creating a ceremony just for you

It’s not just couples bridging the cultural divide that need to consider the type of ceremony they want to have. There’s much to contemplate for this crucial moment of the day, from the seating arrangements, music, length and bridal entrance to the exchanging of vows. However, Melanie says most couples actually haven’t given their ceremony a second thought.

‘One of the things I say to couples when they come and meet with me is, “How do you envisage your ceremony?” Their response: “We haven’t really thought about it.” There is so much emphasis on the dress, the venue and the photographer, which is great, but so many couples are completely unprepared for the actual ceremony – which is the crux of the wedding.’

Melanie suggests giving consideration to including important people in your lives who aren’t necessarily part of your bridal party.

‘Envisage ways of incorporating them with things such as readings, blessing of the rings, or signing of the marriage licence,’ she says.

Your vows are hugely significant: they’re the promises you’ll make to each other for as long as you both shall live! There are hundreds of versions of vows, and you can write your own.

‘There is actually only one legal and binding aspect to the service, which is “I, John, take you, Jane, to be my legal wife,” so let your vows percolate,’ Melanie says. ‘If you want to personalise it, think carefully about the words you want to attach to the giving and receiving of the rings.’

Choosing a celebrant who relates to you and is going to guide you through this part of your day is also imperative.

‘Choose someone who’s going to make you feel relaxed and who you feel you can entrust your ceremony to,’ she says. ‘The biggest buzz I get is when couples come back to me and say, “This was our favourite part of the day. We hadn’t anticipated that.” When they select the right elements and the right people to participate in their ceremony, it could be one of the most beautiful, moving moments of their lives.