Simply Magic Ceremonies' Wedding Blog

Acknowledgement of Country

2012-02-06T12:06:00.001-08:00

Whether you are indigenous or not, consider including an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ to your ceremony which is a way that all people can show respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage and the ongoing relationship the Traditional Custodians have with the land. Something similar to the following could be said:

“I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we stand on today and I pay my respects to the Elders past and present.”

Helen Coghlan,

Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland – Australia

Celebrity Marriage Vows - Elvis & Priscilla

2011-11-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu
Las Vegas, Nevada; May 1, 1967

“Marriage is an honorable estate. It is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but discreetly and soberly. Into this relationship these two persons come now to be joined. I ask you both that if you know any reason why you should not be joined in marriage, you make it known at this time.

Elvis, do you take Priscilla to be your wedded wife, to live together in bonds of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, so long as you both shall live?

Priscilla, do you take Elvis to be your wedded husband, to live together in bonds of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, so long as you both shall live?

I, Elvis, take thee, Priscilla, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.

I, Priscilla, take thee, Elvis, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.

In as much as you have consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Helen Coghlan,

Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Overseas Marriages

2011-09-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Marriages entered into overseas are generally recognised as valid in Australia

if the marriage was recognised as valid under the law of the country in which it was entered into, at the time when it was entered into, and
providing the marriage would have been recognised as being legal under Australian law if the marriage had taken place in Australia.

There is no requirement to register a marriage in Australia which takes place overseas. The foreign marriage certificate is prima facie evidence in Australia of the occurrence and validity of the marriage.

If you wish to change your name because of this marriage, you will need to complete a ‘Change of Name’ application with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state in which you live.

Helen Coghlan,

Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Providing Notice of Your Intended Marriage

2011-08-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Within 18 months of your proposed marriage, and no later than one month and one day prior to it, you must give a completed Notice of Intended Marriage form to the authorised marriage celebrant who is to conduct your marriage ceremony. All marriage celebrants should have the necessary paper work to perform your marriage.

You will need your birth certificates (originals) and evidence that any prior marriage has been dissolved by either death or divorce.

Shortening of Time

It is possible to shorten the minimum notice time for a marriage to less than a month if the special circumstances set out in the Marriage Regulations 1963 are met. You will need to approach a Prescribed Authority for approval. See the link on the right hand side of this page.

Prescribed authorities (usually at your Local Court or Registry officials) can shorten the required period of notice if they are satisfied that the circumstances prescribed in the Regulations are met.

The five categories of circumstances set out in the Regulations. These are:

Employment–related, or other travel commitments
Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations
Medical reasons
Legal proceedings, and
Error in giving notice.

The reason for wanting a shortening of time for notice must fall within one of these categories. There is no capacity to grant a shortening of time outside these circumstances. Shortening of time is not automatic. When making a decision, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) or a prescribed authority will weigh up the information provided in support of your application and may seek additional information as outlined in the Regulations. You should have the documentation that supports your request before approaching a prescribed authority.

(This information is provided by the Attorney-General’s Department.)

Helen Coghlan,

Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Include a Sand Ceremony in your Wedding

2011-07-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

A Sand Ceremony symbolises the joining of two lives. The Bride and Groom each have a glass container (such as a vase) of sand which represents their own individuality, beauty, strength and character and qualities they take into the marriage. They pour their individual containers into another larger glass container symbolising the joining of their lives.

When the sands are blended together, they create a new unique entity and, just as the grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will you remain together and enjoy a wonderful journey of many different experiences and memories.

This ceremony can also incorporate children and other family members and works particularly well when blending families; giving each child a glass container of sand and recognising his or her importance within the family unit.

Photo courtesy of Natasha Crow Photography.

Helen Coghlan,

Simply Magic Ceremonies

simplymagicceremonies.com.au

Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia

Writing Your Own Vows

2011-06-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

Wet Weather Plan

2011-06-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

Changing your name after the Ceremony

2011-06-09T00:39:00.001-07:00

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

Choosing Your Celebrant

2011-06-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

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