Welcoming your guests to your wedding
Your ceremony is probably where your guests will first arrive at your wedding. It is here you will give them the very first impression of your wedding day. Ensuring they are greeted and feel comfortable can make a big impact on their enjoyment- and memory of the day.
Allocating someone who can say hello to your guests, and at least let them know they’ve come to the right wedding (especially if the ceremony is at a public park or beach!) can set the right impression from the outset.
Depending on how far they have travelled, greeting your guests with a bit more than a ‘welcome’ sign can be really appreciated. Some nice touches to add to your guests’ arrival could include:
- a refreshing welcome drink (this doesn’t necessarily have to be alcoholic)
- a paper fan if it’s hot- these can also double-duty as ceremony programs
- a shawl if it’s cold.
Signs of a wonderful wedding
Signs can be part of your décor but they also play an important role in giving information to your guests. From showing them where the ceremony is, to letting them know how to find the toilet. If you can, walk through your wedding space and think about, if you had never been to the venue before, what questions would you be asking? Signs can help with common questions many of your guests may have, such as:
- A welcome sign (to make sure they’ve come to the right wedding!)
- Where are the toilets? (who wants to ask!)
- What is there to drink?
- What time is dinner?
- Is there a designated smoking section?
- A sign displaying the reception format can give guests an idea of what to expect.
Ceremony Décor
Ceremony Backdrop
I admit I spend a disproportionate amount of time drooling over ceremony backdrops. In fact the ceremony backdrop is one of my most favourite décor items in a wedding. This is what you choose to stand in front of while you become husband and wife! Often times, it’s very personal and will visually reflect your personalities as you say your ‘I dos’.
While a wedding arch or wedding arbour has become the traditional ceremony backdrop, there are so many ways you can dress them or create a variation that will fit with the wedding style you have chosen.
Alternatively, you can completely do-away with a wedding arch and create your own backdrop using materials only limited by your imagination.
If you have chosen a ceremony venue for its spectacular view, go minimal on the décor and make it the focal point. You can’t compete with nature!
Seating
To sit or to stand? It’s a good question and there are a few options here. For a relatively short ceremony, you could get away without any seats. If you have frail and elderly guests who would appreciate to sit, of course, you should provide seating however long the ceremony may be.
If there is space and budget for seating- for everyone, it is a good idea to seat everyone. I personally think there is nothing more awkward than providing only a few seats and everyone is too polite to sit on any of them. You end up with all your guests mulling around the back and half your seats empty. A thoughtful celebrant or coordinator can encourage guests to fill any empty seats before the ceremony begins, however, I have been a guest where this hasn’t happened so express your wishes to someone with a loud voice or control of the PA system if this is the way you choose to go.
Aisle Runner
While you definitely don’t need an aisle runner to get married it can help create a space for you to ‘walk down the aisle’. This is especially important if you have minimal seating as it creates a distinct path. Guests will automatically position themselves either-side of an aisle runner so you have a clear way to walk and make eye contact with your husband-to-be!
An aisle runner doesn’t have to be a roll of carpet sold by the metre. Rose petals, raked sand, even a ‘negative space’ aisle runner, where decorations are placed running down edge of the ground/floor can be beautiful aisle runners that tie-in to your wedding day style.
Signing Table and Chairs
As part of your wedding ceremony, you and your chosen witnesses will need to complete the ‘paperwork’. That is, sign your certificates. A signing table with chairs will make this part of the ceremony much easier. (It’s also a great photo opportunity!) The signing table is usually placed in front of your guests and facing them.
You may choose to decorate the signing table and chairs, or simply place your bouquet on the table for instant pretty! Keep in mind that you will need to have room for the wedding book and certificate.
Your celebrant will most likely have the signing pen covered, however, if you want a special pen to be used for signing your marriage documents don’t forget to add it to your checklist!
Your Celebrant, Minister, Officiant
Whether you are having a legal wedding ceremony or not, you can still engage a celebrant to perform a wedding ceremony. (The only requirement for non-legal ceremonies is that they ensure no-one is under the impression that it is a legal ceremony.
