Eternal Connection Celebrant

If you are having a simple elopement then of course a rehearsal is not a necessity.

But I strongly advise that if you are having a premium wedding a Rehearsal should be held.  This, in my opinion is crucial, especially if you have a number of assistants (bridal party).  The timing of the procession (walk down the aisle) for the Bride, bridesmaids and/or flowergirls is so important with regard to the length of the music.  It isn't necessary to have the groom's attendants present as they have the lucky job of standing there and looking handsome.  The groom should be present as well as the person responsible for the music.  I also advise that, if possible, the person walking the bride down the aisle also be present.

Another factor to take into consideration is when the rehearsal is to be held.  Generally, I advise that this be held a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the ceremony date.  The timing of this should be around the same time of day as the ceremony to take into account the position of the sun (if outdoors) and noises such as planes overhead etc.

Procession (Aisle Walk)  1-2 songs

This depends on the number of "bridesmaids" and the length of the procession for the bridal party.  If the distance from where the bridal party first appear is long or if there is a large number of them then you may possibly require 2 procession songs.  One for the attendants and one for the Bride.  Of course, if you have a singer/musician then they will alter the length of their song accordingly.

Signing 2 songs

Generally, the signing can take up to 15 mins due to the amount of photography involved.  So, I recommend you have 2 songs.

Recession 1 Song

At the conclusion of your ceremony when you are presented to your guests you will walk back down the aisle as a married couple this last song for the recessions is often uplifting and cheerful and can play out until it ends. 

Note:  

Song lengths can vary but I have found on average a song runs for around 3-5 mins.  This is why it is imperative, in my opinion, to have a rehearsal especially for the bridal procession.

Ahh the romance of a beach wedding.  The gentle breeze and the lapping of the waves in the background.  Oh, and the amazing backdrop of the ocean in your photography.

Not wanting to put you off a beach wedding, because they can be very successful and beautiful photographs, I feel it is necessary to make sure you are totally informed.  Having experienced many beach weddings there are things to take into consideration.

Number 1:  Weather

The weather is a huge thing to take into account for a beach wedding.  There can be issues with rain and also too much sun. 

 
Number 2:  Tide. 

Make sure you check the tide patterns for the time you wish to get married.  Also, if there are any delays this could be an issue if the tide is due to come in within an hour of your ceremony time. 

Number 3:  Wind

There is nothing worse than beautifully coiffured hair being spun around in the wind, or indeed a veil finding itself like a sail blowing down the beach.

Number 4:  Sand

The breeze or wind can pick up sand and direct it into eyes.  Also, beach weddings are best bare-footed due to the sand.  I really like the feel of the sand beneath my feet when doing a wedding, it is a more grounded experience.

Number 5:  Guests

Some guests may not have the ability to manoeuvre on sometimes quite precarious ground.  Take into account those that may be elderly or people with disabilities and not able to walk along the beach.

Number 6:  Noise. 

Even secluded parts of the beach can still be noisy such as waves crashing, jet skis, motor boats or even the dreaded seagulls and even people.

Number 7:  People
There are always the dreaded people walking past or planting themselves near, or just hanging around to have a sticky beak, which is lovely but not always ideal and they may be there with their dogs in tow.

Number 7:  Permit 
Many of Victoria's beach weddings require a permit from Parks Victoria or the local council.  These permits can require quite a hefty price so do your research because the fine is far greater than the permit fee.

There are many elements to answering this question.

Cost Winter or Mid-week Ceremonies

Do you research with your venues and vendors.  Winter is often a good option because they may offer more competitive rates during the winter months.  Also, the day of the week - weddings are becoming popular mid-week due to venues being able to have bookings that are not necessarily on the weekend.  Tuesdays and Thursdays can be quite popular days for couples as the venues lower the maximum capacity so the venue of your dreams may become an option that before would not have been affordable.

Weather

Popular months for weddings tend to be Spring and Summer.  In my experience Summer can range from exasperatingly hot to chilly and rain, the same goes for Spring.  Winter and Autumn weddings can be quite beautiful and give more options on the style of outfits that can be worn.  Invariably the thing that no one can rely on in Melbourne is the weather!

Dates of Significance

Some couples choose dates that mean something or are the anniversary of the day they met or homage to a loved one who has passed and unable to attend.  Or even days that have a numerical significance such as 24/04/24 or 26/06/26.