Article 07:
Beyond the 'I Do': Wedding Secrets Only Your Marriage Celebrant Knows
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Tune in to the morlyfe Frequency podcast for all the details from this article.
Planning a wedding can often feel like organising a massive party, but in the rush to secure the venue, the catering, and the entertainment, one crucial element is often relegated to the bottom of the to-do list: the ceremony itself.
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In a recent episode of the morlyfe frequency, we sat down with renowned marriage celebrant, Alex, from The Vow Ceremonies, who gave us a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the biggest mistakes couples make and the secrets to crafting a truly unforgettable day.
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Here’s what every couple needs to know before they book anything else.
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​1. The Booking Hierarchy: Why the Ceremony Is NOT an Afterthought
According to Alex, the most common oversight couples make is treating the person who actually marries them as the least urgent booking.
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“People forget that the ceremony is the most important part of the day, and actually getting married is super important,” Alex explains. “Sometimes they'll come to me and say, 'I’ve booked absolutely everything else, and now I’ll get a celebrant.'”
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The Professional's Rule: The celebrant should be one of the very first vendors you secure, right after your venue. Why? Your celebrant (along with your photographer and DJ) sets the entire mood and vibe of the day. They need to be available and aligned with your vision before you build the rest of your day around them.
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Actionable Tip: Lock in your date, book your venue, then book your celebrant and your entertainment. Get these foundational elements right, and the rest of the planning falls into place much easier.
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2. Vetting Your Vendors: Trust Professional Recommendations
When you're dealing with life's biggest milestones, amateur hour simply won't cut it. Alex stressed the vital importance of vendor recommendations.
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While it might seem tempting to book a cheaper, unproven supplier, professionals who work together regularly are invaluable. They know the venue, they know each other's styles, and they can anticipate and solve problems before you even notice them.
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If a top-tier vendor like your celebrant or your DJ recommends someone, it's often because they trust that person’s quality and reliability implicitly.
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3. The Unseen Impact of Ceremony Music (The morlyfe Connection)
As an entertainment agency, we know the DJ sets the tone for the party, but Alex confirms that music sets the tone for the ceremony too.
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The music chosen for the processional, the signing, and the recessional dramatically impacts the emotional energy of those crucial moments. But there’s a massive pitfall that affects everything: The Sound System.
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"The most disastrous thing I've seen is definitely music-related," Alex confessed. "People often rely on a friend, who has a mate, who has a rubbish sound system... and the microphone cuts out, or the music completely fails."
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A professional DJ or audio technician ensures the system works perfectly, not just for the music, but for the most important part: hearing the vows! If your guests can't hear the ceremony, the entire experience falls flat. Investing in quality audio is non-negotiable for both the ceremony and the reception.
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4. How to Get the Absolute Best Out of Your Vendors
Your suppliers are artists; they thrive when they have clear direction but freedom to execute. Alex offered brilliant advice on vendor communication:
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Communicate the Vibe, Not the Script: Tell your celebrant and your DJ the mood and feeling you want for the day, rather than micromanaging every tiny detail. Alex suggests having an inspiration document that captures the essence of your style.
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Trust the Flow: Trust your vendors to coordinate. A professional celebrant will work seamlessly with your photographer and videographer to ensure everyone gets the right shot without disrupting the moment or stepping in front of the groom!
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Be Present: The best advice, according to Alex? "Plan as much as you can, then on the day, let it all go and just live in the moment."
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By trusting your chosen professionals and focusing on your partner, you give your vendors the space they need to deliver the absolute magic you hired them for.
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Alex's Venue Love: Ceremony Spots and Destination Favourites
While stunning destination regions like the Hunter Valley and the timeless estates of the Southern Highlands remain fantastic choices for weddings, Alex shared several high-quality, specific venue recommendations across different budgets.
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For a deeply personal and highly-rated coastal experience, Alex personally recommends The Jackson Ranch at Bawley Point, the venue where she was married—noting that the service, staff, and food are all exceptional. Moving slightly north, The Merribee near Nowra is championed as an under-rated venue with a beautifully sophisticated setting, and Greyleigh in Kiama offers a very scenic and memorable location.
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Alex also provided valuable insights into the budget required for certain exclusive options. She notes that while Red Leaf in Wollombi offers a beautiful, upscale option, it is a very expensive and up-market venue. Similarly, Mona Farm in Braidwood requires a significant budget, advising couples to start saving their pennies early for that level of luxury and grandeur.
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Conclusion
​The wedding ceremony is the foundation of your entire celebration. By prioritising your celebrant and other key vendors like your DJ early in the process, you set a professional standard that guarantees a smooth, emotionally resonant, and genuinely fun day. Don't let an audio fail ruin your vows—invest in quality and trust your suppliers!
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Ready to get the music right for your unforgettable day? Enquire about morlyfe entertainment today!​​​
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Guest: Alex Loaney - The Vow Ceremonies
