The Celebrants Network Inc - BLOG
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More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
Nov
29
Jul
04
We kiss people every day, and we generally know what's appropriate for each situation... but you know, the first kiss after the celebrant declares you married? The one with everyone watching as you lip lock in public with the cameras and videos working overtime. Yes, that kiss. That's not an everyday kiss that you will automatically know what to do. Today we're looking at what type of kiss is appropriate...
Feb
07
One of the great things about Australia is our ability to embrace and adopt the spirit of other cultures. This is demonstrated every day by walking around a major city in Australia and seeing how much cultural cuisine is on offer! From Asia to Africa, Europe and the Pacific, Aussies love to eat. We are currently enjoying the Lunar new year festivities, celebrations which have grown from the traditions of a cultural minority to include a wide range of groups and shared and enjoyed by all. Here is how we can include all kinds of culture and tradition in a civil marriage ceremony...
Jul
21
As celebrants we hear some common misconceptions about weddings, so today Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon in NSW is going to bust some myths!
Jul
06
It’s the stuff of dreams and movie moments. The traditional kiss during the wedding ceremony is preceded by the celebrant saying to the groom “You may kiss your bride” and the big kiss is recorded by photographers and videographers as the guests cheer and applaud. In today’s blog we look at this sometimes tricky situation with Celebrant Sonia Collins.
Jan
12
Christmas can be a time for family togetherness, happiness and love. Combined with good cheer and optimism about the year ahead, the festive season can prompt many loved-up couples to get engaged. If this is you, congratulations! Celebrant Melanie Lawson takes us through what to do next...
Nov
11
It is very easy to get overwhelmed during your wedding planning, so the first thing you need to decide is are you having a wedding or are you gettng married? Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW explains why your wedding isn't a competition.
Sep
21
Should you write your own wedding vows? For so many couples, this is not an easy question to answer... but never fear, Celebrant Melissa Jones from Goulburn, NSW is helping us to navigate through.
Sep
02
Well... Congratulations! You have just got engaged, you might be wearing shiny new rings, and you have a wedding to plan. Celebrant Leslie Ridgeway is going to take you through the basics of getting married.
Jun
17
Who's up for an adventure? In today's blog Celebrant Melanie Lawson takes us through a rollercoaster of adventurous ideas for your ceremony...
Jan
21
Ever wondered why a bride used to wear a veil or carries flowers to the marriage ceremony? Celebrant Susie Roberts takes us through some well-known wedding traditions, and the history behind them...
Nov
19
The current trend amongst savvy couples is to have a small wedding with lots of oomph! Today, Celebrant Susie Roberts from Grafton, NSW is sharing a few suggestions on how to get that OOMPH!
Sep
23
If you are planning a wedding in Australia you have probably given a beach wedding at least a passing thought. Celebrant Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay, NSW gives us a few things to consider to make sure your day is amazing....
Sep
26
It's Time! Spring equinox 23rd September 2017
It's officially spring....
the flowers are blooming...
new life is emerging....
It's officially spring....
the flowers are blooming...
new life is emerging....
Aug
23
Are you one of the many couples finding that you need to change your wedding plans because of the coronavirus? The reality of travel restrictions as well as those on ceremonies and wedding receptions means making some decisions. Luckily we have Celebrant and Chairperson of The Celebrants Network - Sonia Collins at the ready to give some suggestions...
Jun
26
Flowers are beautiful but….
Flowers play a part in so many of our rituals and ceremonies. From adorning a wedding aisle, laid as a wreath to remember those who died in war, or given as a gift to a bereaved family, flowers can enhance a ceremony and evoke memories and emotions. However, there are many alternatives to the traditional use of flowers. Celebrant and regular blogger, Mel Lawson shares some fabulous ideas......
Jun
17
Feb
05
So, there you are smack bang in the middle of a ceremony and something goes wrong….what do you do. I'm sure that there are many, many more, but let’s look at just a few things that could go wrong.
Today's Blog is written by Celebrant Susie Roberts from Grafton
Nov
07
Celebrants are involved in a wide range of ceremonies, often held outside involving children, dogs, emotional family members and people taking part in rituals for the first time in their lives. What could go wrong? The answer is anything and everything!
Today we have our regular guest blogger Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW raising awareness of potential calamities in your ceremonies and tips on how to be prepared.
Dec
05
When a couple’s pets are their fur-babies it is natural to want to include them in any family celebration. The Celebrants Network member, Sonia Collins takes us through the pros and cons of including your pet in your ceremony.
Jun
03
An outdoor ceremony can take a lot of planning and today, TCN Celebrant and Guest Blogger, Melanie Lawson from Richmond, NSW is taking us through all the ins and outs...
Apr
02
Today's Guest Blogger is TCN Celebrant Karen Faa.... this is the story of Brent and Alyce, married a few days ago at The Chapel Montville. It was absolutely spellbinding. Karen has written what she thought Brent may have been experiencing as he showed the vulnerability and beauty of pure love. There was not a dry eye in the place!
