1. What do your services cover and what are your fees... ?

2. Where can I find rules relating to marriage... ?

3. What should I consider when choosing a name for my baby... ?

4. What should I consider when choosing a celebrant.. ?

5. What is the meaning attached to celebration flowers... ?

What do your services cover & what are the fees ... ?

Wedding Ceremony Fees
My fees to officiate at your wedding ceremony includes:

• Wedding ceremony consultations

• Supply of references to readings, poetry, and music

• If required, pre-ceremony practice at your wedding location

• Portable amplifier with cordless microphones and CD player

• Bridal table and chairs for the signing of your official marriage documents

• Officiating your wedding ceremony

• Signing of mandatory Statutory Declarations

• Presentation of your Marriage Certificate

• Preparation and the lodging of official documentation

As no two ceremonies are identical, our scale of fees is dependant on the services you require, location, etc.

The ceremony we design together can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. There are many deciding factors affecting the ceremony including guest numbers, individual taste, location or cultural background. Likewise, no two venues are the same; your ceremony could be formal, informal, traditional or modern.
 

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Where can I find information on marriage requirements... ?

• The couple planning marriage will need to submit formal notice to the Marriage Celebrant of that intention. Prescribed forms are available from the Celebrant, the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages or online (Follow the download link). This form requires information from both applicants, showing  the dates & places of birth, previous marriages, children from previous marriages, etc.

• Two witnesses 18 years or over must be present at the ceremony. Any of the attendants, relatives or guests may act as witnesses.

• Marriage is prohibited between brother and sister, adopted siblings, half blood relationships, full blood relationships, ancestors or descendants of the applicant.

• While the minimum age for marriage is eighteen years, special circumstances can allow nuptials where one partner is over 18 years of age and the other over 16 years.

• The celebrant will need to view documentary evidence in support of the Notice of Intended Marriage including birth certificates, passports, citizenship documents, statutory declarations (as relevant) so that the Celebrant can validate the requirements under the Marriage Act 1961.

• People who have been married previously will need to produce evidence of the death of their previous spouse, or the dissolution of that marriage.

• The Notice of Intended Marriage must be submitted no earlier than 18 months, and no less than one month and one day before the date of the intended marriage ceremony.

• A declaration must be made in writing on the appropriate form shortly before the ceremony where the bride and groom state in the declaration that they are legally able to get married, and that there is no impediment to a marriage with the intended partner.

• It has for centuries been a custom for a woman to change her surname to her husband's surname on marriage, this however is a matter of choice. There is no legal requirement for the female to change surnames after marriage. In all instances, the marriage documents are signed with the Bride's maiden name.

• It is not necessary for anyone to give the Bride away, but this feature can be included with any ceremony. Although traditionally it is the Bride's father who gives her away, another person can fulfil this role if it is appropriate or this feature can be removed from the ceremony.

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What should I consider when choosing a name... ?

A few considerations for those choosing a name for the new addition to the family:

• Start your research early as you will no doubt change your mind often.

• The internet has many great resources online, from baby name lists, to articles about the meanings and origins of names, to forums.

• Try not to make the name too hard to pronounce.

• A classic is classic for a reason. Classic means time-tested and is an easy way out.

• Don’t be too trendy or cool as tastes and fashions change on a regular basis but your child will have their name for life.

• The pressure to use names that have been “handed-down” for generations are hard to resist. But give it plenty of thought. Francheska isn’t what it used to be.

• Pay attention to what a name may mean, even if the meaning is obscure as the internet has given children access to name meanings and kids can be cruel if the meaning doesn't jell.

• Make sure it works with your surname ie: if your last name is Johnson, avoid John as a Christian name.

• Finally, be proud of the name you pick. If you’ve done your research, and agonized over it, you’ve done your best.

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Choosing a Celebrant... ?

Civil Marriage Celebrants are professional people who will ensure that your special day is one to be remembered for the right reasons and it is important that you make the right choice.

It is recommended that you base your decision on professionalism and not price. It does not mean that the dearest is best and conversely it doesn't mean that the cheapest is either. There is also the choice between male or female Marriage Celebrants and there are excellent ones in both genders.

The main indicator of suitability is your feeling towards the celebrant. A professional image with the capacity to be a friend and confidant are the main assets as you will need to spend time together during planning your event and should be both comfortable and relaxed.

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What are the meanings of flower types... ?

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