With the ever-changing situation we are currently experiencing, I want to update you all on the measures that I as a celebrant, am putting in place in regards to ceremonies I officiate at and meetings that I hold. I need to protect the health and welfare of my family and friends, fellow professionals I work alongside, families and their guests at ceremonies and meetings, the wider community and myself. I am washing my hands frequently and using hand sanitiser. I have wipes and sanitiser in my car and carry my own towel so that I can use that to wipe my hands if paper towels are not available at the places I go to. FUNERALS As much as I believe it is very important to meet families face to fa

In light of what is going on right now, I have had three weddings postponed in less than 24 hours. And I fully understand. With so many news reports and postings in the media and social media, I feel we are really entering the unknown. Better to err on the side of caution! As a hugger myself, I have to say that I am finding it really difficult not to offer a warm hug to family members at funerals, and I also find it hard not to shake someone's hand when being introduced or meeting for the first time. However, we all need to remain vigilant, and all need to take the necessary measures to protect ourselves and our families, as well as protecting the people we meet and environments that we freq

Continuing on from a recent post, it can be quite mind boggling as to where to start when changing your name after marriage. Let me help you with some suggestions. First up, you will need your marriage certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriages office. I obtain this on behalf of my couple's but should this not be the case, then you need to go to the office within your state and apply ( or you can apply online) The link to applying for your certificate in NSW is :- https://onlineforms.bdm.nsw.gov.au/application/marriage_details You can also apply in person at one of their offices in Sydney. 35 Regent St, Chippendale 60 Marsden St, Parramatta Ensure that you read all of the information

In this blog, I am going to explain about your choices when it comes to a member of the clergy or a celebrant when planning a funeral. When someone dies, a funeral director must be engaged. The funeral director has a huge role in ensuring your loved one is taken into their care, the necessary legal paperwork is completed and everything is in order for the funeral service. However, not everyone has a funeral service - some people choose to have a memorial. This decision is made by the family ( who may have been given instructions from their loved one in some cases). On choosing your funeral director, and if having a funeral service, one of the questions that you will be asked is if you would

After months and months of planning, blood, sweat and tears, you are finally married! I often hear Brides and Grooms say that they can't believe the day has actually arrived. So now down to business. How do you change your name on official documents? OK, let me explain. On your wedding day you signed three documents along with your two witnesses. One of those documents is the Marriage Certificate. This is a legal document and one that cannot be replaced once issued. They are individually numbered and all celebrants must use what is called a "Record of Use" form to record the Number of the certificate, who they were issued to, and the date that they were issued. However, whilst it is a legal

Today's blog is about photo tributes in farewell services. More often than not, families like to include a slideshow/photos of their loved one's life at a service. Generally speaking, there is a dedicated time within the service to play the photos and they are accompanied by a song. Depending on the length of the song, about 50 photos is roughly a guide. This way the photos are on the screen for a good length of time. If you have more, then they will be flashing before everyone's eyes too quickly and not give family and friends the time to reflect on a particular photo. One photo can evoke so many emotions and it can also bring back many memories. It may be a photo of the last Christmas the

With two very different weddings in the past week, I thought I would bring this aspect of a marriage ceremony to the forefront. What is the " Giving away of the bride"? These words were read out at a wedding ceremony just last week at the couple's request. "In ancient times, it was the custom for a young woman to be under the authority and the protection of the man who was the head of her household, usually her father or her elder brother. When she married, the authority and the responsibility passed to her husband. This was the origin of the giving of the bride ceremony. Times have changed and so perhaps have women, however some bride's still like to honour this ancient custom, and in doin

Undoubtedly one of the first questions that I am asked is " How much do you charge?" A very valid question! Weddings can cost a lot of your hard earned money and you want to spend your money wisely. There are many factors to consider when you commence planning. Things such as ;- * The reception venue * The dress * The suit * Rings * Cake * Cars * Invitations * Bomboniere / gifts * Flowers * Photographer * Videographer * Stylists * Wedding planner * Hair and makeup * Attendants clothing Gee the list goes on! Quite mind boggling really! You do also have to consider who you will choose to actually make the day legal - your Celebrant/Priest/Minister. When you look at all of the items above, the