When couples first start planning their wedding, they often focus on finding the perfect venue, choosing a photographer and deciding on the menu.

The celebrant is sometimes left until later.

But here's something I always tell couples...

Your celebrant is the one person who sets the tone for your entire wedding day.

Before the music starts.

Before the first glass of champagne is poured.

Before the celebrations begin.

Your ceremony is the moment your marriage begins, and the right celebrant can make it one of the most memorable parts of the entire day.

So, how do you choose the right one?

Think About How You Want Your Ceremony to Feel

Rather than asking yourself, "Who can marry us?", ask:

"How do we want our ceremony to feel?"

Do you imagine your guests laughing?

Wiping away a few happy tears?

Learning something about your relationship they never knew?

Or perhaps a ceremony that's elegant, relaxed and completely centred around your story?

Every celebrant has a different style.

Some are very formal.

Some are highly traditional.

Others focus on storytelling, humour and creating a ceremony that genuinely reflects who you are.

There isn't a right or wrong approach.

There is simply the one that feels right for you.

Look Beyond the Pretty Website

A beautiful website is wonderful.

But it doesn't tell you what it's actually like to stand in front of that celebrant on one of the biggest days of your life.

Read their reviews.

Watch their videos.

Follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

Can you picture yourself standing beside them?

Do they sound like someone you'd enjoy spending time with during the months leading up to your wedding?

Because you'll be working together much more than you probably realise.

Experience Brings Confidence

Every wedding is different.

Micro weddings.

Large celebrations.

Winery weddings.

Country properties.

Family farms.

Blended families.

Children.

Dogs deciding they're part of the ceremony.

Weather changing five minutes before you walk down the aisle.

An experienced celebrant has usually seen it all.

They know how to keep a ceremony flowing naturally, adapt if something unexpected happens and ensure your guests remain engaged from beginning to end.

Most importantly, they'll make everything feel effortless, even when they're quietly solving problems behind the scenes.

Ask What's Included

Not every celebrant offers the same service.

Some important questions to ask include:

• Will you write a completely personalised ceremony?
• Do you help us write our vows?
• Is a rehearsal included?
• Do you provide a quality PA system?
• Is travel included?
• Do you look after all of the legal paperwork?
• Are there any additional costs?
• Do you have a backup plan if something unexpected happens?

Understanding exactly what's included means there are no surprises later.

Choose Someone Who Listens

Your celebrant should never make your ceremony about themselves.

The best ceremonies are built around the couple.

A good celebrant asks questions.

Listens carefully.

Learns your story.

Discovers what makes your relationship unique.

Then creates a ceremony that sounds as though it could only belong to the two of you.

That's what your guests will remember.

Local Knowledge Makes a Difference

One of the advantages of choosing a local Wangaratta marriage celebrant is experience within the region.

Local celebrants often know the venues, photographers, musicians, florists and coordinators you're likely to be working with.

They understand how different venues operate, where the best ceremony locations are, how the afternoon light falls and what little details help your day run smoothly.

When your wedding team already knows and trusts one another, everything feels just that little bit easier.

Trust Your Instincts

After you've met your celebrant, ask yourselves one simple question.

"Can we picture this person standing beside us on our wedding day?"

If the answer is yes, you've probably found the right fit.

Your celebrant should leave you feeling excited.

Confident.

Relaxed.

And looking forward to your ceremony.

Looking for a Marriage Celebrant in Wangaratta or North East Victoria?

I'm Cheryl Warry, the face behind Once Bitten Twice Smitten Marriage Celebrant.

For more than a decade, I've had the privilege of officiating weddings throughout Wangaratta, the King Valley, Rutherglen, Beechworth and across North East Victoria.

Every ceremony I create is written from scratch because no two love stories are ever the same.

Whether you're planning a relaxed winery wedding, an intimate elopement, a family celebration or something completely unique, my goal is always the same—to create a ceremony that feels authentic, engaging and unmistakably you.

Because your guests shouldn't be sitting through your ceremony.

They should be enjoying every minute of it.

Cheryl's Wedding Tip

Don't choose a celebrant based solely on price.

Long after the flowers have faded and the cake has been eaten, the ceremony is the part of your wedding that everyone remembers.

Choose someone whose style, personality and experience make you feel completely comfortable because that's what will help create a ceremony your guests will still be talking about years later.

Choose wisely!