PETS – furry, feathered or scaled family members: How do I include my ‘pet (furry, feathered or scaled)’ family members in  my Ceremony?

Including furry, feathered or scaled family members can be a great experience and depending on ability, the involvement is really left up to imagination.

The most common inclusion is to be an escort, ring bearer, usher, or guard.

Most can certainly dress up for the occasion.

If it is a horse, the bride and/or groom could arrive or depart in a carriage, or on its back if safe for the horse.

Large dogs can also pull carriages.

Arachnids and reptiles can be ring keepers (as long as they don’t swallow the rings), though some could be ring bearers.

With any such inclusion, just be certain that there is a ‘butler’ or ‘carer’ to look after their welfare so that you are not distracted, and that all, especially the special guest/s, is/are safe and well at all times. (crowds can be stressful)

• TIPS:
  • toilet beforehand and offer nothing to eat or drink just before the ceremony but have a treat and water available as a reward once their part is done however the reward should be consumed away from the bridal party to avoid any accidents.
  • Have a safe quiet place as a retreat

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Yes of course.

If you wish to include prayers, or other religious content, I am very happy to oblige.

I am a Christian but am not a Priest. I do however have an understanding of many rituals and am therefor able to include variants of many differing religious rituals and/or can gain the cooperation or assistance of a relevant minister of religion where necessary. I recently wrote and conducted a Ceremony in which I coordinated two ministers of differing religions and conducted the Civil Ceremony. It was absolutely wonderful.

BTW: I am registered as an Authorised Marriage Celebrant and so am very pleased to conduct a ceremony for any eligible two people in love.

Love is Love and I have the best job in the world!

https://www.startlocal.com.au/personal/celebrants/nsw_sydney/A_Life_Celebrant_3587906.html

Definitely!

Even if the weather charts predict fine weather, it is a wise couple that has a contingency plan in place.

It may not be needed but this is after all, Australia where whilst the climate is generally moderate we can experience wind, extreme heat, cold etc.

Remember too, that February is the hottest month of the year when 20 minutes in the sun can cause burning; that there is plenty of rain in Spring; strong winds in August, and it can get pretty cold in June.

Yes of course.

Culturally appropriate rituals can of course be included, provided they are not illegal and are within any restrictions of the selected venue, however alternate venues can always be considered.(Not everything has to be inside a chapel.)

Let’s discuss these at our meeting.

More questions answered on my webpage where you will find lots more interesting and useful information

Mailing the invitations about 2 ½ months (8-10 weeks) before the wedding date and setting the RSVP deadline for 5 or 6 weeks before the big event is sensible.

Typically, your venue and caterers will want a head count one month before the event and so requesting RSVPs 5 – 6 weeks in advance gives you one or two weeks to finalise the guest list.

You will however of course have to book you Celebrant and Venue well in advance of this.

More questions answered on my webpage where you will find lots more interesting and useful information

It is vital that an authorised celebrant is satisfied that both parties to a marriage genuinely consent to the marriage. If at any point a celebrant is unsure of the genuine consent of either party, he or she should not proceed with solemnising the marriage.

An authorised celebrant might have been satisfied that a party was mentally capable of understanding the nature and effect of the marriage ceremony before the ceremony was due to be conducted, but might form a different view because of the party’s conduct during the marriage ceremony itself. In such a case the authorised celebrant should not proceed to solemnise the marriage until satisfied that the party is mentally capable of understanding the nature and effect of the marriage ceremony.

Other consent issues that arise on the day of the marriage ceremony can include, for example, duress or a party to the marriage who is drunk, intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise appears to be in an altered mental state to an extent that this could impair their ability to consent to the marriage.

The witnesses also must be sober as they  must attest to the validity of the Ceremony and they cant do that if not capable of understanding events.

More questions answered on my webpage where you will find lots more interesting and useful information including:

• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Ideas
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS to very Helpful People
• Venues

For that we have to go to section 44 of the Marriage Act.

