Your Ceremony Flow Guide

Everything you need to know about how your ceremony can unfold.

And why it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

But, first things first…

This isn’t a list of the things you have to have in your wedding ceremony. There isn't one "right" way to have a wedding ceremony.

Some ceremonies are ten minutes long. Others take an hour.

Some include prayers. Some include poetry. Some include tequila shots.

Some honour centuries-old traditions. Others invent brand new ones that will become family traditions from this day onwards.

The best ceremonies aren't the ones that tick every box. They're the ones that feel unmistakably like the two of you.

That's where I (and this guide) come in.

My job is to help you design a ceremony that feels thoughtful, relaxed and genuinely enjoyable for you and everyone you've invited to witness it.

I'll guide you through every decision, help you understand your options, make recommendations where you want them, and make sure everything flows naturally on the day.

By the time your wedding arrives, you'll know exactly what's happening, and you'll be free to actually enjoy it.

Sound good to you? Right, let’s go!

Every ceremony is different, but the tiles below offer a “typical” flow.

Think of this less as a fixed script and more as a menu, where you can have the courses in whatever order you like, and we can find ways for your loved ones to be active participants in every element if you want.

Whether you’re eloping or having a big wedding, we’ll build something that feels authentic and intentional, and right for you.

Before the ceremony starts

The ceremony actually starts before anyone says a word. Guests arrive. Music is playing. People are finding their seats. There's excitement, anticipation and maybe a few happy tears already. I'll already be there. I'll be chatting to suppliers, welcoming guests, answering the inevitable "Where should I sit?" questions and making sure everyone knows what's happening next. If anything unexpected comes up (because weddings are wonderfully unpredictable), I'll quietly deal with it. You don't need to.

Your story

This is usually the heart of the ceremony. Rather than telling a generic love story, I'll tell your story. How you met. What makes your relationship work. The people, places and moments that shaped you. The ridiculous stories your friends insist I include. The tiny details that make your guests think: "That is so them." This is one of the biggest reasons couples choose a celebrant ceremony. It couldn't belong to anyone else.

Cultural, religious & family traditions

Once everyone has settled, I'll welcome your guests and set the tone. This isn't just housekeeping. It's the moment everyone collectively arrives. We'll acknowledge the significance of the day, celebrate the people who've gathered with you, and gently invite everyone to be fully present. The tone can be joyful, funny, heartfelt, reflective, or a mixture of all four.

Final words

The ring exchange

We'll decide who holds the rings, whether someone brings them forward (or perhaps a surprise ringbearer?), what words you'll say, and whether you'd like additional symbolism around the exchange. And my hot take on this: Exchanging rings is also optional! You might want to give each other a different symbol of your commitment.

The welcome

Once everyone has settled, I'll welcome your guests and set the tone. Or you can choose a loved one to welcome everyone. This isn't just housekeeping. It's the moment everyone collectively arrives. We'll acknowledge the significance of the day, celebrate the people who've gathered with you, and gently invite everyone to be fully present. The tone can be joyful, funny, heartfelt, reflective, or a mixture of all four.

Music

Music can be woven throughout the ceremony. For example: entrance music, background music during rituals, an instrumental pause, live musicians, family performances, a surprise singalong, and your exit music. We'll think about where music adds emotion and meaning, without slowing the ceremony down.

Your commitments

This is more than saying "I do." It's the moment where you publicly declare your promises to one another. It can be traditional, modern, playful, or anything you can come up with. Want to promise to load the dishwasher their way? Go for it! Or maybe the vibe is more a promise to be their companion in life and partner in love. It's all welcome here. We'll write something that sounds like you.

The kiss

Ah yes, the moment. Except, it doesn't have to be a kiss. If you're happy to kiss in front of your guests, we'll make sure you have a lovely moment, and your photographer gets the shot. But if public displays of affection aren't your thing, that's completely fine too. You could share a big hug, hold hands and take a quiet moment together, bump foreheads, or raise your joined hands in celebration. Or we can create something completely your own. The main point is, you don’t have to kiss if you don’t want to. The important thing is that the moment feels like you, not like you're performing a version of a wedding you've seen a hundred times before.

Signed, sealed, delivered

Your entrance

One of the biggest moments of the day. There are so many ways to make your entrance. Maybe one of you walks in while the other waits. Maybe you both walk in together. Maybe you arrive from opposite sides. Maybe you're accompanied by parents, siblings, children, grandparents or friends. Maybe you enter alone. Maybe everyone processes in together. There are no rules here. We'll talk about what feels meaningful and practical for you.

Readings

You might decide to include one or several readings. These could come from: favourite books, poetry, films, songs, family letters, cultural or religious texts, something written by a friend, or something you've written yourselves. Don't worry if you don't know where to start. I'll help you find readings that actually feel relevant—not just ones that happen to be popular on wedding blogs. And you can skip readings entirely if they don't feel right at all.

Symbolic rituals

Not every couple wants one, but many love having a visual moment that represents what they're creating together. Some possibilities include: unity candles, sand ceremonies, planting something together, wine or cocktail blending, handfasting, community vows, time capsule, travel-inspired rituals, or creative rituals built around your hobbies. If you have some inspiration and wondered whether it's possible, I’d love to hear your ideas. Chances are we can make it work, or create something even better.

Your exit

Your vows

One of the moments everyone remembers. You can: write your own, write them together, use traditional wording, mix personal and traditional promises, or keep them completely private until the ceremony. If writing isn't your favourite thing, don't panic. I'll give you guidance, prompts and plenty of reassurance. And if public speaking isn’t your thing either, I’ve got you. We have plenty of options for you to share your heartfelt vows with each other.

Former Customer

“Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome.”

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