HOW I WORK
A Step-By-Step Guide To
Working With Me
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STEP 1.
CONFIRMING THE BOOKING
Regardless of the type of ceremony you are looking to book, we start by confirming your booking.
To do this:
1. I will check to see that I have availability on your requested date - Note I do not hold dates for tentative bookings.
2. We meet in person so that you can get to know me and confirm if I am the right fit for your ceremony.
3. Depending on the type of ceremony you are looking to book, we discuss the legal requirements and I may request that you bring some identification.
Following this initial meeting, I will issue you a quote and reserve your ceremony date/time. Your booking is confirmed once your deposit is paid.
STEp 2.
planning the ceremony
Once your booking is locked in, we meet again to discuss the format of your ceremony. This meeting can be in person, or if you've got a busy schedule, we can also meet over the phone or via Skype.
During this meeting I:
1. Ask you some questions about the details that you would like included in the ceremony.
2. Provide you with some recommendations and resources to help you find ways to make your ceremony personalised.
3. Set you some homework - this homework will include questions that I need you to answer to give me a better understanding of your story which will allow me to start work on the script for your ceremony.
STEp 3.
COMPLETING THE NOIM
Note: This step only applies if you are booking me for a wedding. If not, head on to step 4.
To get the legal side of things started, we need to fill out a form called the Notice of Intended Marriage (AKA the NOIM) - this is generally done at the second meeting as outlined in Step 2.
It is important to note that this step is time sensitive. We need to submit this paperwork no more 18 months and no less than 1 month prior to your wedding date. You can find more information about this on the Legal Stuff page of this site.
STEP 4.
the
script
Note: This step only applies if you are booking me for a full wedding ceremony or other celebration. If not, head on to Step 5.
Once I have received your completed homework, I will set to work on drafting the script for your ceremony incorporating all of the requests that you have outlined and the legal requirements that must be included.
This draft is just a starting point, so I will send it to you for feedback and you can request as many changes as you would like until I get it just right.
If you are thinking about writing your own vows, I can also provide more resources and other tips and tricks at this point to help you customise your ceremony even further.
STEp 5.
the rehearsal
Note: This step only applies if you are booking me for a full wedding. If not, head on to Step 6.
Once you are happy with the script, we can lock in a time for a "rehearsal." This step isn't compulsory, but it will give you an opportunity to;
A) See me in action and pull me up on anything you'd like me to do differently.
B) I can give you some pointers on where to stand/what to say and when, so you know what to do when the big day comes.
It's best to arrange the rehearsal at the venue as close as possible to the wedding/event date so that it's fresh in your mind.
STEp 6.
THE declaration of no legal impediment
Note: This step only applies if you are booking me for a wedding. If not, head on to step 7.
Separate to the NOIM, you also need to complete a "Declaration of o Legal Impediment," which basically just confirms that there's no reason why you can't get married.
This step is also time sensitive and we must do it as close to the ceremony as possible, but not during it. So, I typically complete this paperwork at the rehearsal as outlined in Step 5. You can find more information about this on the Legal Stuff page of this site.
STEp 7.
the ceremony aka the fun part
On the day, I'll arrive at the agreed ceremony location early to set up and, if necessary, perform a sound check.
Once that's done, I'll sit tight and wait for you so that I am ready to rock and roll as soon as you arrive and I'll deliver the ceremony at the agreed time.
Following the ceremony, I'll provide you with a little package including decorative marriage certificate and, provided you are in agreement, I'll have a quick pic with you and then I'll let you go and celebrate with your guests.
STEp 8.
REGISTERING YOU MARRIAGE
Note: This step only applies if you are booking me for a wedding.
Following the ceremony, I will register your marriage only and will also apply for your marriage certificate.