May
22
Civil Celebrants charge their own fee depending on the services they provide. There is a myth that goes around from time to time that Civil Marriage Celebrants charge from $500 for 20 minutes work. Let’s explore this myth a bit further and see where it takes us...
Jan
10
You've just proposed marriage or been propsed to, you're wearing an incredible ring and you've announced your engagment to your loved ones..... now what? Well, here begins a very exciting time of planning for you you both!
For some of you this proposal might have come as complete surprise and for others it might be the final stage to what could have been months of discussion and planning. Now that you’ve made the biggest decision - to get married, there are just a few more smaller decisions that need to be discussed and decided upon before your wedding day can be realised.
Nov
20
We've all got a dream of what our ceremony is going to look like. We've all searched through Pinterest and Etsy and magazines saving the pictures that will best fit our theme. But, the more ideas you come up with - the more the budget is blown out! What if I told you that there was a way to have your cake and eat it too? Check out these thrifty ways that you can have the ceremony of your dreams and still be able to afford the Uber ride home...
Sep
28
When you're planning a lovely outdoor ceremony, you would generally think of how beautiful the scenery is, how the area matches your theme or perhaps there is a sentimental reason you've picked this spot, but rarely do you think about whether or not your guests will be eaten alive by mosquitos.
Here are 7 fabulous outdoor ceremony ideas to make sure that your ceremony it's too hot, too cold or overrun by mozzies.....
Sep
28
Timing is vital on a day as important as your wedding day. It's a juggling act with numerous balls in the air, so having a well timed out schedule and sticking to it will help the day run smoothly. If you've planned correctly and timed it all out in advance then you be free of stress knowing that you've done everything you can and the rest is in the hands of 'whatever happens now is what happens'.
Here is why timing is vital to your wedding day...
Sep
10
You're planning your wedding... a naming ceremony... an anniversary ceremony, but where do you start? Where do you find your ceremony inspiration? Here are a few good places to start...
Aug
13
Traditions at a wedding are very important to couples and their families because if you don't follow the traditions.... did you really just get married? The answer is yes, but to some people it can feel like you didn't do it properly if you don't include them. Here we look at some of the more popular wedding traditions and how they've morphed into a 21st century friendly version. As these are very old traditions - please forgive the lack of equality in them. Hopefully the way in which these traditions have transitioned will help to encompass all couples who wish to marry...
Nov
22
Sticking to a budget
Planning a wedding, or any festive celebration can be a pricey affair, but there are ways around it so that you don't have to remortgage your house or sell an organ on Ebay. The best way is to set a budget and to stick to it.
There have been surveys done that show people are spending an average of $30,000 on a wedding day. Obviously there are people who spend way more than that and if that's what they want to do and they can afford it, then good on them - go crazy. However, if you'd prefer to spend your well earned money on something else... a house, a car, a holiday, your kids, whatever.... then a budget is the way to go.
ABC Article - How much do weddings really cost
ABC Article - How much do weddings really cost
In the past we have written blog posts with ideas on how to have a gorgeous backyard wedding on a budget, so searching for ideas on ways to save is a great start.
Here's a TCN member's blog post about budget wedding ideas
Here's a TCN member's blog post about budget wedding ideas
Next, make a list up of all the things you'd like or that you think you have to have at a wedding, then put them into two lists:
1. the things you definitely can't live without and 2. the things you can.
1. the things you definitely can't live without and 2. the things you can.
Things like:
the designer dress.....the huge bridal party.....the trillions of guests.....the venue/location.....the open bar.....the vintage cars - [which I think are really cool... but It's not me who is paying].....the hens/bucks nights/bridal shower/kitchen tea/etc....the flowers .....the DJ/Live band.....the cake.
Then while you're looking at that list and trying to convince your partner that you really can't live without those designer shoes try and remember what the day is actually about. It's about the two of you pledging your love to each other and getting married.....
and you won't be any less married if you aren't wearing those Manolo Blahniks.
Tips to sticking with a budget:
1.
do your homework
do your homework
2.
write everything down
write everything down
3.
be in agreement with each other about it and discuss any changes
be in agreement with each other about it and discuss any changes
4.
Ask a third party to be your voice of reason
Ask a third party to be your voice of reason
5.
Keep a picture of your ultimate goal for after the wedding ie: holiday destination, house or car up on the fridge or near your computer to keep you motivated not to spend all your savings on this one day.
Keep a picture of your ultimate goal for after the wedding ie: holiday destination, house or car up on the fridge or near your computer to keep you motivated not to spend all your savings on this one day.
When it comes to your cermeony - marriage, commitment, vow renewal, naming or any other life event you're celebrating, speak to a TCN Celebrant
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Jul
11
Show me the Stats
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics dated November 2016, there were 113,595 marriages registered Australia wide in 2015.
The number of marriages decreased in 2015 by 7,602 - down 6.3%
81.1% of brides and 79.1% of grooms were marrying for the first time.
16.3% of the marriages included one partner who had been married before.
