by Sarah Aird | May 13, 2019 | Free content
I get a lot of marriage celebrants contacting me after they’ve been asked to do their first funeral, asking for advice, information and templates. I thought I’d put all my tips in one place in the hopes that some of you might benefit from them!
by Sarah Aird | Apr 3, 2019 | Legal information
Some of you may recall this little rant I went on after the updated Guidelines were released last year: “Change of name by marriage: A party who has changed their name by marriage, and retained their previous spouse’s surname, must record that surname on...
by Sarah Aird | Mar 28, 2019 | Business education, Legal information
A local celebuddy and I have recently been chatting about being a primary back-up celebrant for each other. As a fairly new celebrant, it got me wondering how other people manage replacements when you have to cancel at short notice (or even on the day). Do you ask the new celebrant to use your script (even if it’s very much in ‘your’ voice)? How do you divide payment? Do you partially/fully refund the couple because you’ve not completely fulfilled the contract? What if you’re in a car accident on the way to the ceremony and you have all the paperwork on you?
by Sarah Aird | Mar 21, 2019 | Ceremony presentation
Cass asks: My question is more of a concern. I already have full time work in the theatre so celebrancy for me was more of a service I wanted to provide for friends and family. I think celebrating love is one of the most beautiful and important things we can do as a society and for me it has always been about the intimacy of the couple. I used to be quite a confident public speaker when I was in high school but now I’m almost 30 I feel absolute terror at the thought of performing such an important task in front of potentially hundreds of people. I know the day is obviously about the couple and not me but I don’t want my nerves to interfere with their special moment. Do you have advice (apart from practice) to combat serious stage fright?
by Sarah Aird | Mar 18, 2019 | Legal information
Lauren asks: “I got this question from my bride and I’m second guessing myself! ‘Went up to the police station on Sunday and got this signed, but I just wanted to check before I send you the original…in the qualification section, is it fine that it just says police officer? I only realised when looking at it later that there is no section for the witness’ name or identification number or anything, so hoping this is ok!’
by Sarah Aird | Mar 15, 2019 | Legal information
Sean asks: I know expired passports are okay, as long as they haven’t been cancelled but is there a time limit on that? This one expired in 2012
by Sarah Aird | Mar 13, 2019 | Free content
As anyone who’s reading this will be aware, the rollout of the Victorian BDM’s new online registration system, Registry Information Online (aka RIO) has been less than smooth. As I write this I’m locked in a text conversation with our very own Josh; he’s the techiest person I know and even he’s confused. Things that work one day don’t seem to work the next; you ring the helpdesk and get a “solution” that is really just them fiddling around until it suddenly works for no good reason, etc etc etc.
by Sarah Aird | Mar 12, 2019 | Free content
Let’s face it, the new BDM online registration system implementation has not had the smoothest roll-out in the history of tech roll-outs. It’s certainly not a particularly intuitive, user-friendly system, and I’m disappointed at the number of issues with it. However I also know BDM are working really hard to rectify the issues as soon as possible.
by Sarah Aird | Feb 5, 2019 | Other ceremonies
Veronica has had a pretty rough trot with a renewal couple: They were one of my first bookings after becoming a celebrant. I was really unsure of how a renewal should run…only that it would be similar to a wedding just really without the legals. Since our first meeting in September, I have met with them four times, multiple messages and numerous phone calls. They sent me their desired ceremony plan. Which essentially had me as an MC…introducing a number of speakers and readers. They had also put my name against a couple of tasks. So based on that I wrote a script (as not very good at ad lib) and went to meet with them for a “rehearsal”. They almost tore the script to shreds. They had also added and removed things from their original plan without telling me and wanted to know where I planned on putting these new ideas in the ceremony. Not liking my suggestions and especially suggesting that it was getting a bit long. Decided to sit back and let them decide. We finally came to a mutual agreement and now they want to see my amended script so they can check it all over before finalising.So, feeling a little flattened and that I have had to work exceptionally hard for my fee (which is less than what I charge for a wedding). Did I miss something? Should I have asked questions differently? Really not wanting to go anywhere near Vow Renewals any more. How should I have handled it all?
by Sarah Aird | Feb 5, 2019 | Ceremony presentation
Tori asks: I have a logistics question for you around microphones/vow cards/ring exchanges. My first ceremony is fast approaching, and my couple have written their own vows. The plan at the moment is for me to hop out of the way during the vow exchange, leaving them to hold the mic for themselves while they read from their respective vow cards. They like the idea of ending the vows with the ring exchange (e.g. the bride would hold the mic for herself, read from her vow card, and wrap her vows up by presenting her partner with the ring. Then they would swap, and he would hold the mic for himself, read from his vow card and finish it off by presenting her with the ring). My concern is this – doing it this way would leave them with a lot to juggle – holding the mic and their vow card, plus a ring which they will be slipping on the other person’s hand at the same time. I guess my question is this: what do you find works best in the situation – do you tend to always hold the mic for the couple if they are reading from vow cards, or would you just avoid combining the ring exchange in with the vows, and instead let them do the vows with you out of the way and then come back in to feed them their ring exchange wording while holding the mic for them?
