So you are engaged, congrats but it has been a while, and the longer the years ticked by the less enthusiasm there is for a big do, or time, budget, interest is limited in a traditional big white wedding how can you do it differently? Well, let me help with some thought starters. Where I can I include handles for other wedding vendors to help your research too. There are no affiliations or kick backs here, just one little celebrant supporting other independent business owners in this big ol' wedding industry.
So, let's get you some ideas on how to go down the aisle to enjoy married bliss without the fuss, fanfare and stress.
Pop Up: Like the trend of picnics you can make your wedding a Pop Up on. This is ideal for elopements and micro weddings where you just want you, your beau and your witnesses (with room for some of your nearest and dearest if you choose). You can go as fancy-pants or as simple as you like. For examples for the kit and kaboodle check out @goldcoastpopuppicnics for catering, yard games and photographer or have a look at @alfresco.pop.up.picnics who specialise in lux picnics and proposals. Have little ones you want to include? Check out @popupplaypicnic they do elegant adult picnics and pop up play solutions, just brilliant (and gorgeous).
Or keep it low key and elegant with an arbour hire from @dreamarchesgc (check out their cane heart arbour with seats and table, it is ideal for a private picnic post legals only ceremony - just saying). Combine an arbour with a grazing platter, some glassware and a bottle of something lovely and you are set!
Surprise! Always a popular alternative to the traditional wedding is a surprise one. Ideas include pop up celebrant during the engagement party, including the ceremony in another celebration like a birthday or anniversary or house warming. The key here is to have your celebrant booked in advance so all the legal paperwork is taken care of. You can surprise your partner (it is a brave move!) however it requires planning and a level of their involvement. They need to have completed the Notice of Intent To Marry with you, this has to be done at least one calendar month before the ceremony. If you have your NOIM then you can change the date, as long as you are confident your beau will happily agree and sign the Declaration of No Impediment which has to be done before the ceremony it is an option!
Elope Old Style: Elopements are a popular alternative to big weddings however the style has morphed in recent years into something akin to a micro-wedding. The traditional elopement was literally running away to get hitched, elopement literally means leaving home to secretly get married. So, if you want to elope in the old fashion way you need your celebrant, your NOIM completed (one calendar month before) and two witnesses. Your witnesses can be anyone over the age of 18 who can understand English and is willing to sign a legal document. So, it can be the hotel concierge, the barista or your bestie - just ask nicely. The ceremony can be what ever you want as long as the legal elements are covered which includes the celebrants qualification, your full legal names, the monitum (your celebrant says this) and your legal vows following by the paperwork. One of the joys of Australia is you can pretty much marry anywhere as long as it isn't private property (that requires permission). Something to note, parks require a paid permit, beaches on the Gold Coast require a free permit, and your parents/friends/own back garden is free :)