Marriages where both partners had been married before were at 11.7%
The median age for men getting married was 31.8 years and for women it was 29.8 years - both ages increased from previous years.
Couples who lived together prior to marriage accounted for 81%
54.2% of couples married in 2015 were both born in Australia.
Out of the couples married in 2015 31.9% were born in different countries.
13.9% were born in the same overseas country.
Civil Celebrants have overseen the majority of marriage ceremonies (since 1999) at an average across the country of 74.9%
If you would like to engage a civil celebrant for your marriage ceremony, commitment ceremony, vow renewal, baby naming ceremony or any other event that you'd like to celebrate - including memorials and life celebrations - then please contact one our fabulous TCN Celebrants
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There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
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Jul
04
There are loads of wedding traditions that people still live by and think that it's not a real wedding if we don't.....
wear a white dress;
have bridesmaids;
have my dad walk me down the aisle;
carry flowers:
something old, something new, something borrowed & something blue...
Because of tradition we base what constitutes a 'real' wedding on whether we follow what everybody else has done before us.
Whilst traditions in general are important for continuity; making the moment special; and giving you something to look forward to, not all traditions are as relevant as they once were.
wear a white dress;
have bridesmaids;
have my dad walk me down the aisle;
carry flowers:
something old, something new, something borrowed & something blue...
Because of tradition we base what constitutes a 'real' wedding on whether we follow what everybody else has done before us.
Whilst traditions in general are important for continuity; making the moment special; and giving you something to look forward to, not all traditions are as relevant as they once were.
For example:
Wearing a white dress
Photo: Pixabay
Photo: Pixabay
Modern brides might describe their wedding dress as "cream" or "ivory," but in most cases, it's some variation on white. While there has been an emerging trend on colourful dresses, traditional brides have stayed true to the color white ever since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. Before that most brides wore whatever was nicest piece of clothing in their cupboard, while nobility wore luxurious gowns embroidered with metallic thread. Victoria ditched the nobility's traditional silver gown for a white satin one, and unintentionally kick-started the tradition of the white wedding dress.
Note: It is not a legal requirement for you to wear white and it won't mean that you are any less married after your ceremony if you choose to wear something different.
Bridal Parties
Photo: Pixabay
While bridesmaids are invaluable for moral support and helping you get in and out of your dress, originally they used to have a far more serious role in the wedding: protecting the bride from evil spirits. Bridesmaids were originally directed to dress just like the bride, and this was intended to confuse evil spirits or those who wished to harm the bride.
Note: It is not a legal requirement for you to have bridesmaids or groomsmen as such - you only need your celebrant and 2 witnesses, and you won't be any less married if you don't have a buck's or a hen's night.
Bridal Parties
Photo: Pixabay
While bridesmaids are invaluable for moral support and helping you get in and out of your dress, originally they used to have a far more serious role in the wedding: protecting the bride from evil spirits. Bridesmaids were originally directed to dress just like the bride, and this was intended to confuse evil spirits or those who wished to harm the bride.
Note: It is not a legal requirement for you to have bridesmaids or groomsmen as such - you only need your celebrant and 2 witnesses, and you won't be any less married if you don't have a buck's or a hen's night.
Father Giving Away the Bride
Photo: Pixabay
Back in the day daughters were considered their father's property, meaning the father had the right to give his daughter to the groom, usually for a price which had to be paid to the bride's family before he could marry her. This was called the dowry. Times have changed a bit now and having dear old dad walk you down the aisle has become a sign of love and symbolic of the marrying couple having the support from all the parents as they move on with the next stage in their life. Some people have added mum into the mix with the bride walking in with either or both her parents and sometimes the groom also walks in with his parents first.
Photo: Pixabay
Back in the day daughters were considered their father's property, meaning the father had the right to give his daughter to the groom, usually for a price which had to be paid to the bride's family before he could marry her. This was called the dowry. Times have changed a bit now and having dear old dad walk you down the aisle has become a sign of love and symbolic of the marrying couple having the support from all the parents as they move on with the next stage in their life. Some people have added mum into the mix with the bride walking in with either or both her parents and sometimes the groom also walks in with his parents first.
Note: As this isn't a legal requirement, you can walk into your own ceremony any way you like with whom ever you want to support you. How you walk in is generally irrelevant to the you actually getting married.
The Bride Arriving Late For The Ceremony
This is not a tradition
and no reference to it as being "a thing" can be found, so from this moment forward, in my opinion only, as a show of respect for the groom, the families, all the guests, the celebrant, the musician, the photographer, the videographer, the venue, the co-ordinator, the car hire people and anybody else that it effects that all brides should arrive on time.
and no reference to it as being "a thing" can be found, so from this moment forward, in my opinion only, as a show of respect for the groom, the families, all the guests, the celebrant, the musician, the photographer, the videographer, the venue, the co-ordinator, the car hire people and anybody else that it effects that all brides should arrive on time.
Note: Being super late for your ceremony could effect you becoming legally married on that day.
