WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A WEDDING CEREMONY CONSULTATION WITH MARRIED BY A TEDDY
Your wedding ceremony is the heart and soul of your big day—it’s a celebration of love, identity, and the unique bond you share with your partner. Planning a grand affair, an intimate elopement, or a vow renewal begins with a wedding ceremony consultation.
At Married By A Teddy, our mission is to ensure that your ceremony truly reflects who you are as a couple. So, what exactly happens during a consultation with us? Here’s your guide to what to expect, the questions we’ll explore, and how to work together to bring your dream ceremony to life.
CREATING A SAFE AND WELCOMING SPACE
The first step in any consultation is building a connection. It’s not just about planning your ceremony—it’s about getting to know each other, understanding your vision, and creating a safe and welcoming space to express your ideas openly.
We’ll begin with a relaxed, informal chat (think of it as a coffee date but with a celebrant twist!). This is your chance to share your story, discuss your relationship journey, and what makes your partnership unique.
WHAT WE’LL COVER
Your Story: I want to hear about how you met, what you love most about each other, and the journey that led you to this moment. Your love story is the foundation of your ceremony, and this is where we start crafting a script filled with personal touches and meaningful details.
Your Vision for the Ceremony: Are you dreaming of a traditional ceremony or something more modern and unique? Would you like to incorporate cultural elements, family traditions, or specific rituals? This is your chance to share all your ideas—no matter how unconventional!
Getting to Know Each Other: I’ll also share a bit about myself, my approach to celebrancy, and how I work. We’ll establish mutual trust and ensure we’re the perfect fit for creating a fabulous, inclusive, and uniquely yours ceremony.
TEDDY’S TAKE
“The first consultation is all about making sure you feel comfortable, understood, and excited about the journey ahead. It’s a relaxed, heart-to-heart chat where we lay the groundwork for something extraordinary.”
EXPLORING THE CEREMONY STRUCTURE AND LEGALITIES
Once we’ve connected and shared your vision, we’ll dive into the details of the ceremony structure and any legal requirements, especially if you’re planning a legal marriage in Australia. This is where I’ll answer any questions you have about the formalities, paperwork, and customisation options.
WHAT WE’LL COVER
Ceremony Structure: We’ll talk about the typical flow of a ceremony—from the welcome and readings to the vows, exchange of rings, and pronouncement. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with all the elements—I’m here to guide you and create a structure that feels right.
Legal Requirements: If you’re having a legal wedding, we’ll discuss the legal wording that must be included and the paperwork needed before and after the ceremony. I’ll ensure you’re comfortable with the process and help you navigate any legal jargon.
Customisation Options: From unique rituals like handfasting and ring warmings to personalised readings and guest contributions, we’ll explore the elements we can include to make your ceremony unique.
TEDDY’S TIP
“If there are certain idea, rituals, symbolisms or traditions you want to include—or avoid—let me know! This is your ceremony, and it should reflect your personalities, values, and story.”
ESTABLISHING THE TONE AND ATMOSPHERE
Every couple has a distinct style and energy that should shine through in their ceremony. My goal is to create a ceremony that’s not only legally sound but also deeply personal and meaningful. During the consultation, we’ll explore your preferences for the ceremony's tone, atmosphere, and overall feel.
TOPICS WE WILL DISCUSS
Tone and Atmosphere: Do you envision a light-hearted, humorous ceremony or something more romantic and emotional? We’ll pinpoint the tone that best represents your relationship.
Involving Loved Ones: Are there friends or family members you’d like to include in the ceremony, perhaps through readings, music, or unique roles? We’ll brainstorm ways to involve them meaningfully.
Incorporating Rituals and Symbols: We’ll discuss any cultural or personal rituals that are important to you, whether it’s a unity candle, sand ceremony, or something unique that speaks to your shared values and journey.
TEDDY’S TIP
“Bring a list of your favourite songs, poems, or even quotes from movies you love. These small details can inspire ceremony elements that are uniquely tailored to you!”
INCLUSIVE CONSULTATION PRACTICES
As an inclusive celebrancy business, it’s important to us that every couple feels respected, valued, and celebrated throughout the consultation process. During our meeting, we’ll discuss how to ensure that the language, rituals, and ceremony elements affirm your identities and are true to who you are.
WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE
Respecting Pronouns and Identities: Share your pronouns, the pronouns of any key guests, and how you’d like to be addressed during the ceremony. I’ll use this information to ensure our language is accurate and affirming.
Non-Gendered and Inclusive Language: We’ll discuss using language that respects and reflects your identities. This includes avoiding gendered terms if that’s your preference and crafting a script that feels right for you.
Incorporating Chosen Families: If your chosen family plays a significant role in your life, we’ll explore ways to include them in the ceremony meaningfully and authentically.
TEDDY’S TAKE
“Your ceremony should truly celebrate who you are—not who tradition or expectations say you should be. We’re here to ensure your love story is celebrated in a way that’s affirming and inclusive.”
5) COMMON QUESTION WE’LL ASK
During the consultation, we’ll ask key questions to understand better who you are as a couple and what you envision for your ceremony. These questions are designed to help us craft an authentic ceremony that reflects your relationship.
SOME QUESTIONS TO EXPECT
“What’s your favourite memory together?”
“How do you complement each other’s personalities?”
“Is there a moment in your relationship that stands out as particularly significant?”
“What shared values and beliefs shape your relationship?”
“What’s something your partner does that always makes you smile?”
WHY THESE QUESTIONS MATTER
Your answers provide the foundation for the stories, themes, and details woven into your ceremony script. They also help us understand the dynamics of your relationship, which shapes your ceremony's tone, style, and atmosphere.
FINAL THOUGHTS: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CONSULTATION
Your wedding ceremony is a celebration of you—your love, your journey, and the life you’re building together. During our consultation, we’ll dive deep into your story, explore your vision, and start crafting a truly one-of-a-kind ceremony.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way, answer all your questions, and ensure the process is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. So, if you’re ready to plan a ceremony that’s fabulous, inclusive, and uniquely you, let’s connect and make your ceremony vision a reality!
Don’t forget, another great resource is our FAQs page.