Service Guide
Ceremony Celebrant Service!
First, let’s get to know each other and see if we’re the right fit! FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, or a face-to-face meet-up would be the best way to get started.
After the online or in-person meeting, if you can both see me as your Marriage Celebrant or Front of House MC, I’ll send you a quote and the required Notice of Intended Marriage (NIM) form. Then, we begin planning and creating together!
What’s included in the planning of the Ceremony:
- Share your unique love story, highlights, and experiences with me – I’ll use these in your ceremony via anecdotes and online Q&A! This will be the emphasis on your big day!
- We will discuss your ceremony structure, i.e., family involved, bridal party, logistics, etc.
- Need help with writing your vows? Absolutely. I can also offer my vow writing kit. I will print both sets of vows onto handmade vow cards and bring them along on the big day. No scrappy bits of paper in sight!
- I am adaptable and stylish, wishing to blend in, not stand out. We will discuss your styling/colour palette and dress code. Note: Emails and phone calls are not limited during our preparation time. My priority is to ensure you are 100% happy with the outcome of your ceremony.
- All listed is inclusive of my fee, unless travel and/or accommodation are discussed. NIM Lodgement – The NIM (Notice of Intended Marriage Form) must be lodged with me, at least 31 days before your wedding date and up to 18 months before. As it states, by completing this, you are lodging your intent to marry. I will send you the NIM as a PDF and walk you through how to complete it.
In the lead up to your wedding:
- 1 month out is also when your couples’ questionnaires are due back to me. Your Q & A’s are kept online for ease of access for you to update as you wish. I personalise this element in the ceremony for each couple.
- A 15-minute rehearsal (if applicable) with your bridal party, to run through the logistics (providing the ceremony venue is Sunshine Coast-based. If further afield, a Zoom or FaceTime call will be fine as well. Not necessary for elopements.
On your wedding day
- I will arrive 30 minutes beforehand to set up, meet your photographer and videographer, welcome your family and friends, and calm any nerves!
- I provide my own professional P.A system with a stand, a microphone, and Bluetooth ability. I will download your requested ceremonial music from Spotify and play it on the day if you don’t have musicians for your ceremony.
- After the ceremony, I’ll present you with your Ceremonial Certificate and your vow cards in a beautiful big ‘Marriage Certificate’ envelope while congratulating you both on becoming newlyweds!
After your wedding day
- The next business day, I will lodge the administrative documents with Births, Deaths, and Marriages to register your marriage!
- I begin the process of obtaining an official marriage certificate for you, as your commemorative certificate cannot be used for official things like changing your name or applying for a shared Medicare card. Once your paperwork is processed by Births, Deaths, and Marriages, BDM will send you an email/link. Follow the link to place your credit card details where required. Your BDM-issued certificate will arrive within 2-6 weeks. Use BDM’s certificate for name changes as it’s your legal document of marriage!
As you can see, there is a fair bit involved in being a modern-styled Celebrant. Please reach out if you have any questions at all!
Front of House MC – Celebrant + MC service!
The components below are included, but are not limited to, the Front of House role.
The great thing about having someone on the ‘outside’ fulfill this role is that every one of your guests can completely enjoy themselves, as a guest really should. I’ll keep the reception running smoothly with lighthearted organization and banter.
The connection between me, you, your family, and friends will already have been established through the ceremony, so the evening is simply a continuation of Celebrations and will flow with the same humour and vibe.
This package is inclusive of:
- Celebrant services as listed above.
- Continue on with guests, mingle with them, and meet as many as possible one by one while the couple is being photographed with the bridal party.
- Head to the reception area and assist in any setup still required for caterers, beverage staff, and DJ/Band. Meet & liaise with Venue Coordinator.
- Assist in gathering guests to the reception area/guest arrival drinks.
- Small break for me to freshen up.
- Housekeeping for the property.
- Introduce myself and welcome back the bridal party. The couple arrive and we welcome the Newlyweds!
- Welcome. This section is written & prepared by MC working closely with the couple in the lead-up based on expectations.
- Throughout the Reception, reminders of (if applicable): Guestbook / Polaroid Guestbook / Photo Booth / Bathroom breaks prior to Speeches!
- Personal guidance offered to all speech givers (Mic technique & relaxation tips :))
- Announcements and intros for the following: Speeches! Cake Cutting, First Dance… and any other inclusions you choose: (Telegrams, Bouquet Toss, Shoe Game…etc).
- 9-30pm END – I’ll get EVERYONE on the DF, then the DJ takes over!
I hope this gives some clarity to the MC role. I certainly don’t just stand around talking into the microphone! I work closely with the wedding/function coordinator (if applicable) to ensure everyone is happy and that things run smoothly, with a relaxed, enjoyable vibe. Please reach out if you would like to chat more about the MC role.