Please contact a TCN Celebrant today to find out more about the traditions that you'd like to include in your marriage ceremony.
Please contact a TCN Celebrant today to find out more about the traditions that you'd like to include in your marriage ceremony.
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There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
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Jun
29
Should we get Married in Summer or Winter?
Summer Weddings versus Winter weddings
When and where to hold your wedding are probably two of the biggest choices you will make and they go hand in hand.
Do you want a balmy summer day so that you can get married outdoors?
or
Do you prefer a cosy intimate celebration centred around a roaring fire?
When and where to hold your wedding are probably two of the biggest choices you will make and they go hand in hand.
Do you want a balmy summer day so that you can get married outdoors?
or
Do you prefer a cosy intimate celebration centred around a roaring fire?
In Australia the majority of weddings take place in Spring and Summer with only 5% of marriages taking place in June and July.
However both have their positives and negatives so let's look at some of the factors that may influence your decision:
Weather:
How do you picture your dream wedding... exchanging vows with a beautiful sunset in the background or a roaring fire? Points to consider about the weather:
Weather:
How do you picture your dream wedding... exchanging vows with a beautiful sunset in the background or a roaring fire? Points to consider about the weather:
* In summer you need to plan for excessive weather changes such as rain or extreme heat.
* In winter you know it is going to be cold so you and your guests can dress accordingly.
* In summer you may have daylight saving so longer hours to enjoy the sunshine.
* In winter the shorter days may dictate the time of your wedding.
The Wedding Dress:
How have you pictured your wedding dress… sleeveless, backless, light and summery, long sleeved? Although the time of year may not influence your choice of wedding dress you will need to consider some extras for a winter wedding such a shawl or jacket and it is not always easy getting it to match your dream wedding dress. And don’t forget your bridesmaids who will feel the cold a lot more than you as they don’t have the same amount of adrenalin to keep them warm, so will need extra clothes. The amount of clothing is much less for a summer wedding.
How have you pictured your wedding dress… sleeveless, backless, light and summery, long sleeved? Although the time of year may not influence your choice of wedding dress you will need to consider some extras for a winter wedding such a shawl or jacket and it is not always easy getting it to match your dream wedding dress. And don’t forget your bridesmaids who will feel the cold a lot more than you as they don’t have the same amount of adrenalin to keep them warm, so will need extra clothes. The amount of clothing is much less for a summer wedding.
How Quickly do you want to get Married?:
How quickly you want to get married after your engagement may determine the season in which you marry.
How quickly you want to get married after your engagement may determine the season in which you marry.
* It is far easier to book many of the wedding vendors at short notice in winter. Popular venues and photographers are booked well in advance for a summer wedding. There is greater availability and choice in winter.
* It is often cheaper to book popular vendors in winter because prices become negotiable as they are less busy. In summer you may need to pay a premium for the more popular vendors.
Flowers:
Do you want your favourite flowers for your bouquet? Flowers are seasonal so the prices will vary a lot depending whether they are in season or need to be imported. If you are happy to use only seasonal flowers you have a greater choice in summer than in winter.
Do you want your favourite flowers for your bouquet? Flowers are seasonal so the prices will vary a lot depending whether they are in season or need to be imported. If you are happy to use only seasonal flowers you have a greater choice in summer than in winter.
Practicalities:
Practicalities include all the extra little things that need to be considered for a wedding.
Practicalities include all the extra little things that need to be considered for a wedding.
* In summer that would include providing shade for your guests for the ceremony, lots of cool drinks, umbrellas on hand for sun or rain and an indoor alternative venue for rain or sun.
* In winter that would include hats, gloves, shawls, warm drinks and an outdoor alternative if its a nice sunny winter day.
Whether you choose summer or winter there will always be a TCN Celebrant free to perform your ceremony so contact your local TCN Celebrant now.
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There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
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? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
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???
Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
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Mar
15
Some people think that a marriage and a wedding go hand in hand.... well, they do - but really, they don't.
Yes, you have a wedding because you are getting married, but you don't (or you shouldn't) get married because you want a wedding.
It's vital not to lose sight of what is important.
A wedding can take an extraordinary amount of planning and can test your ability to deal with stress, your organisational skills and possibly your patience, but that's about all. At the end of the day, yes you'll be married (assuming you've remembered to book a civil celebrant), but throwing a successful wedding party doesn't mean that you have a successful marriage - not yet anyway.
A marriage takes work and it takes time. Years of nurturing your relationship where you treat each other with equality, respect and kindness. Marriage is supporting each other through the great and the not so great times. Marriage may force you to assess and re-evaluate some of your choices. It may also be a constant reminder that there is another person that you need to consider. It's being able to communicate with your partner effectively and working out ways to live together harmoniously. It's creating strategies to deal with conflict and disagreements.
So why do we put such a massive emphasis on the wedding day?
We follow traditions about what we should wear and what our friends should wear. We make sure that everything is colour coordinated, we adhere to the prescribed formulae so the day is perfect and a lot of us are throwing big $$$$ dollars at this one day.
