Everything you need to know to structure your wedding ceremony
✨ The vibes, the flow, and the legal bits too ✨
Spreadsheets.
To-do lists.
Pinterest boards with just one more idea for the aisle flowers...
Planning your wedding ceremony can feel like juggling 12 different vibes at once. Romantic, meaningful, light-hearted, inclusive... and legal. (Yup, there are actual words you have to say.)
But don’t worry, I’ve got you. Whether you’re going big, going micro, or doing something in-between, this handy little guide will walk you through what goes into a ceremony, what’s legally required, and what’s totally up to you.
Let’s break it down 👇
🧭 The Ceremony Structure (aka the usual flow)
Use this as a starting point, not a rulebook. You can shake it up, trim it down, or throw in a flash mob if that’s your vibe. Want to toss tradition altogether? Check out my blog on reimagining wedding traditions for more inspo.
🪩 The Usual Order of Things:
1. Welcome + Intro
Your celebrant (hi 👋) kicks things off by welcoming your guests, setting the vibe, and explaining how it’s all going to go down. This is where you can:
Ask for an unplugged ceremony
Include an Acknowledgement of Country
Let guests know where the champagne is waiting
2. The Processional
The grand entrance! Walk in together, solo, with a parent, a friend, or your dog. Or skip the aisle completely and just start already. Your call.
3. Your Love Story
Here’s where we tell the crowd why we’re all here. We’ll recap your journey, the meet-cute, the first date, the Netflix password exchange - all the bits that brought you to this moment.
4. Readings & Poems (Optional)
Want a friend to read something meaningful or funny (or both)? This is the spot for that. Could be a poem, a quote, or a dramatic reading of your text message exchange from 2017.
5. The Monitum (Mandatory)
This is the legal bit where I say: “Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people…” Basically: I have to say this for your marriage to be legit.
6. Declaration of Intent (aka “The I Do” Bit)
This is where I ask you a question and you say “I do.” Or “Absolutely.” Or “Heck yes.” Your call. As long as it's a clear yes, you’re golden.
7. Legal Vows (Mandatory)
You’ll each repeat after me words that’ll make everything official. These exact words are required, but we can make everything around them fun and personal.
8. Personal Vows (Optional but beautiful)
This is where you speak from the heart. the laughs, the promises, the tears. Need help writing them? I’ve got a vow-writing guide ready to go.
9. Exchange of Rings (Optional)
Rings, bracelets, tattoos, origami cranes. Whatever you want to exchange as a symbol of your commitment. Totally customisable.
10. Pronouncement of Marriage
Cue the “You’re married!” moment, followed by a kiss, a fist bump, or a dramatic dip-and-dance-off. This is your just married moment. Soak it in.
11. Signing the Legal Bits (Mandatory)
You, your two witnesses (who must be 18+), and I sign three marriage certificates while your guests hum awkwardly or are serenaded by a live acoustic cover of Love on Top.
12. Closing Remarks + Recessional
We wrap it up with some final words, a round of applause, and you strut back down the aisle as a married couple. Go you.
🪩 Micro Wedding? Keep it chill.
If you're keeping things tiny and low-key, you don’t need the full ceremony buffet. Just include the mandatory bits and anything else that feels right. You can still have a beautiful, heartfelt moment - minus the production.
More on micro weddings here, if that’s your jam.
🌟 Want to add a little extra?
You can absolutely add rituals to your ceremony:
Cultural elements
Handfasting
Shot-taking
Dog ring-bearers
Flower grandmas
Silent discos
Whatever reflects you two, I’m here for it.
Your ceremony should feel like a celebration of you, your love, your values, and your vibe. Whether it’s a big party or an intimate gathering, I’ll guide you through the legal stuff and help create something that feels just right.
Need help figuring out the best structure for your ceremony (or want to toss the whole format and get creative)? Hit me up. I’m ready when you are. 💍