspiration from examples online but make sure they still sound like you.
Ideas for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
1. Share the Same Wedding Vows
One option is to write your vows together and recite the same words to each other during the ceremony. This can symbolize unity and shared commitment.
2. Write Individual Vows Together
If you prefer to have different vows, work on them together. Write individual vows for each other but share them in advance. This ensures that your vows are similar in length and tone.
3. Surprise Each Other with Your Vows
For a more spontaneous approach, write your vows separately and keep them a secret until the ceremony. This adds an element of surprise and can make the moment even more special.
Tips for Writing Heartfelt Wedding Vows
Reflect on Your Relationship: Think about what makes your relationship unique. Recall special moments, shared experiences, and the qualities you love most about your partner.
Be Sincere: Speak from the heart. Authenticity resonates more than elaborate language.
Include Promises: Vows often include promises. Think about what you want to promise your partner—whether it’s to support them through thick and thin or to always make them laugh.
Keep It Simple and Concise: While it’s important to be heartfelt, try to keep your vows between one and two minutes long. This keeps the ceremony flowing and maintains the attention of your guests.
Practice: Once you’ve written your vows, practice reading them aloud. This helps you feel more comfortable and ensures that your words flow naturally.
Final Thoughts
Remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to writing your wedding vows. The most important thing is that they come from the heart. Your vows are a testament to your love and commitment, and they should reflect your unique relationship.
Discuss your ideas with your Marriage Celebrant to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day. And most importantly, enjoy the process of writing your vows—it’s a beautiful way to celebrate your love.
The format Deciding how to structure your wedding vows will give you a good jumping-off point. You don’t have to both have to write your own wedding vows in the same format but it does tend to help keep them consistent so that one person isn’t reciting something pages long while the other is done and dusted in two sentences.
[Vow-starter] The first time I saw you, I…
[Promise] I promise to be…
[Promise] I promise we’ll…
[Promise] I promise to love you…
[Vow-starter] You give me…
[Vow-starter] Together, we’ll spend our lives… Consider giving yourself a word count, say 200 words max. That way, you know you’ll both have vows similar in length. Whatever the format, if you both do the same, then you’ll be fine.
How Long Should My Vows be?
There’s no right or wrong length to wedding vows. It is suggested through it may be wise to reach an agreed approximate length with your partner. Remember its not a competition, it’s expressing what’s important from your heart.
As a guide most vows take between 45 seconds and around 2 minutes. From a word count perspective 2-minute-long vows would be around 260 words. The 2 example vows below will give a feel for vows that would take just over 2 minutes and just under. Allen’s vows below are 331 words in length whereas Anna’s vows are 236 words in length.
What could Personal Wedding Vows Look Like Here is an example of an actual Couple’s Personal Vows that were built from a common agreement on format and number of words. You can see they evolved slightly differently. These like many were kept a secret from their partner. Allan… I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Allan Jeremy Smith, take you, Anna Elizabeth Jones, to be my lawful wedded wife. Anna, your ten-year free trial period expires today! Ten years has flown by and I can’t imagine life without you. You’re my best friend, my biggest supporter and my favourite travel companion. You’ve stood by me during some of the most difficult times in my life and there is no one that I would rather have by my side to take on whatever the future may bring. Everything that we have is a result of your hard work, determination, resilience and positivity. Everything that I am is a result of your love, support and encouragement. It struck me when I was writing this that although I know these promises to be true in my heart, I’ve never made them to you in so many words. I want to rectify that now in front of the people we love. 1. I promise to love you. Plain and simple. More than that, I promise to tell you and show you that I love you so that whatever else happens in our lives, you can always be sure of that. 2. I promise to laugh with you and to cry with you. To celebrate the highs and battle through the lows. 3. I promise to support and encourage you. To smile and give you a thumbs up when you catch a good wave and to be the loudest voice in the crowd when you make a try saving tackle. 4. I promise to try not to be so annoying and to want to do what you want me to do without you having to ask! 5. I promise to work on myself so that I can be the best husband that I can be to you and, if we’re blessed with children, the best father to our kids. I love you, Annie. I always have and I always will.
Anna… I call upon the persons here present to witness that I Anna Elizabeth Jones take you Allan Jeremy Smith to be my lawful wedded husband. It was 10 years ago today since we first met and I already knew on that day I felt something special with you, even if I didn’t show it. You are clever and fun and although you have the ability to drive me mad you also give me comfort and care. You fit into my family and they love you as much as I do. This wasn’t the day we had initially planned but I love you for supporting me through the roller coaster it has been and even ‘volunteering’ to plan this one. No matter where we are in the world I’ll always be at home with you. The most important part of the day is remembering all the commitments we have already made together over the years and the commitment we are making here today. I have a few promises to start our married lives together. 1. I promise that one day we will travel again and see more new places. 2. I promise to be more patient with your ‘half a job’ behaviours. 3. I promise to support you in the difficult times, stand by your side and work towards our dreams. 4. I promise to be faithful to you. 5. And I promise to love you unconditionally.
Thought-starting questions When writing your wedding vows, these thought starters will help with filling the gaps. You’ll find yourself coming up with some pretty good stuff that you can include or reference in the vows. What did you think when you first saw them? Was it love at first sight? At what moment did you know this person was the one you wanted to marry? Why? When did you realise you were in love? What are the little things they do for you that you appreciate? What are the little things you do for them that they appreciate? What do you want to work on in your relationship to make it even stronger? Tip: this can be serious – or not. What do you have now that you didn’t before? Tip: think head and heart, not material things. For example, ‘an appreciation for homemade pasta’ or ‘a newfound open-mindedness and acceptance of people, thanks to our time exploring the world’. What have they taught you? Tip: be serious and lighthearted too. For example, ‘You’ve taught me to stand up for the things I believe in. And you’ve taught me the many virtues of watching cricket. Actually, no, we’re still working on that’. Have you gone through adversity together? What did it mean to you to have them by your side? What inspires you about them? What do you respect most about them? What does marriage mean to you? What are you most looking forward to for your shared future? What goals and values do you both share? Tip: again, feel free to get playful. For example, you might share a mutual appreciation for a crisp craft beer to kick off a Saturday, or a Wednesday night Netflix-and-chill – but with actual Netflix. What do you miss most about them when they’re away? What’s your favourite thing about them? What’s the most annoying thing that they do? Where was your first date? How did it go? What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had together? How about the most romantic moment? What special quirk do you love about them that no one else would realise? Have you traveled together? What did that teach you about them? Did you guys have a rocky start? Why, and what made you guys overcome it? Do they have a sporting team, band, clothing item or event they’re obsessed with? What have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?