by Sarah Aird | Jan 30, 2019 | Ceremony presentation
Tori asks: I have my first ceremony coming up in a week and a half (for a good friend), and while I am feeling pretty on top of things overall, I am still trying to work out what I will use to read from on the day. I was hoping you could talk a little bit about your experience/thoughts on using a tablet (which I’ve noticed quite a few celebrants tend to be doing?) VS something like a nice looking binder. Any specific tips/considerations either way (e.g. if you use a tablet, do you find a cover for it that you can tuck vow cards into?), and if you do go the binder/folder route, any ideas for where to buy something appropriate? Last question! If you do tend to use a tablet, do you always have a hard copy as backup anyway?
by Sarah Aird | Jan 2, 2019 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Sarita asks: We’re away at the moment and then the couple in question head away as we get back – so the NOIM will be getting lodged in Jan, with a day to spare. The bride is from China and all her ID is in Chinese. As long as I tell them...
by Sarah Aird | Dec 26, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Peter asks: By when in the process must we have given the required documents to the couple?I have been giving the required documents (happily ever…, code of practice, complaint info, etc.) with the engagement letter / quote, however, often...
by Sarah Aird | Dec 22, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Alison asks: This might be more of a Josh question because it’s about electronic paperwork – or maybe it is for Sarah because of the legal side. I’m performing my very first ceremony tomorrow (hooray!) and I’ve received...
by Sarah Aird | Dec 19, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Precious asks: I have a couple that I’ve met but they forgot to bring their ID when they signed the NOIM. One of them is available tomorrow to come round with both of their ID, but do I need to see both of them at the same time I see their ID,...
by Sarah Aird | Dec 16, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT A celebrant asks: Hey there.. a question – I’ve just registered to submit ceremonies online in NSW (I am in Vic). In reading the manual, I discovered you can scan/lodge all official documents ONLINE once the ceremony is over and...
by Sarah Aird | Dec 13, 2018 | Legal information
A celebrant asks: I have received a Notice of Errors in documentation email from BDM. They have requested the bride provides a stat dec indicating why her signature on the NOIM and Marriage Certificate are different. Is there wording we can provide on the stat dec to assist completion? Can we provide a scanned copy of the stat dec to BDM (or do they need to sight originals)
by Sarah Aird | Dec 1, 2018 | Business education
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Linda asks: I have completed my cert 4 at last and am in the process of doing my AG application so now I am thinking about the set up of my business. I have no previous experience in this area and wondering where to start really. Should I be...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 29, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Sometimes (often?) Josh and I disagree on the answer to a question. This was one such time… Bree asked: I have a grandparent as a witness this coming Saturday who has a very shaky hand and is apparently really nervous about the signing...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 27, 2018 | Ceremony presentation
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Sarita asks: Normally I’d do a rehearsal or rough run through with the couple. I have a couple asking about a rehearsal with the full bridal party. Would I be ok to say I’d normally just do it with the couple? Or should I go with the flow &...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 25, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT A celebrant asks: The groom was born female, and identifies as male. He is male on his passport (that’s the doc I saw for ID purposes), but he’s just asked me if it poses any problems that his birth certificate lists him as...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 23, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT A celebrant asks: When I first enrolled in my course, my Dad asked if I’d solemnise his wedding in December 2018. Of course I said I’d be thrilled if I passed and got authorised. I’ve now completed my Cert IV and applied for...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 21, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT A celebrant asks: Does each state charge different fees to submit completed marriage docs? I’ve got weddings in NSW, SA and VIC coming up and I can’t find any details on costs associated with registering the paperwork? ...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 19, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT A celebrant asks: I have a question about sighting ID when the Celebrant and marrying couple are in different states. I have a number of family and friends in other states that have asked me to perform their ceremonies for them, which is...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 17, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Alice asks: I’m lodging a NOIM for a couple where the bride is Japanese. She has a passport (which is in English), but Japanese passports do not include place of birth, so I’ll also have to use her birth certificate (which is in...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 15, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Bree asks: Some of my parties have completed their NOIMs ready for our meeting and for me to witness. I have noticed as I have gone to log them into BDM that there are certain things I am concerned about as follows:- Use of blue pen for...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 13, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Klara asks: I have a couple where one of them wants to change their first name (well, actually drop their first name and take on their middle name) and wondering if this can be done using the marriage certificate or if they’ll need to...
