Community cheer of support

As an alternative to the traditional question asked to your parents “who gives this person to be married today?” I prefer to ask for a community cheer of support, kind of like this:

“You’re all here today because this couple has all the warm fuzzy feelings for you in their hearts, and I’m sure they know you feel the same … BUT I want to hear your most enthusiastic cheer to show these two that you’re backing them!”

Ring warming

A ring warming includes your rings being passed throughout your guests "behind the scenes" while your ceremony is happening. Every guest will hold the rings and silently warm them with their positive thoughts. The rings are not only a gift from one another but they hold the warm wishes from your loved ones.

Ninja vows

In addition to your legal and personal vows, if you’re wanting to add some spice to your vows, definitely consider ninja vows!

This is where you write just a few vows that your partner HAS to promise, and they will do the same to you. These ninja vows will be a complete surprise, and are guaranteed to be hilarious!

Nature mandala

As a way to symbolise how things can come together to create something beautiful, creating a nature mandala is a unique way to recognise two families becoming one.

Close to the wedding day, head out into nature with your family and collect things that stand out to you: leaves, flowers, twigs, moss etc. Together you'll create a stunning nature mandala to show how you, like the things from nature, have come from separate walks of life to form something beautiful… a loving family.

Call someone out

Is one of your guests responsible for setting you up, or did they just not get the vibe and hung around as an uncomfortable third wheel for way too long?

If one of your guests played a significant role in your story - let’s call them out! This can be in the form of a public shout out of thanks, or a bit of mild roasting … up to you!

Wine / love letter box

A wine/love letter box ritual involves the two of you writing a letter in the week/s leading up to the big day. The letter could be a love letter to your partner, or a reflection letter to yourself. In the ceremony you would place the letters inside a box with your drink of choice and choosing a specific occasion (such as a future anniversary) when the box will be opened and you will read the letters while enjoying a drink.

Cards against humanity

If you love card games and board games then this is right up your alley!

After you’ve spoken your legal and personal vows (even ninja vows too), give them some real fireworks by incorporating a random card from the game into your vows. They’re vows, with a touch of inappropriateness.

You can read more about it here

Cultural, religious, and spiritual rituals

Just because you’re not getting married in a church, doesn’t mean we can’t incorporate the rituals that are important to your culture, religion, or spiritual faith. I’m all about including these important elements, but more than that - making sure they feel authentic, modern and genuine.

Pronouncement raffle

Did you know that saying “I now pronounce you ….” isn’t a legal requirement? This means you can give one of your guests (children, or brand new step-children) the honour of officially (not really) welcoming you into your marriage.

Psst.. you can rig it and just give me the names of the people you really want, or you can wing it and give me everyone’s names!

Words from friends

Give me the email addresses your closest family and friends, let's say 5 people and I’ll email them asking for their impressions of your relationship, a great story they have of you, and ⁣any words of advice for your marriage ⁣⁣

I’ll weave in their answers in a deliriously witty and hilarious paragraph and knock your bloody socks off with the heartfelt input from the people who matter most!

Hand fasting

A hand fasting ritual involves you holding hands and them being fastened together with a cords/silk scarves/ribbon.

Viewed as way to show love, the affectionate gesture of holding hands communicates comfort, support, empathy and intimacy.

Secret handshake

Perhaps you’re a blended family and want to do something together as a family in the ceremony, or just want to add in something epic because you can!

Either way, creating your own secret handshake during the ceremony is a unique way to seal the deal of your marriage.

Surprise witnesses

Did you know your witnesses can be any of your guests, as long as they’re both over the age of 18 and understand English. Why not keep everyone on their toes and do surprise witnesses:

• pull names out of a hat/bowl

• place 'winning witness tickets’ underneath two people’s chairs, and I'll ask people to check to find out who will be the surprise witnesses

• host a 'who knows us better' impromptu quiz. Guests answer with their hands on their heads or tails, and the final two people who know you the most get to be the witnesses.

Cheers to you

Why not ask one of your mates to make the first toast to you during the ceremony?! Or if uncle Dave is likely to rant on during the reception, let’s move him to a snappy little toast during the ceremony.

There are a few logistical things to work through with this one - but it’s great fun and means everyone has a drink as soon as the ceremony is done.