That’s seriously the hard part done. Now that you’ve fleshed out some of your relationship history, highlight the answers that stand out to you as the most poignant, insightful, heartfelt and fun. You don’t need to do this immediately – return to it in a few days’ time and then review. Your favourite answers will stand out. These are the answers you want to take elements from to weave into your vows. Next step: agree on a format. The earlier one is a great start. Then, pick some promise starters and vow starters from below, or make up your own and write your own wedding vows.
Promise starters: I promise to give you… I promise to treat you… I promise to tell you… I promise to love you… I promise to respect you… I promise to laugh at… I promise to be… I promise to always encourage… I promise that we’ll…
Vow starters: I vow to… I’ll always… Together, we’ll… When you’re up, I’ll… When you’re down, I’ll… Our future will bring us… I will never let… You make me… You give me… Because of you, I see the world… We share… Life is better infinitely better with you in it because… I’m proud of… Your smile makes me… I admire… You’ve taught me… I look forward to… I’m crazy about… I value your… I can’t believe that… The first time I saw you, I… I realised I loved you when…
The decision whether you write your own vows is entirely your choice. Your Marriage Celebrant can help with the range of choices you have.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-01-26 09:43:202024-08-13 10:32:09Writing your own wedding vows
One’s wedding is most preferably the most important day in one’s life. And why wouldn’t it be, it’s the day when you promise to be together with someone you love. The day is witnessed by friends and family and is followed by a lot of celebrations.
As soon as the couple is engaged, they start making a thousand plans for their big day. Be it in terms of the clothes, the flowers, the cake or the significant venue. It’s extremely important that each of these details is looked upon at with equal clarity. These combine to make or break the stance of the whole ceremony. You wouldn’t want your big day to be remembered as the day when all hell broke loose. It could be because of the bad food or because of the unplanned execution at the event. Every couple tries to put in all the efforts before their wedding and dreams to have a stress free wedding day.
This is where the wedding venue comes into the picture. Unlike what most couples do, one should prioritize the venue for their wedding. The reason, you ask? Well, because it takes up the most significant chunk up money and it covers a lot of small and big aspects of the wedding. Things like the atmosphere and the service you get are all indirectly related to the venue you have selected. No guest would be able to enjoy the lovely food and excellently planned playlist when mosquitoes and bugs bite them at your outdoor wedding.
Here are 4 reasons why couples should pay more attention to a perfect wedding venue:
1. A venue goes a long way in setting up the ambience you have in mind:
You probably have a particular ambience or atmosphere that you have in mind for your wedding. This could possibly also be related to the theme you have selected for your wedding. This tells a lot about the story you share with your partner and also about your preferences and personality. This complete built up would be dependent on the venue you select for yourself. Imagine you have a vintage theme in mind. You have planned your flowering, the cake and your dresses accordingly. Do you think it could go well if the only venue available to you is an uptown retro bar? It may not be the right place unless you are willing to spend a lot of time and money into redoing the whole setup.
Instead, you can decide on booking a location in advance or probably decide on a backyard wedding within an old museum or something. This certainly allows you flexibility and gives a lot of space for creativity.
2. The right venue will allow you to have better food and entertainment arrangements:
You need to understand that not all locations can inculcate all of your top ideas. However, when planned well in advance, a venue can make sure that it incorporates the best elements of your plan. Some venues will only allow you to have their own caterers while others are flexible. You wouldn’t want to know at the last moment that the caterer comes with a lot of restrictions. It’s wise to ask the venue what their policies regarding food and drinks are. Some couples have plans for fireworks or pets in their wedding day celebrations. Check in advance if your venue allows these requests.
3. Planning a venue well in advance allows you to stay within your budget:
There must be many other couples who would have planned their wedding on the same day as yours. This makes it just obvious that there will be a lot of demand for the most popular venues around your city. It could be that Church your parents got married at or that resort with tropical vibes. Venues can hold a lot of emotional value to some couples. And why wouldn’t they, after all, your wedding happens once and it deserves to be the best. You don’t want to wait till the last moment and pay more for the same venue. This might put you off track from your budget too. This is why it’s wise to book your venue as soon as you have decided on a date.
4. Having the right venue keeps you at peace amidst all that wedding planning chaos:
Weddings, though beautiful, come with their fair amount of stress. There’s a guest list, a wedding dress, catering arrangements, the meeting with an experienced celebrant and so much more. All these tasks need equal attention and all at the very same time. It’s wise to have a wedding checklist and schedule your tasks according to the number of months left for the wedding. This might seem like a small task but goes a long way in keeping things organized. The sooner you tick off things off your list, the sooner you will be able to relax. Booking a venue in advance will save you a lot of stress and will cover a lot of other tasks on the list. A good venue would ensure that the ambience is set and your guests get the service they deserve.
Author Bio
Bronte Price is Australia’s First Certified civil celebrant in Melbourne. He stands strongly for marriage equality and takes immense pleasure in marrying any couples in love. He has also co-founded The Equality Network to help wedding suppliers create a better wedding experience for LGBTI couples. He is a regular volunteer newsreader at Joy 94.9, and a member of GLOBE (Gay and Lesbian Organization for Business and Enterprise). Beyond this you will find him either in his organic backyard vegetable garden or taking walks with his fiancée Clint and their four legged fur baby – Bingo.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tori-wesley-3.jpg375563Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2019-06-10 10:08:512019-06-10 10:08:53Why should couples pay more attention to a perfect wedding venue?
When to book wedding suppliers is an important question for engaged couples. As a Sydney based Marriage Celebrant, I speak to many couples who disappointed their preferred wedding venue is booked out years in advance. 63 percent of weddings are held on Saturdays. Consequently, Saturdays book out quickly.