Does the most expensive wedding = the best marriage?
Does getting the colour scheme wrong = a marriage failure?
Does bucking traditions = not a real marriage?
No.
A marriage is a lifelong partnership and a wedding is the one day you choose to celebrate the beginning of that marriage.
Which ever way you choose to celebrate your marriage is totally ok - there's no judgement here, however be mindful of what is actually more important to you - the marriage or the wedding.
To find a TCN Celebrant to help you create an amazing celebration for what is sure to be a wonderful marriage - Click here.
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Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
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Jan
18
Don’t be late!
Is it fashionable for the bride to be late to the ceremony anymore?
Was it ever fashionable?
There are valid excuses for being late:
Car trouble, traffic, wardrobe/hair/makeup malfunctions, nerves, forgot something vital to the ceremony… but intentionally planning to keep your guests waiting because you think it’s a tradition or so you can make a grand entrance is not necessary.
Being late is as much a tradition as it is lucky when it rains on your wedding day - it's just something people say... and your entrance will be grand regardless of what time you arrive.
Image source: stuff.co.nz
The same excuses can be allowed for guests, however intentionally arriving any later than 15+ minutes before the ceremony is due to start is not ok.
Perhaps people assume that the bride will be ‘fashionably late’ and therefore what’s the point of arriving early?
But what if this bride is considering the comfort of her guests and valuing her celebrant/photographer/videographer/musician/other ceremony service provider’s time and arrives on time for the ceremony - then you run the risk of missing the beginning of the ceremony or causing a ruckus coming in half way through.
Let’s ditch this idea that the bride (or groom) should be late to the ceremony.
Image source: Pixabay
Let me tell you an extreme, and yet very true story of what can happen if you choose to be late on a hot day.
Imagine, if you will, a very hot day - sweltering in fact... I'm talking up and over 40℃
Your guests have arrived 15 minutes early as instructed. They are dressed in their finery, ladies in heels and make up, gents in long pants and suit jackets. You have opted for the magnificent location of that park near that lake where there’s not a lot of shade. Your guests have not thought to bring hats or umbrellas, possibly not being familiar with the park’s shade offerings. So they stand uncomfortably in the sun, holding their clutch purses over their faces, slowly melting, silently hoping that the bride will be on time.
Photo credit: Shell Brown
The groom and his best man are dressed in their 3 piece suits, looking marvellous except for their glistening red faces and parched lips.
The bride is sitting somewhere in air conditioning having the finishing touches done to her hair and make up. The girls are having a last champas before getting into the air conditioned car to get to the ceremony….. it doesn’t matter if we’re a bit late, they decide - it’s fashionable, right?
Image source: Pixabay
Cut back to the park where the guests have now been standing in the blazing sun for 30 minutes, with no bridesmaid filled vintage limo in sight. The guests haven’t brought any water, as they didn’t think they’d be standing there for this long. One of the nanas has thought to bring a fan with her and she is starting to look way too flushed. Her breathing slows down as she slumps slightly in her chair.
Image source: totally-awesome.net
The girls are finally in the limo and are super excited to be on their way. The guests have been waiting for 45 minutes now and people are losing their patience and good humour. The limo pulls up to the park, it’s another 10 minutes while the bride has some photos in the car, then gets out of the car and has more photos in front of the car, then with the bridesmaids, then one with her dad, then a few of the bride with the bridesmaids fussing around her dress….
Image source: Pixabay
The guests can see she has arrived and are wondering, as they wipe the sweat from their eyes, waterproof mascara running, why she hasn’t started walking towards them yet. People can get cross and fed up in the heat.
The bride finally arrives and can’t understand why her guests all look furious and a little damp.
Sure - this might be far fetched, but people can get cranky in the heat! Image source: iloverealestate.tv
Nana manages to make it though the ceremony - only just and is then taken to hospital with heat stroke. Another two guests opt to go home because standing out in the heat has made them feel sick.
So… to be late or not to be late?
Image source: memes.com
If you would like some advice on how best to plan your ceremony so that everybody makes it through to the reception, why not #askacelebrant?
You can contact a TCN Celebrant by clicking this link.
And if you do have a guest suffer from heat stroke - here are some handy hints
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Thank you for joining us....
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There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
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Nov
23
The History of the Bridal Party
During the "marriage by capture" era, close friends of the groom helped him to kidnap the bride from her family. The first groomsmen were more like a small army, fighting off the bride's angry relatives as the groom rode away with her on his horse.
Bridesmaids and maids of honour became more common when weddings were planned. For several days before the marriage, a senior maid attended to the bride. This maid or matron of honour, as we know her today, ensured that the bridal wreath was made and helped the bride get dressed.
For a long time, bridesmaids wore dresses much like the bride's gown, while the groomsmen dressed in clothing that was similar to the groom's attire. This tradition began for protection against evil rather than for uniformity; if evil spirits or jealous suitors attempted to harm the newlyweds, they would be confused as to which two people were the real bride and groom.