by Sarah Aird | Nov 11, 2018 | Business education
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Ella asks: I’ve purchased my PA systems and equipment because this isn’t covered under my home contents as it’s business use. Most home insurers will find a way not to pay if I did try to claim if something happened! (Previous industry...
by Sarah Aird | Oct 17, 2018 | Legal information
§ MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT Hopefully all registered celebrants received an email from the Attorney General’s Department on 27 September 2018, inviting feedback on a new version of the Notice of Intended Marriage. Only members have access to the full article – To...
by Sarah Aird | Oct 11, 2018 | Legal information
A celebrant asks: Groom previously married - all documents are satisfactory. Bride previously married - Has returned to her maiden name. Provides Passport in maiden name & Driver's Licence in maiden name but divorce papers are in married name. Is a stat dec...
by Sarah Aird | Oct 9, 2018 | Legal information
Sean asks: Bride has officially changed her name. Has new birth certificate with new name on it. Her passport still has her old name on it. Can I accept her passport as photo ID for completion of NOIM? I’ve written before about what to do if the names differ on the...
by Sarah Aird | Oct 7, 2018 | Legal information
Charis asks: My client has registered a relationship. She was never married but registered a relationship with BDM. They told her she could not get married until this is cancelled by them. Do I record this info anywhere? She has never been validly married so I feel as...
by Sarah Aird | Sep 1, 2018 | Legal information
Josh asks: What is your best understanding of original forms of ID like passports, birth certificates, and drivers licenses being "sighted by the celebrant before the marriage is solemnised"?Can we receive a scan, or sight them over video chat, or must we the...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 31, 2018 | Ceremony presentation, Legal information
Josh asks: I have a celebrant mate of mine whose registration is pending with the AG’s office. But, she has a friend’s wedding coming up towards the end of September, which is the reason why she completed the course. I initially completed the NOIM for her and kept the date in September free (just in case), but what would you recommend I do to help from here? Should I just hang tight and wait for the AG or can I take care of the legals and have the other celebrant deliver the ceremony (other than the legal elements of course)? Also how would this work if the other celebrant has spent the time getting to know the couple and I have simply helped in a legal capacity? It’s definitely possible for an authorised celebrant to manage the legalities of the ceremony while another person (whether a pending celebrant or a friend of the couple) delivers the “ceremonial” aspects of the ceremony.
by Sarah Aird | Aug 30, 2018 | Business education
Mercy asks: I've been asked to do a wedding two hours from Sydney and quoted an extra $50 above my usual fee each way, but they want to do a rehearsal the day before which would require me driving an extra four hours plus the time it takes to do the rehearsal. How...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 30, 2018 | Legal information
Veronica asks: I have a couple that had a commitment ceremony four years ago and legally changed their names, and are now wanting to get married. What names should I use on the paperwork? What's on their birth certificate? In a word, no. When a person changes their...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 13, 2018 | Legal information
I've written previously about listing parents' names on the NOIM, and I've had some follow up questions (from a celebrant who had totally read the first post, yay!): 1) Recently received a NOIM by email (interstate couple) where the Father is listed as 'Unknown' -...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 13, 2018 | Legal information
A celebrant asks: Divorce certificates. They just get me confused as to what I need to sight, how I need to sight it and what I definitely need to record. What I'd really like clarified once and for all is:-- Do I need to see the original certificate?-- If it's from a...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 11, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 10, 2018 | Legal information
Some of you will have been following my post about the updated guidance received on the one month notice period. If you haven’t had a chance, feel free to review it before you read on. I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that this morning at 11.40am I...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 10, 2018 | Funeral advice
Mercy asks: Like you I want to create beautiful funeral ceremonies. Because I think funerals can be beautiful. An assignment in my celebrant course had me visit a local funeral director with a bunch of questions on how they work with celebrants. The funeral director I...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 9, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 7) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 9, 2018 | Ceremony presentation
Ann asks: Sarah, I've just had a quick look at your website. I noticed you usually stand to the side of your bride and groom, not behind them. It looks really good. I imagine when you first started you tried all spots to stand and this was the best? Any hints on this...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 7, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 6 and Part 7) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 6, 2018 | Business education
Jo asks: In an earlier podcasts (I think top tips for new celebrants) you talk about finding a celebrant mentor and see if you can go along to some ceremonies. I am super keen to make this happen but where do you suggest I start to find a mentor? I am not yet finished...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 5, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5, Part 6 and Part 7) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 5, 2018 | Legal information
A celebrant asks: I'm marrying a couple next year - Party 1 is female; Party 2 is a transgender male. What I want to clarify is that if Party 2 has neither a birth certificate or passport in his common usage name that's not a problem as long as I am satisfied he is...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 4, 2018 | Legal information
Jac asks: I have a bride who no longer uses her birth name for anything except forms. Her invites use her preferred name. She has actually said it’s causing her anxiety that her birth name be used during the ceremony. Am I right in saying that during mandatory...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 3, 2018 | Legal information