My best advice is once you are engaged, book your key wedding suppliers. Decide your preferred date/s. Then book your wedding venue, Marriage Celebrant and wedding photographer.
When should the rest of your wedding suppliers be booked? To help, my Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist can be downloaded free. This Wedding Checklist gives you a great idea of what suppliers you may need so you can book them in a timely manner. I am a full-time Sydney based Marriage Celebrant and have developed this checklist based on feedback from couples I have married.
If you are looking for an electronic To Do List or App Easy Weddings offers some great free tools. A broad range of wedding professionals’ profiles can be found on their site.
When looking for your wedding suppliers it is wise to seek suppliers who focus on weddings. Be aware that many wedding suppliers are casual or part-time. This is certainly the case with Marriage Celebrants. A small proportion of the thousands of Celebrants are full time. Here are so useful tip when choosing a Marriage Celebrant.
Looking for a wedding venue in Sydney, NSW? Sydney wedding venues offer an amazing selection of beautiful places for ceremonies and wedding receptions. From fine-dining restaurants to 5 star hotels, waterfront cafe’s, function centres & parks, Sydney takes the gong for best choice of urban wedding venues in New South Wales.
Most professional wedding photographers work can be readily viewed on their websites, Facebook and Instagram pages. Looking for a wedding photographer in Sydney? The diversity of wedding photography Sydney has to offer is exceptionally rich, ranging from award winning wedding photographers with coveted international accolades to artists who capture beautiful wedding images in budget friendly packages.
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https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2018-12-18 09:39:042024-06-06 11:06:34How to Choose a Celebrant
Here are 8 Tips for a Stress Free Wedding. Follow these to maximise the enjoyment and reduce possible stress. Your wedding day should be one of enjoying one of the most important days of your life… not stress!
1. Keep yourself hydrated and nourished
Sometimes couples get so wrapped up in making the day perfect, they forget to eat and drink. They become de-hydrated and their blood sugar levels can drop, making them dizzy and feeling faint. Mix that with a hot day and nerves, and you could end up with a wedding ceremony that is aired on Funniest Home Videos (but won’t be so funny to you).
2.Hair and makeup tips for a stress free wedding
When arranging your appointments with hairdressers and makeup artists, ensure that you as the bride get done first. Have your own transport in case you have to leave before the bridesmaids are finished. This will ensure that you will be dressed and ready when the photographer and/or videographer arrive.
If you are having makeup professionally done, ask them for a sample of the product you are using. Most places have samples and are happy to give them to you. They are a convenient size to put in a small bag to re-apply as needed after the ceremony and throughout the reception.
3. Flower tips for a stress free wedding
Only put the flowers in the fridge if you are getting married in winter or where the outside temperature is quite cool. Flowers don’t take kindly to be thrust into a furnace after they have sat undisturbed for some hours.
Queensland brides should leave the flowers wrapped in wet paper towels (around the stalk end) at room temperature. This prevents the flowers go into ‘shock’ when they go outside.
4.Groom’s arrival tips for a stress free wedding
Both the groom and his attendants should be on site at least a half hour before the ceremony start time to be able to greet the guests, and to be ready for the photographer.
5. Bride’s arrival tips for a stress free wedding
Contrary to popular belief, it is no longer fashionable for the bride to be late. This may have been the case in a time when churches or venues only booked one wedding per day. These days sites can be booked for another wedding, and you don’t want to be hurried along by the arrival of the next bride and groom.
Also, late arrival of the bride can cause undue stress for the groom and his attendants, and your guests; especially the elderly and young children. These people have already been ‘standing around’ for some time, and tend to become tired and unsettled. In the interests of all concerned, you should aim to be on time.
6. Transport to the wedding venue tips for a stress free wedding
Close to your wedding date and at approximately the same time and day as the wedding, have a practice run from where you are getting dressed to the venue. This will cater for about the same type of traffic conditions. Obeying all traffic lights, directions, speed limits etc, note the time it took to get there, then add 15 minutes to it. Use this practice run to calculate the time the bride should be in the car and on her way, taking into account that you may need to allow an extra 10-15 minutes on arrival at the venue for the photographer. This extra time ensures that she will be able to be taken around any traffic diversions, accidents, RBTs and so on, so that you arrive cool, calm and collected.
If using limousines or hire vehicles, contact the company a few days before the wedding date and go over all transport requirements, particularly timings of arrival at the bride’s home, departure from there and arrival time at the wedding venue, allowing for the photographer who may take up to 15 minutes to take shots of your arrival. Ensure that the driver will know the location and directions to the wedding venue.
In the event of any accident, flat tyre or vehicle breakdown, it is a good idea for the bride (or father of the bride, if in the same car) has at least $40-50 so that if worst case scenario means that you have to call a cab, you have the money to pay for the fare. Do not wait for help.
7. During the ceremony
While you are standing for the ceremony, you should never stand continuously on the balls of your feet, as this can close off part of the circulation and result in an eventual faint. Equally, never stand entirely on the front of your feet. This may be a little hard for brides with high heels, but the best way to avoid cutting off circulation is to discretely rock back and forwards, or wiggle your toes. No-one will see!
8. More tips for a stress free wedding
Tips for grooms
Buttonhole flowers are worn on the left lapel, with the flower facing up. Flowers are usually worn by the groom and his attendants, plus the fathers of the bride and groom.
The pleats in cummerbunds are worn facing up.
For best photographic results, shave 2-3 days before the wedding and then wait until the morning of the wedding to shave again.
Tips for brides
Pack an ‘emergency kit’. Ask a friend to look after it until needed. Include things like lipstick, make up touch ups, nail varnish (to fix a run in stockings). Also include safety pins and/or needle and thread, aspirin, spare hanky or tissues, band aids.
Consider packing some comfy shoes that you can change into after the photos and formalities are over.
If you are spray tanning for your wedding, trial the product or professional service first. Be certain you are going to like the end result. A bad spray tan can look tragic, whereas a good one looks fabulous.
Do not apply any hair removal creams or waxes within a day or two of your wedding unless you are certain that you won’t have a reaction to it.
Clean your engagement ring so that it will match your shiny new wedding ring.
