Monday 27 June 2011

Writing Your Own Vows

Can’t find anything that’s just right? Maybe you’ve seen or heard vows that you like certain parts of. Have you ever thought of writing your own vows? Putting your thoughts and feelings on paper is an emotional, eye-opening and often extremely memorable experience.

Follow these steps and you’ll be surprised to find that writing your own vows isn’t as hard as it sounds. You’ll end up with vows that let everyone know exactly how you feel and I guarantee they’ll be unique.

1. Make sure that your partner also wants to write your own vows. While you're at it, decide together whether you want to write one wedding vow that you will both say, or whether you want to write individually.

2. Answer some simple questions. Sit down in a quiet space with paper and pen and answer these questions. Even if you don't think the answer will end up in your wedding vows, still take the time to write it down. It may help you in the long run. If you encounter writer's block, take a break.

• What do you really love about this person? Sense of humour, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, etc.
• What do you see in your future? Growing old together, watching children/grandchildren grow up, etc.
• What do you look forward to doing? Sharing thoughts, laughter, being lifelong companions, etc.
• Was it love at first sight? “When I first saw you at the coffee shop, I knew you were the one.”

3. Add some vows and promises.

• Share the good and the bad parts of life together
• Love, honor, respect and cherish each other
• Respect the individuality of each other
• Be kind, trusting, tolerant and understanding
• Be honest and faithful
• Stay together for life
• Bring happiness and laughter into the marriage
• Be a good friend

4. Take your time. The longer you have to have to write your vows, the easier it is. It may take you a few weeks to write down how you’re feeling or, once you make a start, you may have it written in 10 minutes.

5. Go to the library or search the net. Look for books on wedding vows. You’ll also be surprised how much information you can find on the internet.

6. Mix and match. Write down all the good vows you’ve found, written or heard and put them all together. Swap them around, add and delete some wording and, basically, ‘play around’ with it until you get exactly the vows you want. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to writing your own vows. Just be careful, though, that you don’t embarrass anyone with any intimate details or bore your guests with a lengthy monologue.


Helen Coghlan,
Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Monday 20 June 2011

Wet Weather Plan

It is imperative to have a Plan B, or wet weather plan, in place. Most times the reception venues are willing to accommodate you if you have to hold the ceremony at their venue because of the weather but it's always advisable to check with them first. The guests need to be well informed of a wet weather plan and be given a phone number of someone who will be able to keep them up-to-date of any changes. It is also recommend that guests are advised to take umbrellas in case of rain.

Helen Coghlan,
Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia
 

Thursday 9 June 2011

Changing your name after the Ceremony

According to Australian law, you can take on a new name simply by consistently using it. Provided you do not assume your new name for a criminal purpose, you are free to call yourself what you like and to assume your name whenever you like.
You do not need to fill in any documents to make an assumed name legal but, if you want to change your name on your driver’s licence, bank accounts, passport, etc, the wedding certificate given to you on your wedding day will not be enough proof of your marriage. You will need to apply for a registered copy of your marriage certificate with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state where your marriage occurred.

Helen Coghlan,
Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Choosing Your Celebrant

Choosing the right celebrant is important as they are one of the most important, if not the most important, part of your wedding. If you make the right choice, your wedding ceremony will be stress free and memorable.

As soon as you decide on a date, start making enquiries as celebrants are usually booked well in advance.  

These are some things you should find out:

Fees: Find out what their total fee is and make sure it includes any travelling and a rehearsal. (You don’t want to be hit by any hidden fees.)

PA System: Do they use a PA system? Unless you’re having a very small wedding, a PA system is a must to ensure all guests can hear the ceremony.

Music: During the ceremony there are certain parts where music is important eg. as the bride walks down the aisle. Does their PA system allow for IPods or CD players to be connected?

Rehearsal: Do they make themselves available for a rehearsal, if required.

Professional Association: Are they a member of a celebrant association? Although this is not necessary, a celebrant is more likely to be more up-to-date if they’re a member.

Extras: Check if their fee includes any extras, such as books or printouts containing ceremony vows and readings, etc. Will they provide help and advice on obtaining council permission, applications required to change your name, etc?

Time: How long before the ceremony will they arrive? How much time between weddings do they allow if they have more than one on the same day?

Testimonials: Look on their website to see if they have any testimonials from couples who they have married.

The next step is to make an appointment to meet with them or call them for a chat.

Helen Coghlan,
Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to my blog. I hope you find it informative and are able to get some ideas and answers for your wedding.

Your wedding day is one of the most important, if not the most important day of your life and you want it to be memorable and special.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need some help or have any questions.

I wish you the best of luck for a wonderful day and happiness always.

Helen Coghlan
Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast
Queensland
Australia