If the children are under the age of 18 years they cannot sign the marriage certificate because, a marriage may not be solemnised unless at least two persons are present at the ceremony who are, or appear to the person solemnising the marriage to be, over the age of 18 years.

These two are the persons who will sign the marriage certificates in their capacity as the witnesses to the marriage. When completing the marriage certificates, the witnesses to the marriage should record their names in full, including any middle names.

So, if they are over the age of 18 years, and acting as either of the two witnesses, they may sign the certificate in that capacity but not if under 18, and no additional signatures are permitted (not even on the back of the certificate.)

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More questions answered and lots of information on my webpage

These links might be of interest:

• Lou the Celebrant
• CONTACT
• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Checklist, Ideas & Suggestions
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS – Helpful People
• Venues

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No, not at all. This is very much a modern and perhaps temporary fashion.

Historically the bride cuts the cake to symbolize the loss of her virginity but now Bride & Groom cut the cake together as one of their first acts as Husband & wife.

The bride holds the knife and the groom places his hand gently over hers as a symbol of support and guidance.

They then cut and remove the cake slices before the groom tenderly feeds a slice to his bride to demonstrate his commitment to providing for her.

The Bride then reciprocates to demonstrate her commitment to nourish him.  This tender and romantic act of affection and symbolic promise to forever assist & care for one another.

This symbolic act has however somehow evolved into couples shoving the cake for a bit of fun however, rather than a first act of unity, it might result in the couple first argument as husband and wife.

Once the bride and groom have fed each other, they then share their wedding cake with their guests as a gesture of good luck and affection.

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More questions answered on my webpage

These links might be of interest:

• Lou the Celebrant
• CONTACT
• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Checklist, Ideas & Suggestions
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS – Helpful People
• Venues

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As long as you are otherwise eligible for marriage, You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month prior to, and no more than 18 months, prior to the wedding ceremony, unless a shortening of time has been obtained from a prescribed authority.

Since 9 December 2017, marriage in Australia has been defined as ‘the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’.

The right to marry under Australian law is not determined by sex or gender.

**

More questions answered on my webpage

These links might be of interest:

• Lou the Celebrant
• CONTACT
• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Checklist, Ideas & Suggestions
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS – Helpful People
• Venues

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You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or even a permanent resident of Australia to legally marry here.

Many people visit Australia on a Tourist Visa to marry in our beautiful country, and so do a fly-in/fly-out, ceremony and honeymoon.

I cannot offer immigration advice but you will find information on Visas including a Marriage Visa, on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

To be legally married in Australia, a person must:

• not be married to someone else
• not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
• be at least 18 years old, unless a court has approved a marriage where one party is aged between 16 and 18 years old
• understand what marriage means and freely consent to marrying
• use specific words during the ceremony
• give written notice of their intention to marry to their authorised celebrant, within the required time frame (not more than 18 months before and not less than 1 months before).

As your Celebrant, I will help you understand these requirements.

More questions answered on my webpage

These links might be of interest:

• Lou the Celebrant
• CONTACT
• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Checklist, Ideas & Suggestions
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS – Helpful People
• Venues

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We all grieve in our own way. Though we will all experience the various stages of grief, our personal experience is unique, and a funeral is an important part of the grieving process that aids understanding, drawing a line that defines a loss and so can be a starting point in acceptance.

Children grieve, and that grief can be just as soul defining as it is for an adult.

The level of comprehension however depends on cognitive and emotional maturity.

To some, a viewing or funeral may be perceived as a game where the loved one inexplicably doesn’t move while another who has already experienced behavioural issues, might be wracked by the guilt of disobeying the guidance of a loved one, such as a father, and the realisation that there will never be an opportunity of forgiveness.

Age, maturity, education, beliefs (if formed), relationships, and life experience, therefore, all have an impact.