Over time this tradition has morphed into inviting a small number of your nearest and dearest to help you plan your special day and to carry out that plan on the day. Special responsibilities are given to the bridal party, for example: bridesmaids will go with the bride to chose outfits and have a number of beauty treatments whilst the groomsmen pick their outfits and sometimes engage in a group activity like go carting or golf.
Then on the day, they are given responsibilities such as: the Best Man holds the rings, the Maid of Honour holds the bouquet; the groomsmen hand out ceremony programs and the bridesmaids are in charge of making sure that the train on the bride’s dress is sufficiently fanned and that the flower girls are looked after.
And they are all responsible for arranging buck’s and hen’s events.
So, do I actually need to have a bridal party?
The short answer is no - there is no legal reason to have a bridal party. However some people do like to have their closest buddies around them on their special day, sharing in the moment and helping them prepare, but it is not a prerequisite for getting married. A civil marriage ceremony only requires you and your partner, your celebrant and your two witnesses - everybody else is there to watch and help you celebrate.
Some 'pros' to having a bridal party
You get to share the shopping with your besties, you have access to honest advice throughout, hen’s/buck’s parties are more fun with more than one person there! If you are feeling a bit stressed on the day, your best man is there to talk you through it and your bridesmaids are at the ready with the touch up lippy. Group photos are great fun and you have your best friends sharing your most special day with you from woe to go.
Some 'cons' that come with having a bridal party
Sometimes having a bridal party can be a bit of a drama. Before there was just you and your fiancé to think about, now you have a MOH a BM, 4 BMs and 5 GMs - Then you are plagued with questions: Is it going to look awkward if the numbers are uneven? Do you invite somebody just to fill the numbers? Will asking my 2 year old niece to be a flower girl balance the numbers out even though she won’t know why she’s there or even remember the day? What colours will they wear? Will they all were the same? My girlfriends are all different shapes and sizes, will the same dress suit them all? That’s a lot of money to pay for a dress that they’ll only wear once. I’ve got 4 best friends but I only want 3 bridesmaids - how will I choose and how will my left out friend feel?
How you choose to celebrate your marriage is totally up to you.
Here are 8 'non rules' that might be helpful when deciding if you want to include a bridal party or not.
1. You don’t have to have a bridal party if you don’t want to.
2. You don’t have to stick to female bridesmaids and male groomsmen - this is going to sound crazy, but you can choose who ever you want.
3. You are under no obligation to ask anybody to be your bridesmaid/groomsman - (even if you promised them when you were 9 years old)
4. Remember you are getting married to the person that you love - not putting on a show for paying customers.
5. The ceremony is about you and your loved one pledging your life to each other and declaring undying love. You don’t need help with that part - except from your celebrant.
6. You can give friends and family special roles/jobs i.e: a reading, day of co ordinator, holding the rings, being in charge of not running out of champagne, looking after the gift table - sort of like a bridal party, but they can wear what they want and they sit with the other guests while you have centre stage.
7. Giving those people that helped a special mention in your speech is all that is needed.
8. You can have as many bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, page boys, matrons of honour and best men that you want to - it's your day!
During the "marriage by capture" era, close friends of the groom helped him to kidnap the bride from her family. The first groomsmen were more like a small army, fighting off the bride's angry relatives as the groom rode away with her on his horse.
Bridesmaids and maids of honour became more common when weddings were planned. For several days before the marriage, a senior maid attended to the bride. This maid or matron of honour, as we know her today, ensured that the bridal wreath was made and helped the bride get dressed.
For a long time, bridesmaids wore dresses much like the bride's gown, while the groomsmen dressed in clothing that was similar to the groom's attire. This tradition began for protection against evil rather than for uniformity; if evil spirits or jealous suitors attempted to harm the newlyweds, they would be confused as to which two people were the real bride and groom.
Over time this tradition has morphed into inviting a small number of your nearest and dearest to help you plan your special day and to carry out that plan on the day. Special responsibilities are given to the bridal party, for example: bridesmaids will go with the bride to chose outfits and have a number of beauty treatments whilst the groomsmen pick their outfits and sometimes engage in a group activity like go carting or golf.
Then on the day, they are given responsibilities such as: the Best Man holds the rings, the Maid of Honour holds the bouquet; the groomsmen hand out ceremony programs and the bridesmaids are in charge of making sure that the train on the bride’s dress is sufficiently fanned and that the flower girls are looked after.
And they are all responsible for arranging buck’s and hen’s events.
So, do I actually need to have a bridal party?
The short answer is no - there is no legal reason to have a bridal party. However some people do like to have their closest buddies around them on their special day, sharing in the moment and helping them prepare, but it is not a prerequisite for getting married. A civil marriage ceremony only requires you and your partner, your celebrant and your two witnesses - everybody else is there to watch and help you celebrate.
