Tag: Swan Valley Wedding Celebrant

Have you thought about how you would like to start your wedding ceremony?

I’m a big believer in making your wedding day your own. So when it comes to all aspects of your ceremony you’re allowed to think outside the common traditions.

One of the big moments that sets the scene for your ceremony is the way it begins, the entrance is usually referred to as the ‘Processional’. Traditionally one person stands at the front of the ceremony space, often accompanied by their attendants, and the other person walks in, often with a family member by their side, after their attendants have lead the way down the aisle. The couple then join up at the front of the ceremony space, with their wedding attendants either side of them, and I step in to start proceedings.

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with this beautiful beginning, and it certainly has a timeless feel to it. However I know that for some couples they are looking to do something a little different. To find a way to begin their ceremony that reflects them and their circumstances and values. So here are a few ideas:

• Both walk down the aisle together. This can work with or without a wedding party paving the way down the aisle. Perfect if you’re getting ready and arriving together.
• Take turns walking down the aisle. I have had both partners choose to walk in with a family member by their side, or by themselves, and then meet up the front to be married. How you work out who goes first is your dilemma, but it does give you both a chance to make a beautiful entrance.
• The couple arrive and greet their gathered guests, and then lead the way to the ceremony. This can work really well if there is a gathering point that leads to the ceremony space.
• Simply mingle and begin! This can work well for a very small informal wedding or elopement.

There are other variations, like both arriving by helicopter or dancing your way down the aisle, but this covers the main options.

So what do you do when you’re both standing with me in front of your gathered guests ready to be married?

There are a few more decisions to be made here. Do you want a ‘giving away’ moment? I usually refer to this as a blessing or affirmation because I don’t actually believe anyone is property to be given or received. However a blessing or affirmation of the marriage by family or friends can be a lovely touch if you feel it would add meaning to your wedding day. It can look like:

• Celebrant asking the person who accompanied you down the aisle if they give their ‘blessing to the marriage’ and some other lovely words about love and good wishes.
• Celebrant asks the parents who are present to stand, and asks them a beautifully worded question about them giving their blessings or affirmations to the couple.
• Celebrant asks everyone to stand and show their love and support to the couple as they begin this next chapter of their relationship.
• Nothing. There is no obligation to do any of these things – we just get started with your beautiful ceremony and get you hitched!

So these are just some ideas to help you create your beautiful beginnings as you plan and imagine your wedding ceremony. I’m always happy to think outside the box and help create your ceremony to cherish so feel welcome to approach me with your ideas. Let’s get started! Contact Me

Wendy x