A child, like many adults will have a very limited ability to understand, to comprehend, and express their emotions, memories, and the pain of loss, and so may ‘act out’ grief in a variety of behaviours.

Some will understand that death is a part of the life cycle, but others may be traumatised by the realisation that a loved one is in a shiny big box with a sealed lid or lays still in the open coffin without a response.

In her article published on 29^th January 2018, entitled How To Include Young Children In Funerals; Rosalie Kuyvenhoven wrote that educational psychologist John Holland, who has researched the impact of grief and funerals on children, concluded that a funeral is a family rite of passage and important in the grieving process. John Holland was quoted:

“Don’t force them, but it’s important for children to feel involved. The golden rule is to explain what it’s about, in terms they can understand – and give them the choice.”

***

You will find lots more answers to questions on my webpage at these links:

• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Grief & Loss
• LINKS – Helpful People
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• Naming Day Poetry & Readings
• Venues – Location Options
• Wedding Poems & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Checklist, Ideas & Suggestions

I have added significantly more information to my webpage, but to make access easier, have created new tabs and drop down menus so that you can find what you are looking for quickly and easily.

Feedback has been great so far with people from around the globe sending compliments.

Still lots more to add including lots more pics and colour instead of just text, but please let me know what you think so far?

Explore my webpage but this is where I have already added or significantly expanded information:

• Naming Day Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Poems & Readings significantly expanded
• Weddings Songs significantly expanded
• Now Over 200 Wedding Questions answered
• Funeral Poems & Readings
• Music for Funerals (will soon add more playlists)
• Funeral Directors expanded
• Funerals Industry People expanded
• Over 200 Funeral Questions are answered
• Music for Funerals expanded

https://www.alifecelebrant.com.au/about/wedding-over-200-questions-answered/

Love is love, and love is a beautiful thing

Celebrants across Australia and gearing up for the rush

Last month my wife and I celebrated our 40^th Wedding Anniversary and this weekend I is my 60^th Birthday and what a great birthday gift it is to know that same sex couples can now marry and share in the same happiness as well as rights that my wife and I have enjoyed for forty years.

So much has occurred in that short period of history. It wasn’t long ago that homosexuality was a crime in Australia.

It was in 2013 that the High Court of Australia found that the definition of “marriage” in the Australian Constitution includes same-sex unions, and in 2014, the Howard Government amended the Marriage Act 1961, to include a definition of marriage as being “between a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others” and so excluded same sex couples but then here we are in December 2017, and the Parliament of Australia has followed the will of the people to amend the law to enable Marriage Equality.

Unlike de facto rights, a marriage offers equal protection under the law for the couple because with a marriage, you are immediately the next-of-kin, with protections under the law in regard property, assets, inheritance, insurances, medical care and so much more.

This is a great leap forward for Australia.

I realised a long time ago that regardless of race, colour, creed, cultural origin, or sexual orientation, that we are all just people and that discrimination is simply inconsistent to my Christian belief. When Jesus said, ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34-35), he did not say ‘unless they are sexually diverse, or of a different race or colour or culture’.

I and many others, have already been asked to start preparing Ceremonies.

As a moderator in a discussion group of over 800 celebrants within the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants, the largest single, national association of Celebrants in Australia, we have been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to become Celebrants, join the association or simply and wonderfully, wanting to get married.

Exciting times are ahead.

There will an adjustment to thinking for some. I had a conversation with a friend yesterday whose thoughts were that marriage equality is immoral, but in 5 years time we will be wondering what all the fuss was about and in forty years time, we will all be celebrating the Ruby anniversaries of those who marry in the next month.
Love is love, and love is a beautiful thing.

# # #

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Lou Szymkow at 0457 00 1922 or email at lou@alifecelebrant.com.au.

