How to plan your perfect wedding ceremony...
In order that everything goes to plan we will write an incredibly detailed script for your wedding ceremony, complete with stage directions, cast list and everything you want us to say on the day.
This means you can have complete confidence that you are going to get the exact ceremony you want.
What is it we need to know?
Here are some questions for you!
This means you can have complete confidence that you are going to get the exact ceremony you want.
What is it we need to know?
Here are some questions for you!
Before the ceremony...
What music would you like to set the mood?
As guests wait for things to kick off we want some background music. You can have live music (piper/harpist/guitar/etc.) or curate a playlist to set the tone for the ceremony to come.
Who are your important people?
Obviously we want everyone to have a great view of things, but sometimes people can be too shy to grab the best seats, so this is where advance briefing of ushers is important. If they don’t know who needs to be upgraded to business class, then there’s a good chance there will be seats at the front languishing empty.
Do you want to make an entrance?
You don't have to! You can be already there greeting guests.
You can make an entrance as a couple. You can be 'given away'.
You can have an 'Entrance of the Bride (or Brides)' - you can have an 'Entrance of The Groom (or Grooms)' - you can have an 'Entrance of The Theys' - what do you want?
If the wedding party is coming down the aisle to music they will have less to stress about on the day if there is clear guidance on who goes where first. I tend to suggest any bridesmaids come in first to build suspense for the arrival of the Bride, but things don’t have to happen any way other than how you say.
As guests wait for things to kick off we want some background music. You can have live music (piper/harpist/guitar/etc.) or curate a playlist to set the tone for the ceremony to come.
Who are your important people?
Obviously we want everyone to have a great view of things, but sometimes people can be too shy to grab the best seats, so this is where advance briefing of ushers is important. If they don’t know who needs to be upgraded to business class, then there’s a good chance there will be seats at the front languishing empty.
Do you want to make an entrance?
You don't have to! You can be already there greeting guests.
You can make an entrance as a couple. You can be 'given away'.
You can have an 'Entrance of the Bride (or Brides)' - you can have an 'Entrance of The Groom (or Grooms)' - you can have an 'Entrance of The Theys' - what do you want?
If the wedding party is coming down the aisle to music they will have less to stress about on the day if there is clear guidance on who goes where first. I tend to suggest any bridesmaids come in first to build suspense for the arrival of the Bride, but things don’t have to happen any way other than how you say.
During The Ceremony...
What will your family and friends expect me to say about you?
How did you meet? How did you get engaged? What do you enjoy doing together?
It’s your big day and your nearest and dearest have come to celebrate your wedding, so I want to make sure this looks, feels and sounds like your perfect wedding ceremony.
Are there specific people who need a mention?
Did your mum tirelessly work making floral arrangements?
Has someone flown from New Zealand to be here?
We can involve everyone with a round of applause, but are there specific family and friends we want to mention?
Are there any readings you would like?
You don’t have to have any kind of formal reading, but it can be a good idea.
If you haven’t already had a look, check out my Readings resource for inspiration!
A few words about Humanism?
What aspects of the humanist philosophy particularly resonate with you and your story?
A lot of couples love the personal and caring nature of the ceremony, but if you have a particular love of science or you like the idea of working together to make the world a better place, then we can talk about how you would like us to talk about this so it fits just perfectly.
What Symbolic Gestures would you like?
You don’t have to limit yourself to just exchanging rings, you can have other symbolic gestures too!
Do you want to do a handfasting? Do you want to drink from the Quaich? Jump the broom?
Do you want to create your own unique symbolic gestures? If you do we can help you with the wording and stage directions.
What promises would you like your partner to make you?
For a legal wedding, we need to have legal vows, but you can also have personal vows that express in your own words and in your own way what this means to you. I will help with this.
What Music will you have in your ceremony?
During the ceremony music choices will fill in the gaps to ensure there are no awkward silences, especially as we sign the schedule.
Are you having live music or is there a killer iPod playlist in the mix?
How did you meet? How did you get engaged? What do you enjoy doing together?
It’s your big day and your nearest and dearest have come to celebrate your wedding, so I want to make sure this looks, feels and sounds like your perfect wedding ceremony.
Are there specific people who need a mention?
Did your mum tirelessly work making floral arrangements?
Has someone flown from New Zealand to be here?
We can involve everyone with a round of applause, but are there specific family and friends we want to mention?
Are there any readings you would like?
You don’t have to have any kind of formal reading, but it can be a good idea.
If you haven’t already had a look, check out my Readings resource for inspiration!
A few words about Humanism?
What aspects of the humanist philosophy particularly resonate with you and your story?
A lot of couples love the personal and caring nature of the ceremony, but if you have a particular love of science or you like the idea of working together to make the world a better place, then we can talk about how you would like us to talk about this so it fits just perfectly.
What Symbolic Gestures would you like?
You don’t have to limit yourself to just exchanging rings, you can have other symbolic gestures too!
Do you want to do a handfasting? Do you want to drink from the Quaich? Jump the broom?
Do you want to create your own unique symbolic gestures? If you do we can help you with the wording and stage directions.
What promises would you like your partner to make you?
For a legal wedding, we need to have legal vows, but you can also have personal vows that express in your own words and in your own way what this means to you. I will help with this.
What Music will you have in your ceremony?
During the ceremony music choices will fill in the gaps to ensure there are no awkward silences, especially as we sign the schedule.
Are you having live music or is there a killer iPod playlist in the mix?
After the ceremony…
Where are we going and what are we doing directly after the ceremony?
People don't know where do to go and what to do unless we tell them.
We can make sure we avoid an awkward pause by giving clear instructions to your guests.
Are we heading up a mountain for a toast? Are we staying put for a group photo?
I can make sure everyone is where we need them to be with exactly the right amount of celebratory flair.
What Music will conclude the ceremony?
If there’s a piper, they know what to do. If there’s a playlist, then we want to choose something suitable for the occasion.
We want to start the celebrations right here and right now.
What song will say this to your guests?
People don't know where do to go and what to do unless we tell them.
We can make sure we avoid an awkward pause by giving clear instructions to your guests.
Are we heading up a mountain for a toast? Are we staying put for a group photo?
I can make sure everyone is where we need them to be with exactly the right amount of celebratory flair.
What Music will conclude the ceremony?
If there’s a piper, they know what to do. If there’s a playlist, then we want to choose something suitable for the occasion.
We want to start the celebrations right here and right now.
What song will say this to your guests?
Anything Else?
Are there any other ideas you have to create your perfect wedding ceremony?
Don’t feel limited by the suggestions I have made above, if you are struck with inspiration then now is the best time to share.
What else do I need to know?
Don’t feel limited by the suggestions I have made above, if you are struck with inspiration then now is the best time to share.
What else do I need to know?