If you are wearing a strapless gown, take your bra off at least three hours before the photographer’s arrival on your wedding day. Bra strap marks stay embedded in the skin for a long time.
So, you are now married, and you would like to change your last name … what do you do?
Many people choose to use their spouse’s family name once they are married—it’s a custom and not the law.
If you were married in Australia, you don’t need to apply formally for a change of name with Births, Deaths or Marriages in your local State.
Usually personal documentation, such as your driver licence and passport, can be changed to your married name when you provide a standard marriage certificate. This is not the Certificate provided at your wedding. A standard marriage certificate must be applied for through Births, Deaths or Marriages in the State where you were married.
When I marry a couple, I ask if they would like me to request a standard marriage certificate when I register the wedding.
How to change your name through marriage
If you choose to change your name when you get married, you’ll need to tell various government agencies, banks, utility suppliers and other businesses your new married name.
You may be asked to:
send a letter or email
complete a change request form (online or one they send out to you)
visit an office in person.
Organisations will also have different requirements on what proof they need, some may want:
to see your standard marriage certificate
a certified photocopy of your standard marriage certificate for your account file with them
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tori-wesley-3.jpg375563Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2018-11-22 07:46:122018-12-31 08:36:40Changing your name through marriage in Australia
A wedding video immortalizes the emotions, moments, and memories of one of the most significant days in a couple’s life. It’s not merely a recording, but a cinematic storytelling that captures the essence of the union and celebration. Creating an exceptional wedding video requires a blend of technical skill, artistry, and heartfelt storytelling. Here are the key ingredients that contribute to making a good wedding video.
Authentic Storytelling
Narrative Arc: A quality wedding video should tell a story. It’s not just about capturing events as they happen, but crafting a narrative that reflects the couple’s relationship, personalities, and the significance of their wedding day.
Personal Touches: Highlight personal details – the handwritten vows, the nervous smiles, the tears of joy, the particular decor that the couple chose, and the candid laughter. These moments, often overlooked, weave depth into the wedding story.
Artistic Cinematography
Composition and Framing: Like any cinematic work, the composition of each shot is critical. Good framings tell a story by themselves, capturing the setting, emotions, and interactions in a visually appealing manner.
Lighting: Good lighting is paramount – it sets the mood and adds a touch of magic to the visuals. Whether it’s the soft backlight of a sunset ceremony or the vibrant colors of the dance floor, good wedding videos use light to enhance the storytelling.
Camera Movement: Smooth, purposeful movement of the camera, whether through gliding steadicam shots or dynamic drone footage, adds interest and a professional polish to your wedding video.
High-Quality Editing
Pacing: A well-edited wedding video has a rhythm that matches the energy of the day, oscillating between fast-paced sequences to slower, more intimate moments.
Music Selection: The right music can underscore emotions and accentuate key moments. A good wedding video uses a soundtrack that complements the visual content and reflects the couple’s tastes.
Transitions: Clean and creative transitions smooth the flow from one scene to the next, maintaining the viewer’s attention and enhancing the story’s coherence.
Emotional Resonance
Capturing Key Moments: Certain parts of the day – the first look, the exchange of rings, the first kiss as a married couple, the first dance – are essential and expected in any wedding video.
Focus on People: The best wedding videos focus on the people, from the happy couple to the tearful parents, the playful flower girls, and the best man’s hearty laugh. It’s these human elements that elicit emotional responses.
Genuine Reactions: Catching genuine reactions, like the faces of the guests during the vows or the eruption of cheers after the “I do’s,” add depth and a sense of being present.
Technical Excellence
Sound Quality: Clear audio is crucial, especially for vows, speeches, and interviews.
Professional Equipment: High-definition cameras, stabilization equipment, and professional editing software contribute towards a crisp and aesthetically pleasing end product.
Backup Plans: Having contingencies for unexpected weather, lighting issues, or technical failures ensure the final video is uninterrupted in its quality.
Conclusion
In summary, a good wedding video melds professional quality with personal expression. It respects the day’s spontaneity while telling a structured, emotional story. It emphasizes people, emotions, and those irreplaceable, fleeting moments that uniquely belong to the couple’s special day. It’s an art form where the final piece serves as a timeless treasure for couples to cherish throughout their married life.
Remember, the essence of what makes a good wedding video lies beyond the equipment and technique; it resides in the ability to capture love, in all its moving beauty, on film
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nikki-and-Rob-pro-pic.jpg13652048Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2018-11-02 22:37:572024-03-20 14:26:30Are you planning a video of your wedding?
How to Develop a Wedding Checklist
in MarriageHow to develop a wedding checklist is a key challenge when getting married. Getting married is an exciting, wonderful time! However, without effective planning and coordination, it can be a stressful, overwhelming exercise.
Developing your own Wedding Planning Checklist will make the planning process smoother. Think of your wedding as an important project.
Your planning needs to:
Identify how you want your wedding to look and feel.
What you must have at your wedding? What’s the most important aspect of your wedding day? What do you want to remember most about your wedding day? Is there a wedding theme you want reflect? Is it a traditional/classic wedding or elegant/contemporary or vintage or a romantic vineyard or rustic or on the beach or bohemian or just simple with no frills?
Identify a realistic budget.
Who is funding the wedding? Do you understand the realistic costs of all the elements of your dream wedding? Are you aware you can save funds by considering dates, times that aren’t the highly in demand? Once you know what’s involved and what you want and how to develop a wedding checklist you are less likely to get yourself into financial challenges.
Identify the vendors you need.
Nowadays, venues, photographers and celebrants can be booked out years in advance. Consequently, booking these suppliers early is extremely wise. Easy Weddings and ABIA are 2 websites where you are likely to find trustworthy, professional wedding vendors in Australia.
Develop a timeframe.
A timeframe outlines the key steps and likely timings to make sure you enjoy your special day and create a celebration that you look back on with a smile on your face.
Don’t re-invent the wheel. There are lots of free checklists available. Find a comprehensive wedding planning checklist to get a feel for things you need to do and when you should do them. Simply click here, fill in your details, then Check Request Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist and Submit
What Goes Into Planning a Kid-Friendly Wedding?
in MarriageWhether you are planning a large or a small wedding, there is almost surely going to be some children among the attendees. While in the past, children may have been relegated to staying with a babysitter or were entertained by one of the adults while the event took place, more and more couples are tailoring their weddings to be more inclusive and enjoyable for all ages.