With the changes to the Marriage Act occurring this week, I will be updating some of the Questions and Answer on my webpage. If unsure about any question, just give me a call.

https://www.alifecelebrant.com.au/about/wedding-160-questions-answered/

From the office of the Attorney General: Getting Married

The following information is contained on this page:

• Marriage equality

On 7 December 2017, the Australian Parliament passed the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 to change the definition of marriage and provide for marriage equality in Australia. The right to marry in Australia will no longer be determined by sex or gender.

The Australian Government is progressing arrangements for marriage equality to commence quickly. Further updates will be advised on this website as they occur.

https://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Marriage/Pages/Getting-married.aspx

You will find the list at this page

Poetry & Readings

If you want a beach wedding, there are some tips in my article in this months’s Celebrations magasine.

Celebrations_Issue102_2017

The vote is in and we will soon learn of the outcome of an official and very costly government survey of public opinion.

If there is a strong ‘Yes’ vote, the legislation may be through the house of parliament by Christmas.

Interestingly, after I posted some comments highlighting the impact of existing discrimination and expressing my support for ‘Same Sex Marriage’, I received just 3 objections but over 150 messages or comments supporting my comments and marriage equality.

I add more regularly but there are now 150 questions answered about your wedding.

Everything from where do I sign, to how do I change my name and why do we have cake.

I however I missed something, and you do have another question, Call me and I will do my best to assist you.

Wedding Questions

If you are looking for an opera singer, a harpist, bag pipes, a Batmobile, of where to get doves and signs for your wedding, try Wedding Links – Helpful People & Legal bits

LINKS – Helpful People

Today’s question is “What tips do you have for us Getting Married in an Australia National Park?”.

You can find lots of Venues and even some links to national Park on the Venues Tab of my webpage but here are a bundle of tips

1. Find a site on the webpage
   1. Find out more about a National Parks Venue via these links:
      NSW National Park Venues
      NSW National Park Weddings (http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/venues/search?theme=2&capacity=0&near=)
   2. National Parks in South Australia: find a park(http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/find-a-park) tool on the National Parks SA but you will need a event permit in SA
   3. Queensland: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/parks/permits
   4. Victoria: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/park-management/applications,-licences-and-permits
   5. (I don’t have other states-so please message me the links)
2. Talk to park staff about the best locations.
3. Visit the physical site to check accessibility and practicality.
   1. Wheelchair access?
   2. Toilets?
   3. Décor delivery?
   4. Cooking facilities if appropriate
   5. Access to power & water
4. Check closing times for the park (some restrict access)
5. Consider having the ceremony or reception elsewhere and just having a photo shoot in the park
6. Permit: check the National parks, local council and Aboriginal Lands Council web sites, or phone them to establish if a permit is required. Some require a permit but there may be no charge or conditions. Some local councils such as the Blue Mountains, has a non-compulsory booking fee but provides little in return.
   1. National Parks in South Australia have a find a parktool on the National Parks SA website but you will need an event permit in SA
7. Find a private spot. National Parks are public areas and so you could possibly have picnickers, passers-by, revellers, or others interrupting your ceremony
8. Space: make sure you allow enough space for everything to occur smoothly
9. Deliveries: Make a plan for deliveries and décor: Preserving the environment is one of the National Park Service’s first priorities, and as a result, there may be limitations on what is permissible. g. floral arrangements or candles may not be allowed.
10. Local Décor: Take full advantage of your surroundings including trees, rocks, driftwood as backdrops or to define the area or to decorate the space (without of course disturbing the environment).
11. Catering: check any rules and restrictions and ensure your caterer is familiar with them.
12. Be aware that many national parks have restrictions that may impact on activities including use of generators which may not be allowed.
13. Make certain that the caterer knows to take all rubbish away with
14. Toilets: is there access or will you have to hire toilets, and if so, are they permitted and what is the cost including delivery?
15. Setup: appoint or hire a coordinator for setup and breakdown.
16. Entry Fees: as many National Parks have an entry fee, your options are to pay upfront, hire shuttle busses to minimise entry fees, alert guests & vendors.
17. Explain the terrain in the invite so that people will know what to expect and what to wear
18. Back-up always have an alternative site in case of bad weather
19. No dogs allowed in most locations
20. Take lots of insect repellent
21. Watch out for kangaroo droppings & wombat holes etc
22. Make sure there is clear signage for directions, and that all guest have a mudmap.
23. In bushfire season, familiarise yourself and guests, with every park exit, in case one becomes inaccessible in emergency.
24. Check for fire bans and if candles will be allowed.
25. Is a marque or arch permissible or excluded, and if excluded, is there a workaround eg weights instead of pegs into ground?
26. Take a garbage bag to ensure nothing is left behind
27. NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
28. Consider an acknowledgement of country.
29. It is against national parks rules to litter in a park, which includes throwing confetti, rice and flower petals.

