12 Wedding Ceremony Tips Every Couple Should Know
💍 12 Wedding Ceremony Tips Every Queensland Couple Should Know (From a Celebrant Who’s Seen It All!)
Planning your wedding ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of the journey — but it can also be the part couples feel least prepared for. As a Brisbane Marriage Celebrant for over 15 years, I’ve guided a LOT of couples through their “I do’s,” and I can promise you this:
A beautiful ceremony isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, intention, and a few clever little tricks that make the moment feel effortless.
Here are my 12 best wedding ceremony tips to help your day run smoothly, look incredible in photos, and feel completely you.
1. Slow Down the Aisle Walk
When the moment arrives, adrenaline kicks in — and almost everyone walks too fast!
Take your time. Breathe. Look up. And take in the love in the room (or the park, or the beach… this is Queensland after all!).
It’s your moment — savour it.
2. Hold Hands During the Ceremony
It’s amazing how grounding this simple gesture is.
Holding hands helps you stay connected, settle the nerves and creates beautiful, natural photos.
3. Stand Close… Closer Than You Think
This is one of my favourite tips because the result is instant magic.
Most couples naturally leave a little “polite space” between them. But a ceremony isn’t a formal portrait — it’s intimate! When you stand closer:
you feel more supported
your shoulders relax
your photos look warmer and more connected
and the entire energy of the ceremony softens
A celebrant’s secret?
Around 30cm
That’s the sweet spot.
4. Keep Your Vows Short, Sweet & Heartfelt
Beautiful vows don’t need to be long. One to two minutes each is perfect.
Say what matters most. Choose words that sound like you, not a fairytale script.
And a hot tip for nerves: print your vows onto a card so you don’t have to worry about folding paper or pulling out a phone mid-ceremony.
5. Appoint a “Ceremony Crew”
Choose one or two trusted people to help with the behind-the-scenes magic:
holding bouquets
adjusting veils or trains
checking flyaways
managing tissues
passing rings
keeping the bridal party in place
It takes pressure off you and keeps the ceremony flowing beautifully.
6. Give the Rings a Photo Moment
When you slide the rings on, do it slowly.
Pause for one or two seconds so your photographer can capture that emotional moment close-up.
7. Think About Queensland Weather (Always!)
Our weather doesn’t care if it’s your wedding day — sun, storms, wind or humidity, it keeps things interesting!
A few simple preparations go a long way:
shade for guests
chilled water
umbrellas (for sun and rain)
hand fans
a Plan B location for summer storms
Your comfort = your joy.
8. Look at Each Other More Than the Celebrant
Some of the most romantic, genuine photos are taken while couples are listening to their ceremony and looking at each other, not at me!
I’ll always guide you on when to turn, when to connect, and when to focus on one another.
9. Hold the First Kiss for 2–3 Seconds
Your celebrant will step gracefully out of the frame (don’t worry — we’re trained ninjas 🥷).
Then: kiss… pause… smile… and kiss again if it feels right.
That little moment becomes one of your favourite photos.
10. Walk Out Slowly for the Confetti/Bubbles Moment
After the signing and pronouncement, take a tiny pause before you walk out.
It lets your guests get ready — and your photographer get into position.
Walk slowly, hold hands, smile at your people.
Whether it’s confetti, bubbles, petals or cheers — it’s pure joy.
11. Microphones Matter (Especially Outdoors)
Queensland birds are beautiful, but they are loud.
Wind is louder.
Traffic is loudest.
A microphone ensures your guests hear every word — especially those heartfelt vows.
12. Take a 2-Minute “Just Married Pause”
Right after the ceremony, sneak away for a private moment.
Just you two. No photographer. No guests. No pressure.
Couples always say it’s one of the most memorable moments of the entire day.
đź’› Final Thoughts
Your wedding ceremony sets the tone for everything that follows. With a little preparation and a celebrant who knows how to guide you (hi! đź‘‹), you can create a moment that feels calm, connected, meaningful, and beautifully yours.
If you're planning your Brisbane or Queensland wedding and want a ceremony that’s relaxed, heartfelt and unforgettable, I’d love to help you bring it all to life.