FAQ + Tips
You’ve probably got a stack of questions about everything to do with getting hitched, so browse through the articles below for some answers that will help you make the right decision in creating your perfect day.
You can search for any topic you need info on or hit any of the words in the tag cloud below to see all the articles on that subject.
FAQs
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Simple answer - No. You need to have completed, signed and had witnessed a Notice Of Intended Marriage at least one month before you can get married.
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If you have a passport, you’re sorted. If not, you will need to have a copy of your birth certificate and a drivers licence. Your ID must be seen by the celebrant before they can marry you.
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Simple answer - Yes - If it’s within Australia. We are a representative of the Australian Government so we are not authorised to marry people in other countries.
However, if you want to get married in Bali for example, we can marry you here in a very simple signing ceremony with you and two witnesses before you leave and then follow you to Bali for your big celebration.
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Simple answer - Yes I will. Some celebrants do and some don’t so make sure you check with them if you want to play your music through their speaker on the day. Also check whether they will personally play the music or whether you’ll need to have someone else play it through their speaker. If you choose me, I will play it all.
The Best Wedding Budget for under $10
This has to be the best wedding budget I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a stack of them). Plus it has so much more to keep your wedding day on track.
The Wedding Buying Cycle
The wedding buying cycle is the order in which you’ll probably need to lock in all the elements of your wedding. It all starts with the venue.
The Most Popular Wedding Dates For 2024
Here are the dates that are shaping up to be the most popular to get hitched on 2024. If you’re thinking about locking in one of them, then maybe think twice as it might be hard to find all the people you need to make your special day work.
2024 Wedding Trends & Info
Out of the estimated 134,000+ marriages in Australia across 2023, the average cost of a wedding in Australia is $33,810, with couples budgeting to originally spend around $27,652. So the moral of the story here is to always plan to go 15% over your budget - in other words, build another 15% into your budget for overspends that will occur, so that you’re not scrambling to find the $$$ when the time comes.
First Wedding Dance Styles, Techniques & Tips
The first dance at your wedding is more than just a tradition; it's a symbolic representation of your journey as a couple. It's a moment when you and your partner come together, and the world disappears as you focus on each other.
Creating A Wedding Budget You Both Agree On
One of the most important things you will do throughout the process of putting your wedding together is creating a budget and keeping things on track. Create a budget together so that you are both “in the know” and agree on how much is going to be spent.
Father Of The Bride Speech
This is the part of the speech which is supposed to be touching. It is also to be heart warming with a little laughter thrown in. Talk about your daughter and who she is as a person. You can talk about the kind of person she was growing up and her personality. Do this in a positive way and maybe who she gets it from . It is good to mention a story or 2 that give a rounding as to who she is and also a funny story for a bit of a laugh.
Best Man Speech
The best man is usually a good friend so the speech should be funny, but be careful not to make it sound as though it’s an extension of the stag night. Think about the audience you’re speaking to before you write it. The best advice is to be yourself and try not to copy someone else’s speech.
His role is to:
Compliment the bride and groom and wish them all the best for their future life together. Thank the groom for asking him to be his best man.
Relate funny stories about the groom without being rude and be sure not to mention any previous relationships he may have had.
Relate what he knows about the bride and compliment her on her appearance.
Thank the hosts on behalf of himself and the guests.
Read out cards or messages from relatives and friends who couldn't be there.
Reception Table Decorations
Planning your wedding reception décor is a really fun part of your wedding planning prep. Your wedding table decorations – from centrepieces to table runners and even napkin choices – allow you to show off your theme, colour palette and creativity.
Hidden Wedding Costs
Having a wedding is expensive, which is why it's important to prepare yourself for these inevitable costs so they don't sneak up and surprise you later. So here are a bunch of expenses that you may not have already thought of and factored into your budget.
Wedding Speech Tips
I found a literal treasure trove of speeches on the internet at hitched.co.uk. They should be awarded a medal for collecting them over the years. They're real speeches that have been used by real people and sent in to the site and I've provided some links to them below.
Maid Of Honour Speech
Give a little story of how you know the bride (be it through school, relative and so on). Feel free to talk about what she was like when you first met her and if there was a funny or interesting way you both met. A good example of a maid of honour speech was a bride mentioned how the 2 of them met because they didn’t get the memo their uni class was cancelled. They were the only 2 in an auditorium of 500 siting quietly for half an hour before even questioning each other why they were the only two there.
The Best Man (or Woman) Checklist
I’ve done the heavy listing and created the ultimate checklist that your best man or best woman needs to take care of in the lead up to and on the day of your wedding. Just print and give it to them.
What to wear to a wedding
If the invite says "cocktail attire” this is slightly less formal than black tie and black tie optional, which means no tux required for men and no floor-length gown required for women (unless you'd like to wear a long dress, which is popular for winter wedding attire).
Opening Lines For Wedding Speeches
Father Of The Groom Speech
This is the moment that you can tell the world how proud you are of your son. Talk about how he was as a son growing up, any achievements, personal traits or notable stories. While it is ok to have some funny stories and be humorous, please remember that he is your son. While you can consider him your friend at the end of the day you are his father and a respectful speech is more appropriate. Leave the mild roasting to the best man speech.
Overcoming Wedding Speech Nerves
Don’t Try Too Hard to Be Funny
You may feel under pressure to make your speech funny but joke-telling doesn’t come naturally to everyone and jokes that were funny on the stag do , may not translate in a room full of family friends and relatives. Alan recommends keeping it sincere: “Get some ideas from the internet by all means, but steer clear of the jokes. You will be loved and appreciated if you share your thoughts and your stories about the people you care about.”
Wedding Costs Nobody Told You About
f you cannot bear to part with your gown after the wedding, you will need to have it cleaned and preserved. While this can be done at the local dry cleaners, you might like to invest a little more to send your dress to a dedicated bridal wear business that could also box it up to keep it safe. This can cost anywhere between $300 and $600 depending on the style of dress and the amount of beading and other embellishments.
Wedding Table Decorations For Your Reception
Disney’s Craziest Weddings
From Gaston failing to notify the potential bride (Belle) or check if she even wants to get married through to acknowledging that none of the guests wore pants at Robin Hood and Maid Marien's wedding. I guarantee you that this will give you some good laughs.