Preparing a kid-friendly wedding does not have to be difficult but it does take a bit of extra planning to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Fortunately, since kid-friendly weddings are becoming more common, there is ample advice out there to help you with the preparations. Sydney Marriage Celebrant Michael Janz shares some strategies to help you create a wedding plan that is memorable both for you and attendees of all ages.
Let’s look at some of the essential things that need to be considered when planning a kid-friendly wedding.
Get The Details ASAP
To plan for a kid-friendly wedding, it is important to know exactly how many children will be coming, and how old these children are. This is instrumental in deciding how much your wedding plans will need to be tweaked to accommodate the younger people. If there are many children on the guest list, for example, you will need to devote more time and budget for planning kids meals and activities.
Consider The Location
With a group of kids in the audience, it is important to pick a location that has some separate space for them to play. Even the most well-behaved kids will have difficulty in sitting through a long ceremony or bloviated speeches, indeed, this may be difficult for most adults. Be sure to have a separate room or separate outdoor area where kids can run around for a bit when they start to get restless.
Food For All
While wedding budgets are usually spent on providing top-tier food options for guests, catering to younger palates simply takes a bit of forethought. Including some finger foods, juice boxes, and non-messy desserts in your menu will allow everyone to be satisfied with the fare.
Activities For All
If planned well, your wedding can incorporate activities that will be fun for people of all ages. Outdoor weddings are great for this, as you can plan physical games or activities, for example, including larger things like an inflatable bouncy castle, without worrying about space limitations.
For younger children, you can be sure to have some age-appropriate activities on hand as well. Providing them with an activity pack with colouring materials or even craft supplies can work well. Blowing bubbles and board games are also an affordable way to keep younger attendees occupied.
Hire Babysitters
If there are a lot of children on the guest list and you want all adults in attendance to be able to enjoy the ceremony and reception, then hire a few babysitters, either from your social network or from a professional service, to look after the kids. While this will take a chunk out of your wedding budget, it will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on yourself on the big day.
Make It Fun For All Ages
If you want children to be at your wedding, make sure that the ceremony and reception are enjoyable for them. A group of bored or unsatisfied children is a ticking time bomb at your wedding, so be sure to use the tips outlined here to start crafting a plan to keep them happy. With a bit of effort and planning, you will be able to create a wedding plan that is enjoyable for all ages.
Written By Marquee Monkeys
https://marqueemonkeys.com.au/
Writing your own wedding vows
in Ceremony, Marriage, Wedding VowsHow to Write Your Own Wedding Vows
Crafting your wedding vows is a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony. It’s an opportunity to express your love, commitment, and promises to your partner in your own unique way. Whether you’re a bride, groom or friend helping couples prepare for their big day, these tips will make the process smoother and more meaningful. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your Marriage Celebrant too.
Why Write Your Own Wedding Vows?
Your wedding vows are a reflection of your relationship and the future you envision together. Writing your own vows allows you to:
Legal Requirements in Australia
Before you get started, it’s essential to know the legal requirements for wedding vows in Australia. Each person must recite a mandatory vow:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Full Name], take you, [Full Name], to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse.”
Now, let’s add some personal flair to those vows.
Preparing to Write Your Vows
Ideas for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
1. Share the Same Wedding Vows
One option is to write your vows together and recite the same words to each other during the ceremony. This can symbolize unity and shared commitment.
2. Write Individual Vows Together
If you prefer to have different vows, work on them together. Write individual vows for each other but share them in advance. This ensures that your vows are similar in length and tone.
3. Surprise Each Other with Your Vows
For a more spontaneous approach, write your vows separately and keep them a secret until the ceremony. This adds an element of surprise and can make the moment even more special.
Tips for Writing Heartfelt Wedding Vows
Final Thoughts
Remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to writing your wedding vows. The most important thing is that they come from the heart. Your vows are a testament to your love and commitment, and they should reflect your unique relationship.
Discuss your ideas with your Marriage Celebrant to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day. And most importantly, enjoy the process of writing your vows—it’s a beautiful way to celebrate your love.
Ready to Get Started?
Need more tips or inspiration? Have a chat with your Marriage Celebrant
The format
Deciding how to structure your wedding vows will give you a good jumping-off point. You don’t have to both have to write your own wedding vows in the same format but it does tend to help keep them consistent so that one person isn’t reciting something pages long while the other is done and dusted in two sentences.
[Vow-starter] The first time I saw you, I…
[Promise] I promise to be…
[Promise] I promise we’ll…
[Promise] I promise to love you…
[Vow-starter] You give me…
[Vow-starter] Together, we’ll spend our lives…
Consider giving yourself a word count, say 200 words max. That way, you know you’ll both have vows similar in length.
Whatever the format, if you both do the same, then you’ll be fine.
How Long Should My Vows be?
There’s no right or wrong length to wedding vows. It is suggested through it may be wise to reach an agreed approximate length with your partner. Remember its not a competition, it’s expressing what’s important from your heart.
As a guide most vows take between 45 seconds and around 2 minutes. From a word count perspective 2-minute-long vows would be around 260 words. The 2 example vows below will give a feel for vows that would take just over 2 minutes and just under. Allen’s vows below are 331 words in length whereas Anna’s vows are 236 words in length.
What could Personal Wedding Vows Look Like
Here is an example of an actual Couple’s Personal Vows that were built from a common agreement on format and number of words. You can see they evolved slightly differently. These like many were kept a secret from their partner.
Allan…
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Allan Jeremy Smith, take you, Anna Elizabeth Jones, to be my lawful wedded wife.
Anna, your ten-year free trial period expires today!
Ten years has flown by and I can’t imagine life without you.
You’re my best friend, my biggest supporter and my favourite travel companion. You’ve stood by me during some of the most difficult times in my life and there is no one that I would rather have by my side to take on whatever the future may bring.
Everything that we have is a result of your hard work, determination, resilience and positivity. Everything that I am is a result of your love, support and encouragement.
It struck me when I was writing this that although I know these promises to be true in my heart, I’ve never made them to you in so many words. I want to rectify that now in front of the people we love.
