YOUR
Wedding Guide
CHAPTER TWO
Ceremony
It can get windy
A long veil can be absolutely stunning, but unfortunately, it can cause some practical problems if it gets windy. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony and decide to wear a veil, it's a good idea to show your wedding party how to remove or adjust it so they can help you if it suddenly becomes very windy.
Also, keep in mind that it's perfectly normal to take a moment to adjust your outfit, remove your veil, or even sit down during your ceremony. Your loved ones are there to support and celebrate you, and they will understand if you need to take a break to feel more comfortable.
Flower Children
Tiny humans walking down the aisle are adorable, but past experience has taught me it's best to have a plan B in case things don't go as smoothly as planned. If the little ones get overwhelmed or decide to do their own thing mid-walk, have someone close to them ready to step in and help them down the aisle.
Seeing so many strangers' faces at once can be daunting for young children, especially if it's their first time as flower children. Having a plan B in place will give you peace of mind, so you can enjoy the beautiful moment of walking down the aisle without worrying about any potential hiccups.
Unplugged Ceremony/Wedding
Consider a phone-free ceremony, kindly ask guests to keep phones away to fully immerse themselves in the moment. It reduces distractions and helps capture candid shots without obstructions. Your celebrant can easily make the announcement before the ceremony begins to remind guests to turn off their devices and enjoy the ceremony with undivided attention.
Walking down the aisle
This is such a precious moment. Allow yourself to soak it all in and enjoy every second of it. I'll be there to capture every moment of you and your partner's reactions so really take your time.
If you’ll be holding a bouquet, it's best to hold it at your belly button with relaxed arms. If you are wearing a long dress, you may need to keep one hand free in case you need to slightly lift it while walking.
If the thought of walking down the aisle feels overwhelming, remember that you have options. You can choose to walk with a loved one, including your partner, to take the spotlight off of you. And if you're not a fan of traditions, feel free to skip the walk down the aisle altogether and show up in a way that feels true to you.
Congratulations!
After the ceremony, take some time to receive the love and well wishes from your guests. Find a clear and open space near the ceremony site and invite your guests to join you for congratulations. Your celebrant can also help facilitate this by inviting guests to come forward.
If you'd like to make it easier for your guests, you can also take the initiative to walk around and say thank you to each of them. They'll understand that this is their cue to offer their congratulations and share their love with you.
Yay, Confetti Time!
End your ceremony with a colorful and fun confetti exit to celebrate your marriage. This can make for some truly gorgeous, incredible photos. You can opt for flower petals as an eco-friendly choice for confetti.
To organise the confetti exit, quietly hand out confetti as the ceremony comes to an end or pre-place it on the chairs before guests arrive. Remind your guests not to use it until you both exit the ceremony at the end.
For the best photos, walk down the entire aisle without stopping, while your guests throw confetti or flower petals. To prevent guests from interrupting the moment by hugging or congratulating you, ask your celebrant to announce that congratulations will take place after you have completed the walk.
Child Free or Not
It's becoming more popular to have a child-free wedding, and it's completely acceptable to request this. You can include this information on your wedding invites if you choose to do so.
If you decide to invite children, it's possible that they may cry or become restless during your ceremony, leaving their parents feeling uncomfortable. To ease your anxiety, you can have a conversation with their caregivers beforehand. Let them know that if their child becomes fussy, it's okay for them to step out of the venue. This can reassure them and give them the option to leave the ceremony if necessary.
Ceremony Lighting
End your ceremony with a colorful and fun confetti exit to celebrate your marriage. This can make for some truly gorgeous, incredible photos. You can opt for flower petals as an eco-friendly choice for confetti.
To organise the confetti exit, quietly hand out confetti as the ceremony comes to an end or pre-place it on the chairs before guests arrive. Remind your guests not to use it until you both exit the ceremony at the end.
For the best photos, walk down the entire aisle without stopping, while your guests throw confetti or flower petals. To prevent guests from interrupting the moment by hugging or congratulating you, ask your celebrant to announce that congratulations will take place after you have completed the walk.
Choosing your Celebrant
Choosing the right celebrant for your wedding is crucial since they will play a significant role in your special day. It's essential to select someone who you connect with and feel comfortable around.
Keep in mind that each celebrant has their own style, whether it's delivering a heartfelt speech or keeping things light and fun with some humor. To get a sense of their style, you can ask to see some videos of their past ceremonies. Another option to make your ceremony feel more personal is to have a friend officiate the ceremony, with the celebrant present to officiate.
Personal Vows
Personal vows are optional and it's completely understandable if you feel uncomfortable sharing them in front of your guests.
If you would like to write personal vows, but prefer not to have an audience we can arrange a private moment for just the two of you to exchange them. I will be there to take photos unobtrusively in the background. We can plan this moment after getting ready, after your first look, in between your post-ceremony portraits, or during some sunset portrait session.