Some 'pros' to having a bridal party
You get to share the shopping with your besties, you have access to honest advice throughout, hen’s/buck’s parties are more fun with more than one person there! If you are feeling a bit stressed on the day, your best man is there to talk you through it and your bridesmaids are at the ready with the touch up lippy. Group photos are great fun and you have your best friends sharing your most special day with you from woe to go.
Some 'cons' that come with having a bridal party
Sometimes having a bridal party can be a bit of a drama. Before there was just you and your fiancé to think about, now you have a MOH a BM, 4 BMs and 5 GMs - Then you are plagued with questions: Is it going to look awkward if the numbers are uneven? Do you invite somebody just to fill the numbers? Will asking my 2 year old niece to be a flower girl balance the numbers out even though she won’t know why she’s there or even remember the day? What colours will they wear? Will they all were the same? My girlfriends are all different shapes and sizes, will the same dress suit them all? That’s a lot of money to pay for a dress that they’ll only wear once. I’ve got 4 best friends but I only want 3 bridesmaids - how will I choose and how will my left out friend feel?
How you choose to celebrate your marriage is totally up to you.
Here are 8 'non rules' that might be helpful when deciding if you want to include a bridal party or not.
1. You don’t have to have a bridal party if you don’t want to.
2. You don’t have to stick to female bridesmaids and male groomsmen - this is going to sound crazy, but you can choose who ever you want.
3. You are under no obligation to ask anybody to be your bridesmaid/groomsman - (even if you promised them when you were 9 years old)
4. Remember you are getting married to the person that you love - not putting on a show for paying customers.
5. The ceremony is about you and your loved one pledging your life to each other and declaring undying love. You don’t need help with that part - except from your celebrant.
6. You can give friends and family special roles/jobs i.e: a reading, day of co ordinator, holding the rings, being in charge of not running out of champagne, looking after the gift table - sort of like a bridal party, but they can wear what they want and they sit with the other guests while you have centre stage.
7. Giving those people that helped a special mention in your speech is all that is needed.
8. You can have as many bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, page boys, matrons of honour and best men that you want to - it's your day!
If you would like to speak to an experienced TCN Celebrant about how you can create your own marriage ceremony - CLICK HERE
What are your thoughts on having a bridal party - leave your comments in the comment section below.
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Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
? Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
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Jul
14
Humans have used ceremonies and celebrations for thousands of years to:
- affirm or encourage people at special events e.g. Olympic Games, Presentation nights, graduations
- celebrate milestones in our individual life journey e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, retirement
- acknowledge significant life-changing occasions e.g. namings/ christenings, engagements, marriages, funerals
- honour individuals or celebrate community values, e.g. memorials, Australia Day, Citizenship Day, Harmony Day
The pros and cons of a private ceremony
TCN celebrants have noticed a recent trend towards couples choosing to elope and having a small ceremony with just the celebrant and witnesses.
On the plus side, these ceremonies can be romantic, fun, stress free and far less expensive than the traditional family occasion. They are ideally suited to some couples.
The down side may be that family are genuinely hurt by being excluded from this important occasion.
This can be difficult to understand, especially for couples who are already living together and who decide they just want to "make it legal" with minimum fuss.
Sharing is Caring
However, if the couple think more deeply about the significance of the marriage ceremony they may see the value in a larger ceremony that involves family and friends.
The marriage ceremony results in changes of legal status and relationships. The marriage partners become legally responsible for each other and any children of their relationship. They also acquire new relationships with their in-laws - a new extended family and friendship group. For the parents of "first time marrieds" the marriage ceremony symbolically marks a "graduation" at which their work in raising a baby to adulthood formally ends.
So in many ways a marriage is not just a relationship between two individuals. It is a formal and social relationship between two networks of family and friends. Being part of the ceremony means a lot to those who love the couple.
"But big family weddings are too expensive - eloping cuts the cost!"
This can certainly be true. So how can we have a big celebration for a small cost?
This TCN article about having a big celebration on a low budget could assist your planning.
Share your ideas on how to involve family and friends in celebrations that are meaningful for everyone present …
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Sep
20
Your wedding is getting close and your nerves are becoming more frazzled. Feeling overwhelmed is becoming your new normal, and you and your fiance seem to spend all of your time consumed with wedding plans.
Sounds familiar? According to a survey by fearcourse.com
- 71% of brides-to-be suffered from some type of nerves during the build-up to their wedding
- 92% of brides experienced nerves on the day of the wedding or the evening before
- 66% reported that it affected their daily lives prior to it, or hampered their performance and enjoyment during the day itself.
These feeling of overwhelm could be caused by a number of issues in the busy lead up to your wedding.
- Budget
- Guest lists
- Seating plans
- Suppliers who don't deliver
- Disagreements over some of the wedding details
- Family pressure
- Wanting the day to be perfect.
Whatever your reasons are, perhaps it is time to take a wedding planning break, just you and your partner spending time together, just hanging out and remembering your reasons why you wanted to get married.
Taking a mini break dedicated to you as a couple is a great way to let you see the big picture, strengthen your bond, and to set a good pattern for your marriage, especially after you have kids.
