Ok, that’s the initial paperwork out of the way. The next step is to have a chat and go over all the details of the day. I love this bit and so will you! The Pash & Dash team will be in contact to arrange a Skype meeting usually about 2 months out from the wedding. At this meeting we will go over all the details of the ceremony, the expectations and answer any questions you may have leading up to your special day.

Your Questionnaire

Depending of what stage you are at with the wedding planning there is going to be homework, but don’t worry it’s the fun kind!  In getting to know you better and making your ceremony as personal as possible, I have a questionnaire that I like to get couples to fill out. It allows me to really capture your personality. Have fun with it, get a bottle of wine and give me some fantastic material to use. I promise to look after your words and weave a beautiful story that you will love.

 Download your Couples Questionnaire Here

Take your time with it and email it to the Pash & Dash team at info@pashanddashweddings.com.au once you have finished.

So that I have plenty of time to write your ceremony, it would be greatly appreciated if you get your finished questionnaire to me no later than 1 month prior to your wedding.

Writing your own vows

Now before you get too nervous, I encourage all couple to write their own vows. It really brings out the connection between you both and there is nothing better to hear at a wedding than two people sharing how they feel about each other. That’s why you have a wedding, isn’t it? Writing vows can be a very daunting experience but don’t worry, I have you covered. If you click on the link below I have included a cheat sheet on how to write awesome vows. I have also included a few examples that you can take inspiration from. Please don’t show each other your vows as it makes the day even more exciting. Couples usually send me the vows in the week leading up to the wedding so that I can have them ready for you to use on the day. There are no set rules for writing your vows, just write how you feel.  Oh, and don’t worry about memorising them or remembering to bring them to the ceremony…..We will have them printed out on a laminated card for you 

Download your Vows Cheat Sheet Here

Ring Statement

There is a part of the ceremony where the couple exchanges rings, it happens after the Vows and only involves a very short statement that the couple say to each other. I have included some examples along with the vows above to have a look at. Feel free to choose any of the examples listed or write your own. Usually the couple will use the same Ring Statement when exchanging rings.

Witnesses

You’ll need to have 2 people over the age of 18 witness your legal paperwork on the day.  These people don’t have to be related to you, but I find that either the Maid of Honour & Best Man or Parents are a popular choice. So that I can prepare the paperwork for your wedding, please let me know the FULL names of each of your witnesses – that’s First, Middle & Last Names!! If you are having an intimate elopement don’t worry, the Pash & Dash team would be more than happy to step in for you.

Readings

About 40% of couples like to include readings as part of their ceremony.  There is no requirement to have readings and it is a totally personal choice.  Readings can range from something very sentimental and spiritual to ones that are amusing and light hearted. The internet is a great source of examples but if you get stuck, let me know and I’ll help out where I can.

Music

If you’re looking at having recorded music for your ceremony, I am all set up to play this for you through my P.A. system.  So, if you’d like me to look after this for you, please send through the details of 4 songs to use during the ceremony.  I have a very extensive playlist so it is more than likely I will already have a copy of this music for you:

1. Entrance song, walking down the aisle
2. Signing the Register (1)
3. Signing the Register (2)
4. End of the ceremony, walking back down the aisle as a married couple

After I have received the NOIM, had the Skype meeting and I have given you some homework, there is not a lot for you do until the big day! A member from the Pash & Dash team will be in contact with you about 6 weeks prior to confirm numbers and all the exciting details.

Just make sure you send me these important pieces of information no later than the week prior to your wedding:

• Your Questionnaire Answers (1 month prior to your wedding)
• Your Vows
• Any Readings (if you want them)
• Your Ring Statements
• Your choice of Ceremony Music (if required)
• The FULL names of 2 witnesses over the age of 18 – This includes First, Middle & Last Names!!

In the week after the wedding, I will submit the wedding paperwork (that was signed on the day) to the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. It is here that the marriage will be registered.  Along with your wedding paperwork I will also submit your application for your Official Marriage Certificate.  This is the document that is used for changing the Bride’s name with the Department of Transport, Banks, etc.  (The Marriage Certificate issued on the wedding day is an official but not Legal document which means it can’t be used for name changing).

I will have this application form filled out for you and get you to sign on the wedding day.  There is an application fee associated with the form, for which you will be responsible for paying.  This is easily done by providing credit card details on the form.

Allow about 4- 6 weeks to get your Marriage Certificate and once you have received it, you can then begin the process of name changing.  Note: In peak wedding season, waiting times for your Marriage Certificate may be 6 weeks +.