Over the years I’ve been a celebrant there has been a thing or two I have learnt about weddings. Little things, that most couples wouldn’t think about, and only the most perfectionist brides [need we say retentive in a certain fashion] would even consider.
For example: Wedding venue has two driveway entrances. One that goes directly past where the ceremonies occur; one that is relatively out of sight and away from any ceremony locations. You wouldn’t think to ask that the drive that goes past the ceremony be closed off would you?
You guessed it during a wedding one of the staff members arriving for service drove their [rather loud] car directly past during the ceremony.
Other great tips and advice that I often share with couples.
Don’t set your ceremony time without consulting your photographer. Each photographer is different and may need more or less time to work their creativity. If you give a photographer a limited amount of time [ie I need all my photos in an hour] you may not be getting the best out of them. Instead, ask them how much time they want and work the reception start time and ceremony end time in and around that.
Apply Aeroguard [or some slightly less pongy repellant] when you apply any moisturisers, body lotions in the morning.
Ditto Suncream
Make your decision to change your venue early. If it’s raining at 11am yes it might stop by 3pm but the ground may be slush. Making a changing venue decision early means less stress for everyone and more time to tell the guests. Same rules apply if it’s 40 degrees at 11am.. its not going to be cooler at 3pm. Think comfort first.
Arrive late [but let your celebrant know]. Being on time seems like a good idea until your walking down the aisle at the same time as some late guests. Give yourself an arrival time of 5 minutes later than the ceremony time to avoid this. [But not too late, most celebrants have other weddings on the same day and can legally leave if the ceremony doesn’t start within 20 minutes of the agreed time]
Kids will be kids. And you gotta love them for it – just don’t expect them to cartwheel down the aisle on cue to the music. They might walk down the aisle.. they might have a complete breakdown tantrum. Don’t count on them and be happily surprised if they don’t the right thing.
Some more gems will come in future blogs but if you’ve got a nifty tip or advice to share… Leave a comment below.
