frequently asked questions

Wedding planning can be full-on, but it should also be alot of fun and discovery with your soon-to-be husband or wife. Here's the most common questions I am asked about the booking and ceremony planning process that will hopefully help provide clarity and confidence in preparing for your big day!

how do we lock in our date with you?

After our initial email and/or call you may decide to lock in your date (yay!) With your go-ahead, I will issue your ceremony agreement and non-refundable booking fee of $500 both due within 7 days.

Without a deposit no date will be held and is available to be booked by anyone interested to proceed.

do you also offer mc services?

Absolutely! I offer what I call my Micro-MC service. This includes your guest welcome, housekeeping, bridal party entrances and all headline announcements leading to the opening of the dancefloor. I will liaise with your vendors also, ensuring they're where they need to be and when to keep the night humming along. My promise- no cringe, no filler just fun and flow.

can i book you as my celebrant and coordinator?

Unfortunately not. Given that I am busy BTS when booked as your Coordinator I am often busy with finishing touches and liaising with vendors whilst the ceremony is taking place. I'm often assisting with cueing ceremony music and the all-important fluffing of dresses before the aisle walk. So, you can book me for Celebrant (and MC) or Coordinator for your big day.

what happens after we book with you?

After your date is locked in, we all do a happy dance! Then it's go-time! I will immediately email you a copy of my Ceremony Planning Pack - this contains links to all the essential legal documents, marriage education, structure, song inspo and so much more! Once we're 3-6 months out from your big day, we'll set up a first meeting and NOIM signing (in person or via zoom) to get the ball rolling on the key details of your ceremony.

do you assist us with writing our own unique vows?

If you'd like me to, yes! I always suggest agreeing on a word or paragraph limit - this ensures you're speaking for a similar length. You may also decide together to lean into a certain tone (I.e funny, sentimental).

Reminder, your vows don't need to feel or sound identical, you're two amazing people with different personalities that should shine through. I will provide feedback and insights on your first draft, only when asked to do so. If you prefer for me just to print and prep them in my folders for the day, you got it! I will be hearing them for the first time during the ceremony and will hold the mic for you while you do it!

Please see my blog for more ideas around writing your personal vows.

how do you craft your ceremonies so they reflect us?

Our initial call, first meeting and your couple's questionnaire. All of this feeds in to me crafting a script that is uniquely yours. Couples questionnaire's do need to be completed a minimum of 1 month before the wedding day to allow for the creative process (the earlier the better)

Note that legals-only ceremonies are a standard script with the option of adding your own vows and a ring exchange (no other customisation).

A 15-min version of a standard script will be delivered for couples who opt not to complete the couples questionnaire.

where are you based and do you travel?

I'm based in Melbourne's inner-North and I love it here! but I am always, always willing and happy to travel (travel and accommodation fees may apply). I have lived in four continents and travelled to over 35 countries - most of them solo - so I have no qualms in being where you need me.

Your backyard or Europe- I'm your gal!

how do we manage the ceremony music?

I always recommend live music - this is such a nice personal and seamless touch to the start of your day. They will provide their own equipment and fade in/out on cue.

Second best is a DJ cueing and monitoring the fade in and out of pre-recorded tracks. I provide a speaker and mic for all ceremonies over 25 guests (Kind of a Big Deal) which offers bluetooth functionality if you prefer a friend play Spotify or similar through my system.

we're in a rush - can you marry us tomorrow?

Unfortunately not. Law in Australia requires a minimum of 1 (one) calendar months' notice to be legally married. Your intention to marry requires completion of paperwork that is to be witnessed by an authorised person (i.e. Celebrant) and lodged with your Celebrant (me!) up to 18 months and no later than 1 month before the big day. Of course, if urgent health matters, deployment for ADF or similar requires you marry sooner, you can apply for a Court-Ordered Shortening of Time on these grounds, and can be married if and when your application is approved.

what is involved in your role as our celebrant?

From our initial chat through to the big day we will be in ongoing discussion (and in person or online meetings) around your ceremony vision and wedding day logistics. I will ensure your legal paperwork (NOIM, DONLI, OCM) is filled in correctly and sitting pretty with myself until it's time to submit to the state BDM department. Once your couples questionnaire is submitted I am all go on scripting your unique ceremony (excluding legals only - standard script applies) and practicing for delivery on your big day. The day before I am preparing all the essential paperwork for signing (inc your take home commemorative certificate), charging and testing my PA system, and preparing my outfit (your input is most welcome for this!). The day-of involves packing the car, getting myself spruced up and getting over to your ceremony with plenty of time to set up, sound check and welcome/seat your guests. Then it's ceremony time!! After the ceremony has concluded and everything signed off by you and your witnesses, I will lodge this the next business day with the state BDM. The wedding day itself is about 25% of what's involved in giving you a ceremony that is memorable, heartfelt, fun and deeply personal.

For each ceremony I dedicate around 15-25 hours of my time.