Yesterday when engaging with the limo driver, the furniture guy and the photographer, at a wedding, introducing myself and then going over the script with them so that we can all work closely together I was reminded of how often I get thanks from the other event workers.

I find that a chat with others involved is very helpful to me and to my clients, ensuring the best results but it is so nice to get thank you’s from the others.

The typical response is:

“This is great. You are so much, more helpful than other Celebrants, love working with you”.

Since writing and posting in support of Marriage Equality, I have received two emails from people I know, criticising my views but well over 130 emails and messages from some that I know but many I don’t,thanking me for my articles or just offering words of support.

I have also had three request for contributions for articles to magasines and blogs.

I have put together over 140 commonly asked questions that Brides & Grooms asks, and of course added answers.

Just go to Wedding Questions on my web page.

If however there is a question I haven’t answered, or you want more information, just ask.

I’ll be happy to help.

#Naming; #Celebrant; #celebrant; #Birthday; #Nepean Celebrant; #Wedding; #Naming Ceremony; #Celebrant; #Wedding Celebrant; #Funeral Celebrant;  #Nepean Celebrant; #wedding; #bride; #funeral celebrant; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #Funeral, #Funeral Celebrant, #Nepean; #Celebrant in St Marys; #Nepean Celebrant; #Wedding; #Naming Ceremony; #Celebrant St Clair; #Civil Celebrant; #marriage celebrant; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #A Life Celebrant; #Lou Szymkow; #Western Sydney; #Australian Celebrant; #Sydney Celebrant; #Venues; #The Wedding Expert,

Just had a call from a lady who has already pre-paid a funeral at $8000 and has been invited to another consultation (sales) meeting.

Apparently, the amount so far only covers the plot, the digging of the grave, and the headstone and so she is yet to be sold transport (limo), chapel, flowers, coffin/casket etc.

The total price will end up around $16000 – $24,000, so double or more than the original quotation from the one and only Funeral Director they spoke to.

It pays to shop around. Some better priced funeral directors on my web page.

https://www.alifecelebrant.com.au/about/funeral-industry-people/

#Naming; #Celebrant; #celebrant; #Birthday; #Nepean Celebrant; #Wedding; #Naming Ceremony; #Celebrant; #Wedding Celebrant; #Funeral Celebrant;  #Nepean Celebrant; #wedding; #bride; #funeral celebrant; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #Funeral, #Funeral Celebrant, #Nepean; #Celebrant in St Marys; #Nepean Celebrant; #Wedding; #Naming Ceremony; #Celebrant St Clair; #Civil Celebrant; #marriage celebrant; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #A Life Celebrant; #Lou Szymkow; #Western Sydney; #Australian Celebrant; #Sydney Celebrant; #Venues

I have now updated my Q&As for Funerals – all those questions you were afraid to ask.

Have I left anything out?
Is it helpful?
Would you use it if the situation arose?

Funerals – Questions and Answers

Hi Lou,

About your very balanced views about SSM.

I only know one thing – that the SS couples have a different wiring in their brains.

Its not their fault, as they have not been brought up like that, neither by their parents nor by the society in which they live..