1. I promise to love you. Plain and simple. More than that, I promise to tell you and show you that I love you so that whatever else happens in our lives, you can always be sure of that.
2. I promise to laugh with you and to cry with you. To celebrate the highs and battle through the lows.
3. I promise to support and encourage you. To smile and give you a thumbs up when you catch a good wave and to be the loudest voice in the crowd when you make a try saving tackle.
4. I promise to try not to be so annoying and to want to do what you want me to do without you having to ask!
5. I promise to work on myself so that I can be the best husband that I can be to you and, if we’re blessed with children, the best father to our kids.
I love you, Annie. I always have and I always will.
Anna…
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I Anna Elizabeth Jones take you Allan Jeremy Smith to be my lawful wedded husband.
It was 10 years ago today since we first met and I already knew on that day I felt something special with you, even if I didn’t show it. You are clever and fun and although you have the ability to drive me mad you also give me comfort and care. You fit into my family and they love you as much as I do.
This wasn’t the day we had initially planned but I love you for supporting me through the roller coaster it has been and even ‘volunteering’ to plan this one. No matter where we are in the world I’ll always be at home with you.
The most important part of the day is remembering all the commitments we have already made together over the years and the commitment we are making here today. I have a few promises to start our married lives together.
1. I promise that one day we will travel again and see more new places.
2. I promise to be more patient with your ‘half a job’ behaviours.
3. I promise to support you in the difficult times, stand by your side and work towards our dreams.
4. I promise to be faithful to you.
5. And I promise to love you unconditionally.
Thought-starting questions
When writing your wedding vows, these thought starters will help with filling the gaps. You’ll find yourself coming up with some pretty good stuff that you can include or reference in the vows.
What did you think when you first saw them? Was it love at first sight?
At what moment did you know this person was the one you wanted to marry? Why?
When did you realise you were in love?
What are the little things they do for you that you appreciate?
What are the little things you do for them that they appreciate?
What do you want to work on in your relationship to make it even stronger? Tip: this can be serious – or not.
What do you have now that you didn’t before? Tip: think head and heart, not material things. For example, ‘an appreciation for homemade pasta’ or ‘a newfound open-mindedness and acceptance of people, thanks to our time exploring the world’.
What have they taught you? Tip: be serious and lighthearted too. For example, ‘You’ve taught me to stand up for the things I believe in. And you’ve taught me the many virtues of watching cricket. Actually, no, we’re still working on that’.
Have you gone through adversity together? What did it mean to you to have them by your side?
What inspires you about them?
What do you respect most about them?
What does marriage mean to you?
What are you most looking forward to for your shared future?
What goals and values do you both share? Tip: again, feel free to get playful. For example, you might share a mutual appreciation for a crisp craft beer to kick off a Saturday, or a Wednesday night Netflix-and-chill – but with actual Netflix.
What do you miss most about them when they’re away?
What’s your favourite thing about them?
What’s the most annoying thing that they do?
Where was your first date? How did it go?
What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had together?
How about the most romantic moment?
What special quirk do you love about them that no one else would realise?
Have you traveled together? What did that teach you about them?
Did you guys have a rocky start? Why, and what made you guys overcome it?
Do they have a sporting team, band, clothing item or event they’re obsessed with?
What have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?
That’s seriously the hard part done. Now that you’ve fleshed out some of your relationship history, highlight the answers that stand out to you as the most poignant, insightful, heartfelt and fun. You don’t need to do this immediately – return to it in a few days’ time and then review. Your favourite answers will stand out. These are the answers you want to take elements from to weave into your vows.
Next step: agree on a format. The earlier one is a great start. Then, pick some promise starters and vow starters from below, or make up your own and write your own wedding vows.
Promise starters:
I promise to give you…
I promise to treat you…
I promise to tell you…
I promise to love you…
I promise to respect you…
I promise to laugh at…
I promise to be…
I promise to always encourage…
I promise that we’ll…
Vow starters:
I vow to…
I’ll always…
Together, we’ll…
When you’re up, I’ll…
When you’re down, I’ll…
Our future will bring us…
I will never let…
You make me…
You give me…
Because of you, I see the world…
We share…
Life is better infinitely better with you in it because…
I’m proud of…
Your smile makes me…
I admire…
You’ve taught me…
I look forward to…
I’m crazy about…
I value your…
I can’t believe that…
The first time I saw you, I…
I realised I loved you when…
The decision whether you write your own vows is entirely your choice. Your Marriage Celebrant can help with the range of choices you have.
Why should couples pay more attention to a perfect wedding venue?
in MarriageOne’s wedding is most preferably the most important day in one’s life. And why wouldn’t it be, it’s the day when you promise to be together with someone you love. The day is witnessed by friends and family and is followed by a lot of celebrations.
As soon as the couple is engaged, they start making a thousand plans for their big day. Be it in terms of the clothes, the flowers, the cake or the significant venue. It’s extremely important that each of these details is looked upon at with equal clarity. These combine to make or break the stance of the whole ceremony. You wouldn’t want your big day to be remembered as the day when all hell broke loose. It could be because of the bad food or because of the unplanned execution at the event. Every couple tries to put in all the efforts before their wedding and dreams to have a stress free wedding day.
This is where the wedding venue comes into the picture. Unlike what most couples do, one should prioritize the venue for their wedding. The reason, you ask? Well, because it takes up the most significant chunk up money and it covers a lot of small and big aspects of the wedding. Things like the atmosphere and the service you get are all indirectly related to the venue you have selected. No guest would be able to enjoy the lovely food and excellently planned playlist when mosquitoes and bugs bite them at your outdoor wedding.
Here are 4 reasons why couples should pay more attention to a perfect wedding venue:
1. A venue goes a long way in setting up the ambience you have in mind:
You probably have a particular ambience or atmosphere that you have in mind for your wedding. This could possibly also be related to the theme you have selected for your wedding. This tells a lot about the story you share with your partner and also about your preferences and personality. This complete built up would be dependent on the venue you select for yourself. Imagine you have a vintage theme in mind. You have planned your flowering, the cake and your dresses accordingly. Do you think it could go well if the only venue available to you is an uptown retro bar? It may not be the right place unless you are willing to spend a lot of time and money into redoing the whole setup.
