Behind the Scenes – Your Marriage and Wedding Day from a Celebrant’s (my) Perspective
Your wedding day, it’s a process filled with a whole lot of love.
Hey there lovers, I'm preparing for your big day. I thought I'd spill the beans on what goes on behind the scenes of a wedding celebrant. I'll tell you about what you don't see and what you do see.
As a celebrant in Hobart Tasmania, I wear many hats. From my view, it's a fabulous ride on the road to getting YOU #hitchedbylush.
From your initial contact to when you say “I DO”, let's tour together. In this article, you'll discover the magic from my LUSH hitching perspective.
It’s important to know from the start that I will do (and assist) with all the legal paperwork, including helping you complete your Notice of Intended Marriage . I’ll cross those “t’s” and dot those “i’s” for us.
The VIP stuff
A completed and signed Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be received by your authorised celebrant at least one month, and not more than 18 months, prior to your proposed marriage date. Unless a prescribed authority has agreed to shorten the notice period (section 42 of the Act).
Your client journey to your wedding day
Your enquiry
Our journey starts when you appear in my inbox, when you slide into my DM’s, or when it’s your voice on the phone (whichever you prefer).
Whichever way you initiate first contact I’m always excited to hear from you, and here begins our bare bones chat.
Tell me
Those all-important bare basic “need to know” details:
Your chosen date – am I available?
Ceremony time and general location?
What style of wedding ceremony are you looking for? (Personalised ceremony, Micro Wedding, Elopement or Legals Only / Registry Style)?
Do you think you would like (or need) a rehearsal?
Are you on the hunt for your after-party Hobart based wedding MC?
Your quote
Now that I have the basic essentials it’s time for me to prepare your quote.
Your detailed quote will outline my services and inclusions and be tailored specifically to you and yours.
Quote email
I’ll email you your quote, whilst inviting you to engage me as your wedding celebrant.
Knowing my quote really is just a “piece of paper”, I’d like you to also see and feel what I’m truly all about…….
If you haven't already, I'll suggest you go stalk me on my Instagram and my website.
It’s also a fabulous time to have a look at the Google reviews some of my awesome couples have written.
You’d like a quick chat?
I am available for a 15-minute no obligation Zoom chat with you, just let me know and I'll arrange a zoom link for you.
Sealing the deal
Your onboard with #hitchedbylush?
Oh my.........You’d like me to hold this date for you…..Fabulous!!
I’m so pleased…. hit reply and I’ll let you know how to proceed with me as your celebrant.
We’re a team
You’ve accepted my quote. It's time for me to prepare your Tax Invoice and Client Service Agreement (CSA).
It’s my turn again to click the send button with our next steps together.
Your Client Service Agreement (CSA)acts as OUR guide. It sets the terms, conditions, and expectations for the three of us. It covers everything from ceremony details to payment schedules.
We’re on the same page
Once you’ve paid your booking fee and returned your read and signed CSA, were on LOVERS, and
In the words of Stevie Wonder…
“Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours
Here I am, baby
Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours”
We’re officially dating each other
Team You and I, we’re ready to walk down the aisle of being hitched by lush, your wedding celebrant in Tasmania.
Our first chat officially as a team
Now we start with arranging our first planning meeting.
We'll also complete your NOIM (I’ll help you with this form).
Legal marrying in Australia
This is also around the time I’ll be asking you those all important questions to establish your eligibility to marry in Australia and we’ll also chat about what identification I’ll need to see when we meet.
It’s a date
Don’t worry. I’ll handle the legal stuff. You can focus on the fun. Let’s get to know each other in person or over Zoom.
Nope, it doesn’t matter if you're living interstate, I’ve still got your back.
Conversation time
Don’t stress if you don’t have any questions (you don’t know what you don’t know). I’ll come with a “zillion and one questions” to get us chatting and thinking about your wedding ceremony.
The legals
As long as we cover the legal side to marrying in Australia the rest of your ceremony is up to you and your imagination.
If you want to do something different – bring it on!
Just saying .........I do love a good unity shot!
And above all, if you do have questions, please remember no question is a silly question.
No judgement here and who knows you may have something I haven't yet thought of.
Our first date is done and dusted
By the time we leave each other I’ll be armed with just about everything I need to write you a cracking marriage ceremony.
And if not, I’ll keep you on track throughout the process as to what you still need to give to me.
Continued support and communication
As we move forward in the planning process of your wedding ceremony, it’s important to know that I am here for you every step of the way. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to share your excitement, I’m just a phone call or email away.
Ceremony creating
Paperwork - Check
Planning - Underway
Now, let's focus on making your marriage ceremony special.
I have the information from our meeting. I've seen what makes you both tick as a person and as a couple and you’ll receive your draft ceremony around 30 days prior to your wedding day.
In my opinion, your wedding ceremony must reflect what you are looking for on your special day. You will see red font in your draft which is not negotiable as this is your legal working, everything else………you're free to alter as you see fit.
We’ll go backwards and forwards with each other until we have what you envisage your special day to be all about.
I see you
It’s not just about what you say. It's those little in-person moments I grab hold of. This is what will make your ceremony intimate. It's all about YOU and about the TWO of you.
Your wedding day pre-love
Last-minute checks
In the last days before your wedding, it's all about last-minute checks. I like to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Marriage paperwork – checked and printed.
Ceremony legal wording - locked in.
Vows/promises – printed and popped into folders for use on the day.
Details
I make sure we’ve nailed the little details. They ensure a relaxed ceremony.
“Bend & Flow (perhaps we’ll also Sway)” Again, as I always say to my couples, I’m super organised. We can put lots of checks in place. But, on your wedding day, I will just go with the flow.
I hope you’re okay with that?
Your wedding day
Vendors
Your amazing choice of vendors………I do like to turn these people into my Friendors. From stylist, florist, photographer, videographer, etc. For me, it's all about teamwork. When we work together we create a seamless experience for you and for us.
Choose vendors you resonate with. Choose vendors who work well together. That's when the magic happens. Together we'll bring it!
Nothing beats the smooth flow of a vendor dream team.
Guest wrangler
Time and time again couples say to me “Nah, Sue, on the day our guest will know what to do”.
Weddings bring out awkwardness. I almost always have to ask people to come closer (I won’t bite), take their seats (or stand), keep the aisle clear, and turn off phones, etc.
Connection
I'll warm up the crowd and keep the energy high through your wedding ceremony. I'll make sure everyone is included and happy. I'll also help you connect with your loved ones.
Inclusivity
Including as many of your loved ones (even the kids) in your ceremony is very satisfying. If that's your thing, I’ll make it happen.
Music maestro
This is where my hubby Deft steps in (lifter of heavy things, my music man and forever “I can’t hear you” man.
Check him out on the socials @geoff_defty_lushsaunders – he really doesn’t bite either………..
I trained him well. He has mastered the art of downloading and playing your chosen ceremony music on my sound system.
Setting the mood
Deft also loves nothing more than playing pre and post ceremony guest mingle tunes.
You’re married
Ensuring it’s official
Your marriage will be registered with the Tasmanian Births Deaths & Marriages within 14 days from you getting hitched by lush.
The end of the line
I’ll confirm your marriage has been registered.
If you asked me to order you the Official Registered Certificate of Marriage on your behalf, you’ll receive a copy of the payment receipt.
Surname change
Taking your newly married lovers surname after marriage - no worries, I’ll include a handy #hitchedbylush how to guide.
Feedback/kind words
I’ll also suggest you leave you thoughts in a review…………perhaps along the lines…. the ones left on my Google review page.
Your words not only help me grow but also guide future couples in their journey towards marital bliss!