A question came to us: I am marrying a couple of brides this week and when I talked about the ID I'll need to witness beforehand, one piped up that her name on her Birth Cert is different to all other ID but she's never officially changed it. So her photo ID is going...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 3, 2018 | Legal information
Candice asks: I have a couple wanting to elope with just their parents and children present. I'm just writing because after looking at the guidelines I'm still a bit unclear and just need clarification on the use of a qualified interpreter. My couple are both deaf and...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 3, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 1, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and Part 7) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Aug 1, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and Part 7) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 24, 2018 | Free content
This is a free article from the Celebrant Institute - please share with other celebrants and check out our home page if you're interested in becoming a member 8 July 2018 Most of you probably didn't pay too much attention to the fact sheet that was released on Friday...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 20, 2018 | Legal information
Alison asks: I'm currently studying to become a marriage celebrant, but there is one thing that worries me about setting up my practice once authorised: the home office. I currently live with flatmates in the city, so space is limited. I'm only planning on...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 19, 2018 | Free content, Legal information
In this series of posts (including Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and Part 7) I'll be looking at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants 2018: what's new, what's changed, and what's gone. I'm not going to talk about changes such as...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 18, 2018 | Ceremony presentation, Legal information
Veronica asks: I know according to section 45(2) of the Marriage Act, couples are required to say "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, A.B. (or C.D.), take thee, C.D. (or A.B.), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband); or words to that effect."...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 18, 2018 | Ceremony presentation
Mercy asks: This relates to the questionnaire you send your couples. I've been doing the same, but as I'm fairly new, don't really have a system in place as to when couples need to get back to me. When you send the questionnaire do you give your couples a...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 17, 2018 | Ceremony presentation
Mercy asks: I'd like to know about your booklet. The idea of printing an expensive booklet seemed a bit outdated to me, given that there are so many resources online and such a diversity of options for couples these days. None of my couples so far have been interested...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 17, 2018 | Legal information
Jac asks: I have a couple coming up. They got married a year ago (pretty much for their families to have a religious ceremony). None of their friends know this though. Before getting married officially for their parents, they said they would only do it their parents'...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 12, 2018 | Legal information
Listing the parents' names on the NOIM is often a huge headache. What if one of them changed their name? Do you put their name when they were born or when the party was born? What if there's a spelling error in their name on your birth certificate? What if they go by...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 12, 2018 | Legal information
Shamini asks: I have my first Proposed marriage visa letter. Do I get the couple to fill out the NOIM and groom sign it (bride is overseas). Prepare a letter and then only when she gets in the country get her to sign the NOIM? Or does she need to sign the NOIM in her...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 12, 2018 | Ceremony presentation
Liane asks: As a reasonably new celebrant (2016) my question to you both is how can I improve my skills and knowledge on writing ceremony scripts? How do you guys keep yourselves updated and up-skilled in this area? Can you recommend any resources, websites etc to...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 10, 2018 | Business education, Marketing advice and ideas
Ella asks: Price points seem to be a hot topic everywhere... Would you recommend putting your fees on your website? Some celebrants display their price on their website, others don't. Some also seem to provide services cheaper then a BDM wedding. Which poses that...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 9, 2018 | Legal information
We've had a couple of anonymous questions on this in the last week, so I'm going to pop them both in here: I'm looking at expanding my services other than just celebrant. At the moment I have a little side gig where it is wedding packages with hair, make up and myself...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 6, 2018 | Legal information
Jac asks: The guidelines state that weddings are usually considered 'private in nature' and so playing music, reading poems etc is fine. The examples the guidelines list are all indoors. What if the ceremony is in a public space? Do you have to get insurance for this...
by Sarah Aird | Jul 4, 2018 | Legal information
What exactly goes in the period of residency fields if a party has only been in the country for a matter of days?
by Sarah Aird | Jun 29, 2018 | Legal information, Membership content
It’s super easy for a party divorced in Australia to get a copy of their divorce order; there are no excuses!
by Sarah Aird | Jun 29, 2018 | Legal information
It’s absolutely possible to have a NOIM transferred from the Registry Office to a Commonwealth-Registered Marriage Celebrant. Here’s how!
by Sarah Aird | Jun 29, 2018 | Legal information
Shortenings of time come up every now and again, and they’re definitely not scary! While applying is the couple’s responsibility, there are some things the celebrant needs to do…
by Sarah Aird | Jun 19, 2018 | Legal information
Notices of Intended Marriage signed in Australia can be witnessed by people with a number of different qualifications. Most are pretty straightforward: an authorised celebrant, a justice of the peace, a barrister or solicitor, or a member of the Australian Federal Police or the police force of a State or Territory. Easy, right?
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