Charis White Celebrant

It is your wedding and this is a personal choice of the bride and groom. 

Some people feel as though children at a wedding, means the adults cannot enjoy themselves. 

As a mother of two children, it is a novelty to have a night out. So I would welcome this  decision if I was invited to an adults only wedding. I personally would not be offended at all. 

If you decide not to have children at your wedding, you must let your guests know their children are not invited, in a polite way.    Perhaps, write adults only on the invitation. You or write the names of the guests on the. RSVP cards, so there can be no confusion.

Ultimately, if your budget does not allow more guests or you feel as though the vibe will not be right with children, it is your day and you have the right to decide what you want.

Good luck!

Of course budget plays a big role in any party. Weddings are expensive, so you need to decide on what elements are important to you and what you are willing to part ways with? 

Some elements, in my eyes, are a must. Such as: a photographer, celebrant and of course a venue. Once you have sat down and done a budget, then find the essential suppliers and see what kind of room there is left in your budget. 

If your budget allows, an on the day coordinator will take the stress out of any situation. Such as: when the weather turns at the last minute and you can no longer have an outdoor wedding. Or the hassle of getting a friend of family member to play the music. Or who will help with the set-up at the venue and make sure it all looks perfect. Who on the night will be responsible to take the marriage certificate. Who will help with the time flow of everything, who will direct the guests? There are so many job to do and an on the day coordinator will help with this.

Here are a few of my favourite suppliers: 

One Day Your Way

Wedding Day PA

Weddings Of Distinction

Will&jac

Of course, if you do not have budget for one, I am always willing to do my part to help. I will help get guests seated, chat to the person doing the music and even help with the last minute changes to the ceremony location. I want your day to be perfect and I will do all I can to help where necessary.  

It is your wedding and you can have any suppliers you want. There are thousands of photographers, venues, florists, bands, hair and make-up stylists and videographers out there. Decide on the style you are going for, do an Instagram session, find a few suppliers you like and get in touch. 

I believe that suppliers who know each other and have worked together before create a better wedding day. It is like a well choreographed dance. The photographer will not get in the videographers way and vice versa. The photographer will know where the celebrant will stand and when they will move, etc. The band will set up in an area where they are not in the way of the other suppliers.  The florist is skilled in creating an appropriate ceremony space. 

It is amazing to watch highly skilled experts work in unison. I did a wedding last year where C2 Films and Mark Davis Photography were both involved. They were guiding each other the whole time, so they both got the shot they wanted and neither were in the others photos/video. Lark Music and I have also worked together several times and Luke knows exactly when the music should stop and start, a major relief for any celebrant.

Suppliers with experience know how to navigate a tough situation. I got caught in a wind storm at Baie Wines last year and Dan Brannan helped stabilise the arch. Another example was when I got caught in a monsoon at The Botanic Gardens with Leo Farrell  and he went above and beyond to make sure the couple had the best day possible in torrential rain. Or the lovely Burgess Video who gave me an output cable, so anyone who plugs into my PA gets the best audio feed possible for their video. Cam Grove and I were also caught in the rain and he helped to dry the seats of the guests. These suppliers went above and beyond for the best result for their clients, and that screams volumes to me.

Word of mouth in any industry is the best way forward. It is a genuine compliment from those who have worked together before. There is nothing I love more than recommending a supplier and getting fabulous feedback about their services. 

I have a list of suppliers who I recommend highly. They are on my list because they are exceptional people with exceptional talents. They have great personalities, they are kind and are extremely easy to work with.        Please check out the recommendations section of my webiste for a complete list.      

Without a celebrant, your wedding is simply a very expensive party!

If you are going to be married in Australia, the most important thing to know about is the Notice of Intended Marriage. This needs to be lodged with your celebrant at least 30 days prior to the wedding and no longer than 18 months in advance of your wedding date.  

Once you have decided on your wedding date, lock in your celebrant. There are three suppliers that go hand in hand. The venue, the celebrant and your photographer. These three suppliers will book up the fastest.  If you have a long engagement, simply do not wait to lock these three things in, that way you will not be disappointed. 

Of course, if you have a short engagement then send out your enquiries as soon as you can. 

Wedding planning is not stressful if you are organised and lock in experienced suppliers for your day. 

HAPPY PLANNING!!!!

This part of the wedding is very daunting for most couples. Not only are you standing in front of your closest friends and family, but you also have to pour your heart out to the one you love. 

Here are a few tips from me:

1.) Keep it short and simple. You already have the legals wedding vows to include: “I call upon the people here present to witness that I, AB/CD, take you, CD/AB, to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/partner.” After those words are spoken you can choose to say anything. Some people choose to just leave it at the legalities while others want to personalise them.

2.) Put pen to paper. Instead of googling vows for hours, write a few things down. Attributes you love about your partner, things you promise to them. Get a few things ideas down and try to put them together. 

3.) Say what is in your heart. It does not need to be long, simple is also beautiful. 

4.) There is no right or wrong way to go about this.  Funny vows are also great, your friends know your personality the best and if you are true to your character you will come up with something unique to you. 

5.) Some couples like to make their vows a surprise while others want to know what will be said on the day. Decide what you feel most comfortable with and roll with that. 

6.) I am here to help you. I also have a Vows document I will email you with loads of examples you can use for inspiration.

Enjoy the process, soak it up and don't forget, I'm here to help!