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Image by Love Fool Photography via Sahra & Luke’s Romantic Vintage Adelaide Hills Wedding

Newly engaged? Congratulations! Now to start wedding planning. If you’re not quite sure what to expect and well-meaning family and friends are overwhelming you with advice, then read on. I’ve done the work for you, dispelling some common ceremony misconceptions.

You will cry during your ceremony
Yes, it’s possible, maybe even highly likely – it’s one of the most important moments of your life and it’s OK to cry! But then again, you may not cry and that’s OK too. Nerves can do strange things – you may surprise yourself and be calm and composed, you may unexpectedly (and nervously) giggle, you may be bursting with excitement, you may cry happy tears and you may even do all of the above!

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Image by Tim Coulson via Alex and Rhys’ Elegant Tasmanian Wedding

You need a wedding party
Nope, you don’t need bridesmaids or groomsmen if you don’t want them. If you choose to have them, your bridal party should be there to help you out, to keep you calm and always have your back. But if you choose not to have maids and men, you’ll still have plenty of support from family and friends. The only difference will be you won’t have anyone standing by your side as you marry the love of your life – well, except of course, the love of your life and that’s all you really need anyway.

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Image by Solas Photography via Flo & Mark’s Modern The Grounds Of Alexandria Wedding

The party starts when your reception starts
Wrong! You may have this idea in your head that your ceremony must be solemn and serious and when it’s over, the real festivities begin. Think of it this way – your celebration starts the minute your guests arrive at your ceremony. There will of course be some serious moments, but there’s no reason your ceremony can’t also have a festive feel to it. If that means popping open a bottle of bubbly as you sign your marriage certificate, then go for it!

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Image by Kye Norton Photography via Kelsia & Jamie’s Relaxed Yandina Station Wedding

Brides: you should walk down the aisle with your father by your side
Walking down the aisle arm in arm with your proud Dad is a lovely way to honour your relationship, but it doesn’t have to happen this way. You may decide to walk down the aisle with both parents, with a sibling, with your best friend or your pet pooch. You may decide to walk together as bride and groom, or brides, you may like to walk down the aisle solo, stopping to give your parents a hug and kiss on the way. Whatever you decide, don’t think of it as being ‘given away’ – we all know you are your own person.

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Image by Hello Sweetheart via Rachel and Dane’s Modern Spring Wedding

Something will go wrong on your wedding day – it’s inevitable
It’s not inevitable but it may happen. If it does, either a) you will be so deliriously happy you’ll hardly notice it and if you do notice it, it won’t bother you, or b) if you surround yourself with a strong network of family, friends and quality suppliers, they’ll do the problem solving for you and you won’t know about it until long after your honeymoon is over, if at all. Remember, it’s your wedding day, not a carefully choreographed production, so it doesn’t matter if something goes wrong anyway.

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Image by PM Calvert via Ashtyn and Patrick’s Fun Garden Wedding

 

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: Wonderful advice – put aside all the ‘should do’s” and “must haves” and don’t forget it’s your wedding day to enjoy just as you want!

About Melissa Cornwall Marriage Celebrant: I love weddings and I love what I do. As a celebrant, my job is getting to know couples and crafting memorable marriage ceremonies – and that’s always such a pleasure and privilege.