Wedding Ceremony Tips from a Celebrant – How to Personalise Your Day

By Brook Isobel – Celebrant servicing Sydney, Sutherland Shire & Illawarra

When couples work with me, one thing I hear all the time is:“We want our ceremony to feel like us — but we’re not sure where to start.”

That’s where I come in.

As your celebrant, I’m not just here to say the legal bits (although we’ll definitely get those covered!). I’m here to help you craft a ceremony that’s warm, memorable, and truly personal. So, I’ve rounded up my favourite wedding ceremony tips from a celebrant to help you bring your dream celebration to life.

Wedding ceremony tips from a celebrant who’s seen it all

Over the years, I’ve gathered a list of sweet, fun, and heartfelt ways to personalise your wedding ceremony — while still keeping things relaxed and stress-free. Here are my go-to suggestions:

💐 Personalise the walk-in

There’s no one way to walk down the aisle!Some ideas I love:

• Walk in with both parents, your step-parent, or your children

• Do a first look before the ceremony (a sweet one-on-one moment)

• Skip tradition and walk in together

• Add a handover moment — romantic (a kiss and hug) or formal (a handshake and “Who gives this person?”)

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🌿 Honour loved ones

Want to acknowledge your parents or honour someone who’s passed?

• Share a short tribute during the ceremony

• Light a candle or include a photo or keepsake

• Mention loved ones watching “from the best seat in the house”

These moments are subtle but meaningful — and I’ll help you get the wording just right.

📖 Tell your story

Let’s bring your love story to life! I’ll work with you to share the moments that define your relationship — from your first meeting to what you love about each other, and your hopes for the future.You can even tell the story from different perspectives — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

💍 Personalise your vows and ring exchange

• Write your own vows (I’ll help!)

• Play rock-paper-scissors to decide who reads first

• Present rings with help from a loved one, child or pet

• Use a ribbon-tied ring box or “lucky seat” surprise to involve your guests

There are endless ways to make these core moments feel unique to you.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Involve your kids

Some ways to include children in the ceremony:

• Walk them down the aisle

• Let them present the rings — or give them one in return

• Read a special poem or be part of a family sand or rose ceremony

• Assign a minder (not your parents!) so you can be present during vows

Bonus: I’ve got a light-hearted kids’ reading I can suggest if you’d like to include something fun!

✨ Add special inclusions

Want to go beyond the traditional? These extras can make your ceremony even more meaningful:

• Sand ceremony – pour coloured sand to symbolise your union

• Ribbon ceremony – have loved ones tie ribbons around your hands with words of support

• Marriage candle – light a candle together during the signing

• “Sip & Trust” shot challenge – a playful way to toast after the legal signing

• Anniversary wine letters – write letters now to open on your first anniversary

Whether you want spiritual, symbolic, cultural or just fun inclusions, I’ll guide you through it all.

🐶 Want to include your dog in the ceremony?

Yes, your pup can walk down the aisle too! They can carry rings, join for photos, or simply be your fluffy witness. I can also suggest wedding pet-minders who’ll make sure your dog is camera-ready and on their best behaviour.

Let’s create a ceremony that feels like you

I’m Brook Isobel — a celebrant creating heartfelt, inclusive and joyful ceremonies across Sydney, the Illawarra and the Sutherland Shire. I’ll guide you through every step, from the legal wording to the personal touches that make your day unforgettable.

CONTACT ME HERE