The level of importance in selecting the right officiant for a wedding will vary for every couple. While some believe that as long as the right words are said and the I’s are dotted on the paperwork then the cheaper the better. Others may be looking for a personal connection with their officiant and a guide to help them write the perfect vows. Whichever place you are on this extremely broad spectrum of ‘officiant importance’ there is an officiant for every budget.
Most officiants will meet with you at least a couple of times before the big day, to get to know you, run through the ceremony and help calm any nerves. They can also help write vows and suggest any additional rituals that you wish to include. For example, the giving and receiving of rings is a ritual. There are many other rituals that have become popular over the last few years. Sand ceremonies, lighting a unity candle, passing the rings around your guests for good wishes and blessings. An internet search will reveal many more and your celebrant should be able to help you with any rituals you wish to include.
Things to ask your celebrant:
- How long will the ceremony be?
- Will we have a rehearsal?
- Will you supply a PA system? Can I play my ceremony music on your PA system?
- Will you be conducting any other weddings on my wedding day?
- What happens if sickness/emergency prevents you from being there?
- Why did you become a celebrant?
- Can you help me apply for my official marriage certificate?
- How much help can you provide in writing my vows?
Legal Requirements
There are some vows that will form part of the legal requirements of getting married. The rest of what you say to each other, is completely up to you. Your celebrant can usually help you in writing your vows, at very least give you some starting points.
Another legal requirement is that you have at least two people witness your wedding. You can choose any two people you like- they just have to be over 18 years of age. They will be the people signing your wedding certificates with you. Many couples will choose their maid of honour and their best man, or a parent. Asking someone to be a witness might be a nice way to include someone special who doesn’t have an official role in your wedding party.
If you are planning an elopement without any friends or family members, your photographer and planner/coordinator will usually be more than happy to act as witnesses.
Poems, readings and songs
Poems, readings and songs can be incorporated into the ceremony and it can be a lovely way to include friends and family members. Think of songs and readings that have a special significance.
Songs/instrumental pieces are traditionally played while you are walking down the aisle (the processional) while you are signing your wedding certificates, and as you walk back down the aisle with your new husband (the recessional). While you may be familiar with J. Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D’, the ‘Here Comes the Bride’ song, feel free to choose any song that is special to you. (A note on religious ceremonies: you may be restricted in your song choices).
If you have access to a PA system, plugging in your IPod can be a handy way to cover the music. Alternatively, a live musician, singer or band can really amp up the atmosphere of this special part of your wedding day.
Now, it’s time to start making it official!
Step 1: Your ceremony style
Think about where you will be saying ‘I do’. Is it outdoors? In a dedicated ceremony space? A blank canvas, ready to decorate? Brainstorm some keywords about the style of ceremony you imagine.
Take your keywords and find some images that illustrate those words. Create an inspiration board that shows your wedding ceremony style. Don’t worry if all your pictures are not specifically wedding-related.
Using your inspiration board as a reference, decide what décor elements you want to include using the ceremony décor checklist:
- Ceremony Backdrop
- Signing Table and Chairs
- Guest Seating
- Aisle Runner
- Welcome Signs
- Signing Pen
- Ring Box/Cushion
- Water/Drinks Station
- Shoe Valet
- Shawls
- Fans
- Ceremony Programmes
Still stuck for ideas? Visit our Ceremonies Pinterest Board for some inspiration!
Step 2: Choose Your Celebrant
Now you have designed your ceremony style, this will help you choose a celebrant that will fit your style. Choosing a celebrant is a very personal thing. Don’t be afraid to meet with a few. Many celebrants have example videos on their websites, which can help you create a short-list to contact.
Once you have short-listed some celebrants, use the Celebrant Research Template below, to help compare and choose you best fit.
Your celebrant should help guide you on writing your vows.
Another things to ask your celebrant is if they provide their own PA system. If your venue doesn’t have one, a PA system is important to have for the ceremony so everyone can hear you become husband and wife.
Step 3: The music
Music is a great way to add your personal touch and set the tone to your wedding ceremony. Choose the way you want your music played: Live music, IPod/recorded music?
Choose the songs you want played during your ceremony:
- Processional:
- Signing the Certificates:
- Recessional: