How we put it all together: From your initial phone call, text or e-mail, through to the actual wedding day and beyond.
This is the standard, if there is such a thing; flow of events. Note that this is the way I do things at Your Celebrant and that others will differ in their approach. I cannot emphasise too strongly the importance of meeting personally with your candidates and discussing your requirements with them. It is going to be one of the most important days of your life and so getting the celebrant selection right is just as important as venue, transport, dress or flowers. I suggest not rushing the process, nor leaving it too late, which may leave you with a limited selection. Good celebrants get booked well ahead of time and certain months such as November, February, March and April likewise get booked out very quickly. It takes time to put a great ceremony together and the time allocated to it will show in the final result.
First-things-first: Whether you come across my services by attending one of the ceremonies I am officiating at, I am recommended by a friend or your venue, you have come across my website from a google or face book search or we have chatted at a Wedding Expo. Simply call, text, message or e-mail me and I will let you know:
1- If I am available on your chosen date.
2 – Give you an all inclusive price and
3 – Recommend an alternative celebrant if I am not available.
Following on from that: We would arrange for a no-obligation meeting at my office or a place that suits, to discuss the ceremony and the necessary legal obligation required of you. At Your Celebrant we can help with Prospective Fiance Visa application letters and can help with advice regarding Apostille stamps that may be necessary in some countries.
At that first meeting: If all goes well we can, if you choose, fill out the Notice of Intention (NOIM) or you may choose to continue your search. I suggest meeting personally with at least three celebrants to gauge your compatibility with the candidates. Either way, you will be one step closer to having the ceremony you and your fiance have always dreamt of. The minimum time for you to lodge a Notice of Intention is one full calendar month.
So what’s next: Well after the Notice is filled out (lodged) you are given an exclusive Your Celebrant 80 page resource folder (unless you are wanting an elopement style / set-ceremony). This has a huge range of readings, Introductions, Vows, an extensive selection of rituals, Religious and Cultural inclusions (totally optional), how we can incorporate your story into the ceremony in a fun and entertaining way, and a lot more! One important inclusion is my unique colour coded information sheets that allow you to easily put you ceremony together and get the necessary details back to me with no fuss or hassle. Once this is done I will e-mail a draft copy back to you and we continue to work on that draft till you are 100% happy with the result. During this time you are welcome to call, text, message or e-mail me to ask any questions and discuss any issues that may be of concern (about ANY aspect of your big day). The closer you stay in touch with your celebrant the better rapport you will develop. This will ultimately show in the final result as you then have a relationship that allows for the celebrant to get a better feel for the type of presentation that suits you and your fiance.
Here at Celebrant Central: I print and bind your ceremony, creating a beautiful commemorative copy which I know rivals any currently being presented anywhere in Australia. All paperwork is then digitally printed (not hand-written) and ready for your signatures. You need to sign a declaration which is on the back of your wedding certificates, this can be done at a rehearsal, if one is required, or we can arrange a separate appointment to return folder, sign declarations, sight any paperwork that needed to be finalised and after that… It’s Show Time!
On the Big Day: I will normally arrive at least an hour ahead of time. Liaise will the venue staff and other suppliers. Set up my lectern and P.A. System (if required), make sure that the best man has the rings and speak to all readers that may be presenting on the day. Try and think of anything that could possibly go wrong and then make every effort to ensure it doesn’t.
At the Ceremony: I will present your carefully chosen words with the minimum of deviation from the approved text. If you have chosen to include a ritual as part of the proceedings I will supply a small ritual table for the purpose and a matching signing table (if required). I will make every effort to co-ordinate with your colour palette so I do not clash with the bridal party. At the conclusion of the ceremony you will be presented with a commemorative copy of your ceremony and your wedding certificate. If you wish I will “Magically” produce and present a bottle of champagne to the groom / partner at the very conclusion of the ceremony; this a great way of continuing the celebration!
After the Ceremony: Your completed paperwork will then be forwarded to the registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (In the state or territory you are married in).
Payments: An initial investment of 25% is generally required when lodging the Notice of Intention and the balance may be paid anytime up to a full week prior to the ceremony date.
Need More Information: If you have any questions regarding the finer points of how I operate and how and where I may be of service, then please feel free to call, text or e-mail me. It is never too early to start the planning of your ceremony and I hope to hear from you soon. Please remember ALL advice is given FREELY and without obligation.
Your Celebrant - Ron Gallagher 