iMODA eMagazine 2015.pdf

Photography // Gazi Photography
Planning Your Ceremony
YOUR GUIDE TO SAYING “I DO”.
CHURCH WEDDING
Depending on your religious beliefs a religious
ceremony tends to be performed in a place of
worship, such as a church or temple. Most faiths
are bound by a traditional structure and impose
certain rules, it’s important to familiarise yourself
with these before saying your “I do’s”. For example
some religions allow inter-faith marriages, whilst
some don’t, others have requirements about the
upbringing of children and some insist on premarital
counselling. These types of requirements
can take months so it’s important to consult your
relevant clergy member as soon as possible after
your engagement.
CIVIL CEREMONY
For couples not bound by religion or who wish to
embrace a less traditional approach a civil ceremony
is the common choice. Civil ceremonies are not
influenced by religious beliefs and can be performed
just about anywhere, the only requirement being
you publicly exchange vows. You also have the
freedom to customise your ceremony from scratch
to make it unique and meaningful to you as a couple.
THE REGISTRY OFFICE
Holding your nuptials at the registry office can
be as formal or informal as you like. The bride is
free to wear a wedding gown and have bridesmaids,
and a registry office can hold up to 30 guests. Like
most venues Saturday is usually the busiest day,
whilst days like Valentine’s Day can be booked well
in advance. Contact your local Registry of Births,
Deaths and Marriages for more information.
THE CELEBRANT
Who you choose as your celebrant will be
dependent on whether you have religious, civil
or inter-faith ceremony. If you’re opting for a civil
ceremony you’ll need to appoint your own celebrant
to officiate the marriage, whilst if you’re planning on
a religious ceremony your officiant may be limited
by your choice of venue. It’s important whoever you
choose you feel comfortable with, each celebrant
has a different style and approach so it’s important
theirs is right for you. Civil celebrants are usually
chosen based on recommendation but you can
also reference the Australian Federation of Civil
Celebrants, www.civilcelebrants.com.au
VOWS
If you’re planning on writing your own vows, it’s
important you start planning them at least a month
in advance. Consider whether you’ll write them
together or separately, and if it’s the latter think
about whether you’ll share them before hand or
whether you’ll leave it as a surprise. Upon putting
pen to paper reflect on how you fell in love, special
moments and memories, what you love about each
other and your hopes and promises for the future. If
either of you has children you may want to include a
vow to honour and love them as well.