Steve Mummery Celebrant

Selecting the right Celebrant for your ceremony is an important task.  Just don't be scared.  There is a code of practice that all authorised civil celebrants across Australia must abide by.  This was brought in to create a more consistent, professional standing within the celebrants community.  Above all, it protects you.

The best advice I can give is to ask whether your celebrant has achieved a Certificate IV in Celebrancy - as this is now the industry standard training that celebrants must have.  

As part of the code of practice, all celebrants are required to give you a feedback form after the ceremony for you to complete so that they can continue to improve in areas that they may not be aware of.  However, that's all well and good after the ceremony.  

But what if things are not going well in the lead up once you have paid your deposit?  If you are not happy with the way things are progressing, the best thing to do is pick up the phone and let the celebrant know.  I can assure you, I would much rather hear about it sooner than later, so that I can fix any issues straight away.  You have the right to do this, as I am providing you with a service that you are paying for.

If things are still not sorted, then there is a complaints process that you can access by visiting the Attorney-General's Department online.

So don't panic about who you choose. Go with the celebrant who has the best fit with your personality - someone you feel comfortable with pretty quickly after meeting them.  Don't be afraid to shop around and talk to a few before deciding who to go with.  And then if things don't feel right - let them know.

NOTE: Celebrants who were authorised prior to 2013 did not have the high standard training that is now required to achieve a Certificate IV in Celebrancy. However, ALL Celebrants must complete ongoing professional development every twelve months.

Writing vows can be one of the most anxious tasks you do in the lead up to a marriage. And it's one that most of us put off until the very last minute - which is probably the worst thing you can do.  

Take some time, plenty of time out from your wedding, to sit down one night when you are by yourself and write down the answers to these questions - then most of your work will be done. 

• Why are you getting married?
• What made you realise you wanted to marry your partner?
• What do you hope will change, or improve, when you are married?
• How do you want your partner to feel as they hear your vows?
• What commitment are you actually making?
• What was a defining moment in your relationship?
• What defines your relationship now?
• What will define your relationship in the future?

I have a lot more questions you can ask yourself located in the Wedding Tips section online at smcelebrant.com.au 

https://www.smcelebrant.com.au/single-post/2017/05/22/Writing-vows-is-not-hard

It's not that hard to work in ways to include children into a marriage or commitment ceremony.

For a marriage ceremony to be legal, there are few simple requirements. After that, a couple may create a wedding ceremony that is both personal and unique.  This is up to the celebrant to guide them through the process and make suggestions.

Many couples, when marrying, may be bringing into the union their own child, or perhaps children from a former relationship. To include the children in the wedding ceremony is a way of letting them know that they are an important part of the marriage. 

I have listed some ways (and wording) that you can involve children in your ceremony online at smcelebrant.com.au

https://www.smcelebrant.com.au/single-post/2017/05/25/Involving-children-in-the-ceremony-Part-1

Outdoor ceremonies are very popular, especially because of the great weather most of Australia experiences for a lot of the year.  But, keep in mind just how hot it might get if you're marrying over summer and remember to touch base with the local council in the area of the park or beach you want to get married in as most of them require you to let them know and possibly have a permit.  

They won't make it too hard though, as they love having the public utilise their parks that cost a lot of money keeping nice.

I have more tips on whether to get married indoor or outdoor online at smcelebrant.com.au

https://www.smcelebrant.com.au/single-post/2017/02/09/Getting-married-in-a-park

You know if the father of the bride starts his speech with, ‘I won’t talk for too long,’ you are doomed!  Children fall asleep clutching crayons from their goody-bags and Aunts melt into a Prosecco-fuelled haze.

If you are an integral member of the wedding party (best man, maid of honour, mothers of the bride and groom) you will probably be expected to give a few words. If you are following a speech that wasn’t so riveting, you are going to want to inject the congregation with some energy

This is a great article I found by Petra Sanford on weddingideasmag.com.

It includes tips and hints on;

• making people laugh;
• sticking to the point;
• taking them on an emotional rollercoaster;
• whether to wing it or not and;
• how much you should drink before your speech.

You can find it online at the above address or online at smcelebrant.com.au

https://www.smcelebrant.com.au/single-post/2017/02/16/Speeches-Father-of-the-bride