Minibreaks could be an afternoon off, a weekend off, or even a whole week with wedding planning put on the back burner, while you spend time looking after your relationship. Some great mini breaks are :
- A couples massage session
- An afternoon movie session
- A romantic dinner date
- A weekend away at your favourite B and B
- Bingeing out on a whole TV series.
- A walk on the beach.
Time out is a great habit for couples to adopt, and when better to start the habit, than during the planning of your important day.
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Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
? Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
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Jul
14
Is there such a thing as THE perfect location for your wedding?
Surely it depends on the individual couple and their own dreams and aspirations for what their wedding day will look like.
What is perfect for one couple may not be perfect for another. However it will probably be the first and biggest decision you’ll make as an engaged couple and it will influence your budget, decor and even your attire.
Ask yourselves the following questions as the answers may help you decide the type of location you want.
How many people are we inviting?
How much do we want to spend….what is our budget?
What kind of wedding style do we want……formal, relaxed, rustic, outdoors, inside?
Is the Venue available on our wedding day?
How much work do we want to do?
Do we want to leave everything to the venue or do we want to do some of the work ourselves?
What time of the year do we want to get married?
Do we want the Ceremony and the Reception to be in the same place?
How easy is it for our guests to get to the location?
Do we have any elderly or informed guests?
Do we want to make it a weekend of celebrations or a singular day?
Locations that are Popular for Weddings
Barns, Farms, and Wineries
Wedding Receptions and Ballrooms
Hotels
Restaurants In a Public Garden
Zoos, Children’s Farms, Museums, Art Galleries, Warehouses
On a Beach On a Boat
In our own Home
In a Chapel Overseas at a Destination Wedding.
Wedding Receptions and Ballrooms
Hotels
Restaurants In a Public Garden
Zoos, Children’s Farms, Museums, Art Galleries, Warehouses
On a Beach On a Boat
In our own Home
In a Chapel Overseas at a Destination Wedding.
Things to Do Before you Choose your Location
Narrow down your search to a few options.
Once you have narrowed down your search email or call the venue and make an appointment to go and see it.
If it is an outdoor wedding try to view it at the same time as your ceremony so that you will know the sun orientation.
Once you have narrowed down your search email or call the venue and make an appointment to go and see it.
If it is an outdoor wedding try to view it at the same time as your ceremony so that you will know the sun orientation.
Write down a list of questions to ask. Does the location suit the style/theme you want? Read reviews from other couples
If you want an outdoor wedding always have a Plan B in case of bad weather……too hot or too cold. If you are using a public place you may need to apply for a permit.
Don’t choose the first place you see…..unless you absolutely fall in love with it.
For more advice about choosing a venue, contact one of the TCN Celebrants
Footnote: Many couples choose the outdoors for their wedding to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. When deciding on an outdoor venue please take into consideration the need to tidy up after the celebration.
Australia Beautiful Week is an annual event and runs from 22nd to 28th August and the theme this year is ‘Do the Right Thing’ for a litter free and sustainable Australia.
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Jul
14
Today we look at using Interpreters at marriage ceremonies conducted in compliance with Australian Law. Section 112 of the Marriage Act provides that ‘where a celebrant considers it desirable to do so, they may use the services the services of an interpreter in or in connection with a marriage ceremony. ‘
What Does Section 112 Mean?
- If you as the Celebrant are only able to conduct a ceremony in English and if either of the couple or the official witnesses do not speak/understand English fluently, an interpreter will be required.
- The couple and witnesses MUST fully understand the legal components of the ceremony, which includes the Monitum and the legal vows.
- It is the responsibility of the Celebrant to decide if an Interpreter is required.
- It is advisable to use an Interpreter, if either or both of the couple are hearing impaired.
Who can be an Interpreter?
- Where possible, it is best that the interpreter be an accredited interpreter through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) or another official agency. To find an interpreter, please visit: http://www.naati.com.au/
- The interpreter must be a person other than a member of the wedding party. Where a family or friend is used as an Interpreter the Celebrant must be confident that he/she is doing the job properly.
- The Interpreter must provide a Statutory Declaration, prior to the wedding, stating their fluency in the relevant language. This must be witnessed by the Celebrant.
- After the ceremony the Interpreter must provide a Certificate of Faithful performance of his or her services. This must be witnessed by the Celebrant.
Who can be a Translator?
- Your celebrant must be satisfied that the translation is a true and accurate translation of an offical document through NAATI or another official agency.
- The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) is the only agency to issue accreditations for practitioners who wish to work in this profession in Australia.
- If you need a certified translation, please visit: http://www.naati.com.au/
The Difference Between an Interpreter and a Translator
Interpreters and translators perform similar tasks, but in different settings. While an interpreter converts any spoken material from one language into a different language, as required in Wedding Ceremonies, a translator converts written material in the same manner, as required in the use of legal documents in relation to marriage.
If you are unsure about your need to use an Interpreter, you may contact The Celebrants Network or the Marriage Law and Celebrant Section of the Australian government for more information.
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