The Ceremony Is Not a Warm-Up Act — Here's How to Make It the Best Part of the Day

Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the cake.

So, you've booked the venue, chosen the flowers, and your cousin has volunteered to DJ with his "sick playlist." But let's talk about the part where you actually get married — the ceremony. Yes, that thing where you say "I do" and legally bind yourself to another human. It's kind of a big deal.

Your ceremony should be an absolute highlight. I often get asked, "What’s your favourite wedding?" and I’ve realised it’s never about the location, the suits, or the timeline — it’s always about the feels.

As mushy as it sounds, and even if you and your partner aren’t PDA types, this is the moment to be vulnerable. Share the silly nicknames, your dreams, and that inside joke only the two of you understand.

As a seasoned marriage celebrant and MC, I’ve seen it all — from vows that moved everyone to tears to awkward silences and fainting bridesmaids. Let’s make sure your ceremony lands in the first category.

1. Personalise, Don’t Plagiarise

Your love story is one of a kind — so let’s not make your ceremony sound like it came from a template.

Bring your people in

Your guests can spot generic fluff a mile away. Make them feel included. Share the real stuff — the wins, the quirks, the nicknames. That’s what makes people feel something.

 2. Keep It Snappy

Long-winded ceremonies are a fast-track to fidgeting guests.

Short, sharp, and full of heart

Aim for quality over quantity. Get your message across with meaning, humour, and pause-worthy moments. Silence can land just as powerfully as a punchline.

3. Incorporate Your Quirks (Subtly)

Personal doesn’t mean performative.

Authentic over overcooked

Whether it’s planting a tree, a cheeky pop-culture nod, or a small ritual — if it reflects you, go for it. Just keep it relevant, not random.

4. Choose the Right Celebrant

A great celebrant makes the magic happen — while making sure no one notices the effort

It’s about more than the voice

You need someone who gets the tone right, who centres you, and makes your guests feel at ease. It takes presence, empathy, timing — and ideally, someone who never calls you by your ex’s name.

 5. Engage Your Guests

Make your people feel like part of the story.

Give them something to remember

Your guests didn’t come for a monologue. Invite them into the moment with laughter, love, and atmosphere. Get them emotionally involved.

6. It’s a Team Effort

Your celebrant is more than just the voice — they’re the team captain.

Leading the rhythm of the day

They cue the music, give signals to the photographer, guide the guests, and make sure everyone’s in sync. Choose someone who understands flow and keeps the whole crew aligned.

7. Embrace the Unexpected

Things can go wrong — and that’s OK.

The mishaps become memories

Wind, wine, rogue wildlife — all part of the charm. The right team knows how to pivot, cover, and laugh it off. And often, it’s those moments that become your favourite stories.

Final Thoughts

Weddings are beautiful chaos. But marriage? That’s the long game.

If you can roll with the wild bits and still hold hands at the end, you’re already winning. Let’s create a ceremony that’s more than pretty words — let’s make it memorable, meaningful, and very, very you.

And if you’re looking for a celebrant who’s calm under pressure, great with a mic, and always has a backup plan (and a tissue), I’m right here.