Instead, you can decide on booking a location in advance or probably decide on a backyard wedding within an old museum or something. This certainly allows you flexibility and gives a lot of space for creativity.
2. The right venue will allow you to have better food and entertainment arrangements:
You need to understand that not all locations can inculcate all of your top ideas. However, when planned well in advance, a venue can make sure that it incorporates the best elements of your plan. Some venues will only allow you to have their own caterers while others are flexible. You wouldn’t want to know at the last moment that the caterer comes with a lot of restrictions. It’s wise to ask the venue what their policies regarding food and drinks are. Some couples have plans for fireworks or pets in their wedding day celebrations. Check in advance if your venue allows these requests.
3. Planning a venue well in advance allows you to stay within your budget:
There must be many other couples who would have planned their wedding on the same day as yours. This makes it just obvious that there will be a lot of demand for the most popular venues around your city. It could be that Church your parents got married at or that resort with tropical vibes. Venues can hold a lot of emotional value to some couples. And why wouldn’t they, after all, your wedding happens once and it deserves to be the best. You don’t want to wait till the last moment and pay more for the same venue. This might put you off track from your budget too. This is why it’s wise to book your venue as soon as you have decided on a date.
4. Having the right venue keeps you at peace amidst all that wedding planning chaos:
Weddings, though beautiful, come with their fair amount of stress. There’s a guest list, a wedding dress, catering arrangements, the meeting with an experienced celebrant and so much more. All these tasks need equal attention and all at the very same time. It’s wise to have a wedding checklist and schedule your tasks according to the number of months left for the wedding. This might seem like a small task but goes a long way in keeping things organized. The sooner you tick off things off your list, the sooner you will be able to relax. Booking a venue in advance will save you a lot of stress and will cover a lot of other tasks on the list. A good venue would ensure that the ambience is set and your guests get the service they deserve.
Author Bio
Bronte Price is Australia’s First Certified civil celebrant in Melbourne. He stands strongly for marriage equality and takes immense pleasure in marrying any couples in love. He has also co-founded The Equality Network to help wedding suppliers create a better wedding experience for LGBTI couples. He is a regular volunteer newsreader at Joy 94.9, and a member of GLOBE (Gay and Lesbian Organization for Business and Enterprise). Beyond this you will find him either in his organic backyard vegetable garden or taking walks with his fiancée Clint and their four legged fur baby – Bingo.
Wedding Suppliers … when should I book them?
in MarriageWhen to book wedding suppliers is an important question for engaged couples. As a Sydney based Marriage Celebrant, I speak to many couples who disappointed their preferred wedding venue is booked out years in advance. 63 percent of weddings are held on Saturdays. Consequently, Saturdays book out quickly.
My best advice is once you are engaged, book your key wedding suppliers. Decide your preferred date/s. Then book your wedding venue, Marriage Celebrant and wedding photographer.
When should the rest of your wedding suppliers be booked? To help, my Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist can be downloaded free. This Wedding Checklist gives you a great idea of what suppliers you may need so you can book them in a timely manner. I am a full-time Sydney based Marriage Celebrant and have developed this checklist based on feedback from couples I have married.
If you are looking for an electronic To Do List or App Easy Weddings offers some great free tools. A broad range of wedding professionals’ profiles can be found on their site.
When looking for your wedding suppliers it is wise to seek suppliers who focus on weddings. Be aware that many wedding suppliers are casual or part-time. This is certainly the case with Marriage Celebrants. A small proportion of the thousands of Celebrants are full time. Here are so useful tip when choosing a Marriage Celebrant.
Looking for a wedding venue in Sydney, NSW? Sydney wedding venues offer an amazing selection of beautiful places for ceremonies and wedding receptions. From fine-dining restaurants to 5 star hotels, waterfront cafe’s, function centres & parks, Sydney takes the gong for best choice of urban wedding venues in New South Wales.
Most professional wedding photographers work can be readily viewed on their websites, Facebook and Instagram pages. Looking for a wedding photographer in Sydney? The diversity of wedding photography Sydney has to offer is exceptionally rich, ranging from award winning wedding photographers with coveted international accolades to artists who capture beautiful wedding images in budget friendly packages.
How to Choose a Celebrant
in Ceremony, Marriage8 Helpful Tips for a Stress Free Wedding
in UncategorizedHere are 8 Tips for a Stress Free Wedding. Follow these to maximise the enjoyment and reduce possible stress. Your wedding day should be one of enjoying one of the most important days of your life… not stress!
1. Keep yourself hydrated and nourished
Sometimes couples get so wrapped up in making the day perfect, they forget to eat and drink. They become de-hydrated and their blood sugar levels can drop, making them dizzy and feeling faint. Mix that with a hot day and nerves, and you could end up with a wedding ceremony that is aired on Funniest Home Videos (but won’t be so funny to you).
2.Hair and makeup tips for a stress free wedding
When arranging your appointments with hairdressers and makeup artists, ensure that you as the bride get done first. Have your own transport in case you have to leave before the bridesmaids are finished. This will ensure that you will be dressed and ready when the photographer and/or videographer arrive.
If you are having makeup professionally done, ask them for a sample of the product you are using. Most places have samples and are happy to give them to you. They are a convenient size to put in a small bag to re-apply as needed after the ceremony and throughout the reception.
3. Flower tips for a stress free wedding
Only put the flowers in the fridge if you are getting married in winter or where the outside temperature is quite cool. Flowers don’t take kindly to be thrust into a furnace after they have sat undisturbed for some hours.
Queensland brides should leave the flowers wrapped in wet paper towels (around the stalk end) at room temperature. This prevents the flowers go into ‘shock’ when they go outside.
4.Groom’s arrival tips for a stress free wedding
Both the groom and his attendants should be on site at least a half hour before the ceremony start time to be able to greet the guests, and to be ready for the photographer.
5. Bride’s arrival tips for a stress free wedding
Contrary to popular belief, it is no longer fashionable for the bride to be late. This may have been the case in a time when churches or venues only booked one wedding per day. These days sites can be booked for another wedding, and you don’t want to be hurried along by the arrival of the next bride and groom.