On the other hand they had to fight all their lives and had to live an unhappy life, because of their mental situation.

Who then wired their brains the way they are?

NO ONE ELSE BUT GOD.

So when we criticise them, and make them feel to be a sinner, we are in fact criticising God, and His wisdom and creation.

And what is marriage? God DID NOT MARRY Adam and Eve. Even the Bible does not say that.

So marriage is not a divine thing. Its a relationship created by the society  in order to ensure its sustenance.

Without marriage, responsibilities to children, and rights to property and succession will always create conflicts.

In actual fact, this must have been the basis of creating the institution of marriage.

In many tribal societies initially, there were no fixed partners and that always created conflicts.

So, women were considered as “owned” by the man who kept them, and who looked after them.

They were his property. That was the time of polygamy,as there were few men, due to more deaths of men due to tribal wars.

As society became more civilized, more laws for control came in to avoid conflicts.

This was the basis of monogamy.

So God neither defined the concept of marriage nor created the institution of marriage – much less decided that its the union of a man and woman

God’s rules cannot be violated – rocks do not rise in air of their own without an external force. Newton or Einstein – none can do that.

To think that we have the divine right to say what two people can do or not is to be dominating.

Because we have the majority so minority can be crushed.

Imagine if there was a society of homosexuals, where they were in majority, and heterosexuals were in mionority, and

They dictated that any heterosexual union is illegal, how will the proponents of anti SSM feel?

As far as the Marriage Act is considered, if it violates the constitutional rights of SSM then it should be thrown out by the court.Constitution is supreme.

Regards

Pravin Gupta 

Another happy couple signed their Notice of Intent today while surrounded by lizards and other reptiles and lots of rescued furry friends. I do have the greatest job in the world.

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one couple to interview

one ceremony to finalise for another

Ready for next booking 🙂

 +61 (0) 457 00 1922

   lou@alifecelebrant.com.au

www.alifecelebrant.com.au

The Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 currently only allows marriage between a man and a woman.

The survey being conducted by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) asks one question:

should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?

• Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey

The Postal Survey will close on Tuesday 7 November 2017 and survey results will be published on Wednesday 15 November on the ABS website.

Depending on the outcome of the Postal Survey, the Australian Parliament may (or may not) decide to amend the law to allow two people to marry, regardless of their sex.

If the Parliament approves such an amendment, same-sex couples wishing to get married will need to wait until the new law comes into force before lodging their Notice of Intent to Marry.

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A beach wedding can be beautiful but there are a few special considerations.

I surveyed close to 800 Celebrants and here is the summary,  of what they had to say about beach weddings and how to make them memorable.

59 tips for Beach Weddings:

1) Pick the right beach and location on or near the beach to make your beach wedding is just as romantic and idyllic as you’ve ever dreamed of by planning it right. Despite the wind sand – the ocean is nature at her very best and lends to the most magical backdrop
2) Make sure a permit is obtained for the site, noting permissible guest numbers, any sound restrictions, and time period where applicable and comply with the restrictions spelled out in the permit.
a. Arrange permit/s (re clean-up requirements, restrictions around use of umbrellas, chairs, marquees, flags, signs or arbours, licences for alcohol and/or catering and use of toilet facilities etc.).
b. On the Gold Coast no mats, walkways, arbours etc are permitted and there is a one hour time limit including set up, ceremony, and take down/ pack up.
3) Transport – Consider the distance to and ease of access to the ceremony site. Can your guest all get there?
4) An area on an esplanade, or on flat sand/grass/boardwalk is best but avoid wet sand areas.
5) A spot with beach view removes some of the hazards and makes for nice photos
6) A shaded area such as sails, a gazebo, or a natural cove will offer wind protection and reduce glare.
7) Check if you will have to share the use of the area (public) or is an exclusive site available.
8) You cannot stop the public from joining in so watch out for beach cricket, footie games and riders bursting through the middle of any guests.
9) Plodding through sand, can be laborious
10) Be prepared to tolerate jet ski, party and wave sounds
11) Watch out for seagulls, biting bugs, wind and water, and light reflecting from sand and sea
12) Avoid high heels,
13) Use insect repellent, sunscreen and umbrellas and have bottles of water available for guests
14) Have lots of weights and clips on hand to hold down paperwork, table clothes, umbrellas etc.
15) Sand can play havoc with sound equipment so have it protectively covered, including during transport across sand.
16) Deeper voices can carry better over the sound of waves crashing.
17) Always have a Plan B as weather can be unpredictable.
18) Always set-up above the high tide point and NEVER on wet sand or you will meet the waves
19) Wear suitable beach footwear or go barefoot (sand gets into everything and can burn)
20) Watch out for wind & sand blasting,
21) Waves sound can inhibit the ability to hear what is going on.
22) If seating, lay a platform to prevent chairs sinking into the sand and throwing guests over
23) Having a basket of thongs or slippers can be useful for the comfort of guests
24) The mornings usually has less wind, glare and more stable/pleasant weather
25) Consider having signing table off the beach, or undercover e.g. a nearby cabin veranda.
26) Be prepared with lots of clips for your ceremony script,
27) Check wind direction for interference with the mic and sound
28) The Couple, guests and Celebrant should not be looking into the sun, as scrunch face ruins photos and can glare headaches and the Celebrant may not be able to read the script
29) If the bride is wearing a veil, how will it be managed if there is a breeze
30) Getting down onto the beach and back again, can be a challenge.
31) Elderly and disabled guest may not be able to access the beach
32) Be aware of the possibility of nasties lurking in the sand, semi-naked gawkers.
33) Avoid extreme reflections from sun
34) On the west coast, watch out for the ‘Fremantle Doctor’!
35) Where allowed, a large sheet of Perspex, matting or boarding can be buried just under the surface of the sand to provide stability so the bridal party, seats, tripods, sound equipment, signing table etc.
36) Be on time. The tide and sun wait for no one. You could be washed out or the temp can drop to a very cold.
37) Look for a sheltered area but not too close to the rocks where there will be extra wae sounds.
38) Sand gets in everywhere.
39) A pull along cart that can be used on sand will help with the setup.
40) Wear a hat and lots of sunscreen
41) The exchanging of rings should be on top of a mat in case the ring gets dropped and if the mat slopes inward to centre, it will be easier to quickly recover the ring without it rolling off the mat.
42) Check the tide beforehand
43) Check with the photographer about lighting etc.
44) Ensure that there is a plan B!!!
45) All mics should have a wind sock for your mic.
46) Have a rehearsal the day before at the same time to check where tide, sound, sun, interruptions etc.
47) Use grey paper as it reduces the glare compared to white paper.
48) Bad weather option Portable music Simple decor Contact the council Arrange seating Microphones Beach style beach wedding checklist
49) Arrange for an usher, guide or escort to guide and assists guests
50) Check the pathway to the site to avoid rocky areas, or difficult dunes.
51) Provide your guests with a simple map if the location is secluded or not directly in front of a landmark.
52) Ensure that your chosen music is amplified and doesn’t require mains power.
53) It also needs to be powerful enough to be audible above shouts from other beach goers, jet skis and high winds.
54) All floral arrangements, greenery or sprays should be low-line and be pegged, securely tied or have weights or stones in the vase or base so as not to come loose as the beach breeze picks up.
55) Adapt your clothing style to the surroundings, so comfortable as possible.
56) Avoid longer veils,
57) Guests may arrive 20-30 minutes before the bride, remain for the ceremony itself, and then stay for photos afterwards, so offer seating if possible.
58) Offer favours such as sunscreen, thongs, fans, bottled water, ice creams & insect repellent.
59) And did I mention always have a Plan B : In the event of excessive heat, wind or rain, you will need to have an alternate/indoor venue and someone to direct guests.

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