Wedding Guide - Choosing a Celebrant

Choosing the right Wedding Celebrant: A guide for a meaningful ceremony
When it comes to your wedding ceremony, the celebrant plays a crucial role in setting the tone and guiding you through your vows. This isn’t just someone who reads a script — your celebrant will tell your love story, personalize the moment, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Finding the perfect fit for this important role is key, and it’s about more than just cost and availability. Here's how you can choose a celebrant who will make your ceremony truly unforgettable.

How to choose a Wedding Celebrant
Picking a celebrant is an important decision that can set the vibe for your entire day. Here’s how to get it right:

1. Do your research – Look for reviews, and check out their social media profiles or websites to get a feel for their style and personality.
2. Narrow down your choices – Choose two to three celebrants that resonate with you.
3. Connect through a call – A phone or video call is the best way to gauge if you feel comfortable with them and if they align with your vision.

Remember, it’s not just about someone who can read words — it’s about finding someone who can truly tell your story, your way and is a similar vibe to what you are after.

Personalising your ceremony
Your wedding ceremony should be a reflection of you and your partner’s story. While your celebrant will guide the process, it’s your chance to make it personal and memorable. Here’s how:

1. Share Your Story – Talk about how you met, your quirks, and any moments that define your relationship.
2. Complete the questionnaires – that your celebrant has for you - this helps them to create their script and story telling for your wedding day
3. Incorporate elements – this could readings, rituals, new or old traditions that you would like to incorporate.
4. Get Creative – don't think that you have to stick to traditions eg who stands where, have your wedding party sit down for the ceremony so it's just you too, cut the cake during the ceremony, have your pets involved - make it about you both!

Helping your celebrant do their best work
Collaboration is key to a successful ceremony. Here’s how to make it easier for your celebrant:

Provide timely detail – Make sure they have all the necessary information well in advance.
Be open and honest– Share what’s important to you and what you want to avoid.
Trust their expertise– You chose them for a reason, so let them work their magic!
Stick to pre-wedding day information timelines – Timeliness ensures everything goes smoothly for you and your celebrant.
Speak up early – If something doesn’t feel right, speak up early on to avoid last-minute changes.

What to tell your celebrant
Communication is key when it comes to your wedding celebrant. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to share:

1. Your non-negotiables or things you definitely don’t want.
2. The run sheet, including details like who’s walking down the aisle, any kids or pets involved, and key moments you want to include.
3. Your wedding color scheme, so your celebrant’s attire doesn’t clash.
4. Information on the ring bearers, witnesses, and even what side you would like to stand on.

Wedding ceremony structure: The basics
While every ceremony can be as unique as you are, here’s a general structure you can follow (but feel free to mix it up):

1. Prelude – Guests arrive, music plays - I always recommend letting your guests to arrive 15-30 minutes early
2. Processional – Wedding party walks in.
3. Welcome & Introduction – Any housekeeping or opening remarks. eg unplugged ceremony - put those phones away
4. Your Story – The celebrant shares your journey together.
5. Readings or Rituals – Optional, but a great way to add a personal touch.
6. Vows & Ring Exchange – The heart of the ceremony.
7. The Kiss – let the photographer/videographer capture this moment
8. Signing of the Marriage Certificate – this can be done during the ceremony or after the ceremony - if you're wanting a super, simple and sweet. Otherwise select 2 songs in case this takes a little longer
9. Exit – A final declaration and your grand exit.

Hot tips from a former Wedding Planner

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – If things don’t go exactly as planned, like a kid walking down the aisle in the wrong order, don’t stress. It’s also make it unique. You can plan, plan every detail out but on the day you need to let go and enjoy the moments as it goes so fast.

Live Music Makes a Difference – Music can elevate the atmosphere and adjust to the mood of the moment. They can also work with timings down the aisle rather than a track being played. If you can invest in this I highly recommend it.

Always Have a Weather Backup – Plan for heat, cold, or rain to keep your guests comfortable. But not only your guests think about your wedding vendors working under extreme conditions and their equipment - you want them to provide the best service so having a set up that allows them to is so important.

Choosing the right celebrant and personalising your ceremony are some of the most important elements in creating a wedding that’s uniquely yours. With the right celebrant by your side, you’ll craft a ceremony that tells your love story, celebrates your love, and sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day!

Just remember, your day should be a reflection of you, so don’t be afraid to get creative, ask for what you want, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Here are some Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Celebrants to check out, in no particular order…

WEDDINGS AT THE NOOK

The perfect venue for your food truck wedding
At The Nook, we’re all about creating a relaxed, flexible atmosphere for your wedding or event. We absolutely love hosting food truck weddings! Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, BBQ, bao buns, or gelato, there’s a food truck that fits your vibe perfectly.

Our venue offers the ideal space for food truck celebrations—particularly in the spring or summer months when you can enjoy the fresh air in our beautiful courtyard. If it’s a little chilly outside, no worries! We’ve got heaters and cozy spaces to keep everyone comfortable while they enjoy their food.