Also, late arrival of the bride can cause undue stress for the groom and his attendants, and your guests; especially the elderly and young children. These people have already been ‘standing around’ for some time, and tend to become tired and unsettled. In the interests of all concerned, you should aim to be on time.
6. Transport to the wedding venue tips for a stress free wedding
Close to your wedding date and at approximately the same time and day as the wedding, have a practice run from where you are getting dressed to the venue. This will cater for about the same type of traffic conditions. Obeying all traffic lights, directions, speed limits etc, note the time it took to get there, then add 15 minutes to it. Use this practice run to calculate the time the bride should be in the car and on her way, taking into account that you may need to allow an extra 10-15 minutes on arrival at the venue for the photographer. This extra time ensures that she will be able to be taken around any traffic diversions, accidents, RBTs and so on, so that you arrive cool, calm and collected.
If using limousines or hire vehicles, contact the company a few days before the wedding date and go over all transport requirements, particularly timings of arrival at the bride’s home, departure from there and arrival time at the wedding venue, allowing for the photographer who may take up to 15 minutes to take shots of your arrival. Ensure that the driver will know the location and directions to the wedding venue.
In the event of any accident, flat tyre or vehicle breakdown, it is a good idea for the bride (or father of the bride, if in the same car) has at least $40-50 so that if worst case scenario means that you have to call a cab, you have the money to pay for the fare. Do not wait for help.
7. During the ceremony
While you are standing for the ceremony, you should never stand continuously on the balls of your feet, as this can close off part of the circulation and result in an eventual faint. Equally, never stand entirely on the front of your feet. This may be a little hard for brides with high heels, but the best way to avoid cutting off circulation is to discretely rock back and forwards, or wiggle your toes. No-one will see!
8. More tips for a stress free wedding
Tips for grooms
Tips for brides
For more wedding tips and ideas, check out :https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/faqs/
Changing your name through marriage in Australia
in UncategorizedSo, you are now married, and you would like to change your last name … what do you do?
Many people choose to use their spouse’s family name once they are married—it’s a custom and not the law.
If you were married in Australia, you don’t need to apply formally for a change of name with Births, Deaths or Marriages in your local State.
Usually personal documentation, such as your driver licence and passport, can be changed to your married name when you provide a standard marriage certificate. This is not the Certificate provided at your wedding. A standard marriage certificate must be applied for through Births, Deaths or Marriages in the State where you were married.
When I marry a couple, I ask if they would like me to request a standard marriage certificate when I register the wedding.
How to change your name through marriage
If you choose to change your name when you get married, you’ll need to tell various government agencies, banks, utility suppliers and other businesses your new married name.
You may be asked to:
Organisations will also have different requirements on what proof they need, some may want:
For more information go to: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/changing-your-name/changing-your-name-through-marriage or Births, Deaths or Marriages in the State where you were married.
Wedding Venues favourites
in UncategorizedAre you planning a video of your wedding?
in Ceremony, MarriageRemember your special day with a wedding video. Have a look at some wedding video examples https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/video-gallery/
What Makes a Good Wedding Video
A wedding video immortalizes the emotions, moments, and memories of one of the most significant days in a couple’s life. It’s not merely a recording, but a cinematic storytelling that captures the essence of the union and celebration. Creating an exceptional wedding video requires a blend of technical skill, artistry, and heartfelt storytelling. Here are the key ingredients that contribute to making a good wedding video.
Authentic Storytelling
Narrative Arc: A quality wedding video should tell a story. It’s not just about capturing events as they happen, but crafting a narrative that reflects the couple’s relationship, personalities, and the significance of their wedding day.
Personal Touches: Highlight personal details – the handwritten vows, the nervous smiles, the tears of joy, the particular decor that the couple chose, and the candid laughter. These moments, often overlooked, weave depth into the wedding story.
Artistic Cinematography
Composition and Framing: Like any cinematic work, the composition of each shot is critical. Good framings tell a story by themselves, capturing the setting, emotions, and interactions in a visually appealing manner.
Lighting: Good lighting is paramount – it sets the mood and adds a touch of magic to the visuals. Whether it’s the soft backlight of a sunset ceremony or the vibrant colors of the dance floor, good wedding videos use light to enhance the storytelling.
Camera Movement: Smooth, purposeful movement of the camera, whether through gliding steadicam shots or dynamic drone footage, adds interest and a professional polish to your wedding video.
High-Quality Editing
Pacing: A well-edited wedding video has a rhythm that matches the energy of the day, oscillating between fast-paced sequences to slower, more intimate moments.
Music Selection: The right music can underscore emotions and accentuate key moments. A good wedding video uses a soundtrack that complements the visual content and reflects the couple’s tastes.
Transitions: Clean and creative transitions smooth the flow from one scene to the next, maintaining the viewer’s attention and enhancing the story’s coherence.
Emotional Resonance
Capturing Key Moments: Certain parts of the day – the first look, the exchange of rings, the first kiss as a married couple, the first dance – are essential and expected in any wedding video.
Focus on People: The best wedding videos focus on the people, from the happy couple to the tearful parents, the playful flower girls, and the best man’s hearty laugh. It’s these human elements that elicit emotional responses.
Genuine Reactions: Catching genuine reactions, like the faces of the guests during the vows or the eruption of cheers after the “I do’s,” add depth and a sense of being present.
Technical Excellence
Sound Quality: Clear audio is crucial, especially for vows, speeches, and interviews.
Professional Equipment: High-definition cameras, stabilization equipment, and professional editing software contribute towards a crisp and aesthetically pleasing end product.
Backup Plans: Having contingencies for unexpected weather, lighting issues, or technical failures ensure the final video is uninterrupted in its quality.
Conclusion
In summary, a good wedding video melds professional quality with personal expression. It respects the day’s spontaneity while telling a structured, emotional story. It emphasizes people, emotions, and those irreplaceable, fleeting moments that uniquely belong to the couple’s special day. It’s an art form where the final piece serves as a timeless treasure for couples to cherish throughout their married life.
Remember, the essence of what makes a good wedding video lies beyond the equipment and technique; it resides in the ability to capture love, in all its moving beauty, on film