When I got married at Vogue Ballroom in 2017, I realised that a wedding is about so much more than just a celebration. It’s a deeply personal milestone – a public commitment to love, unity, and building a future together. While the cake, the dress, and the first dance are all special, the true meaning of a wedding lies in the vows exchanged and the lifelong promise that follows.
A wedding marks the beginning of a journey, and its meaning can be different for every couple. For some, it’s about the love they’ve built over time; for others, it’s the excitement of embarking on something new. From my own experience, I can say that a wedding is the start of something far greater than one day—a lifetime of love and partnership.
The True Meaning of a Wedding: More Than Just a Party
The Start of Something Bigger
Sometimes, I asked, “What does this all mean?” Beyond the pretty decorations, the heartfelt speeches, and the delicious cake, there’s a deeper significance to a wedding. A wedding is far from just a celebration—it begins a lifelong journey, an official promise made in front of the people you love.
That day wasn’t just about looking good in a tuxedo (though I did enjoy that part!). It was about knowing that I was making a commitment that would span a lifetime. A wedding marks the start of something new: a shared life filled with adventures, challenges, and growth. It’s a public declaration of love, of unity, and of a future spent together.
A Wedding Is More Than a Party
When we think of a wedding, we often picture the party—the reception, the dancing, and the excitement of being surrounded by friends and family. But the true meaning of a wedding goes beyond the fun and festivities. It’s about two people deciding to take the leap together, promising to support each other through thick and thin.
The wedding day may only last for a few hours, but what it represents is far more profound. It’s the foundation for everything that comes after: the first home, the shared dreams, the milestones reached together.
In the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, it’s easy to lose sight of this. But I always remind couples to take a moment to appreciate the gravity of the vows they’re about to take. You’re not just saying words in front of a crowd—you’re making promises that will shape your future.
It’s About Love and Community
Weddings are, at their core, about love. But they also represent something bigger: the community around you. When you’re standing in front of your family and friends, saying “I do,” you’re not just promising to your partner—you’re also promising to your community, your family, and your future together. That sense of support is invaluable and strengthens the bond you’re about to create.
Take my own wedding, for example. It was the love of family, friends, and shared commitment that made it feel like more than just an event. I remember the look on my partner’s face as we exchanged vows—it was in that moment I truly understood what our wedding meant. It was a promise, not just for that day, but for the rest of our lives.
A Moment That Marks a Lifelong Partnership
So, what does a wedding mean? It’s about starting a journey, committing to someone, and creating something far beyond the one-day event. It’s a moment in time that marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership—a commitment to growth, support, and love.
The Wedding Ceremony: Where Love Becomes Official
Making It Legal and Binding
The wedding ceremony is, without a doubt, the most significant part of the big day. It’s the moment when everything becomes official. As much as the celebration, cake, and dancing matter, it’s the ceremony that truly seals the deal.
I’ll never forget the feeling when my partner and I stood before our officiant and exchanged vows—it was in that moment that the gravity of what we were committing to really hit me. That moment of “I do” is when the promise we were making became official, not just to each other but also to the world.
In Australia, the marriage ceremony is legally binding once you’ve completed all the formalities, which include having a recognised celebrant or officiant preside over the ceremony. Whether you opt for a religious or secular ceremony, the ceremony marks the legal moment when you become husband and wife (or spouses, depending on your preference).
In fact, a couple who chooses a non-legal ceremony must still register their marriage separately for it to be legally recognised—something I often remind couples to ensure is sorted out well in advance.
Key Moments in the Ceremony: The Heart of the Event
What I love about a wedding ceremony is that it’s a series of beautiful moments that come together to tell a couple’s story. From the procession to the final kiss, it’s a journey that pulls everyone into the heart of the day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key moments that often make up a wedding ceremony:
- The Processional: The moment when the bridal party walks down the aisle, building the anticipation. The groom, best man, and groomsmen often enter first, followed by the bridesmaids and flower girls. Finally, the bride makes her grand entrance, typically accompanied by one or both parents.=
- The Vows: This is where the promises happen—the heart of the ceremony. Couples can choose to write their vows or recite traditional ones. It’s a very personal moment and, for me, it’s where the wedding goes from being a celebration to being a life-altering promise.
- Ring Exchange: The rings are a symbol of the eternal love and commitment shared between the couple. While this part is a tradition in most weddings, some couples opt to personalise it with special wording or a ring warming ceremony, where the rings are passed through the hands of guests for a blessing.
- Unity Rituals: In non-denominational ceremonies, there’s often room for unique rituals to symbolise the couple’s union. A unity candle, sand ceremony, or even planting a tree together can make the ceremony feel uniquely theirs. When my partner and I chose to light a unity candle, it felt like the perfect way to mark our union in a way that reflected our values.
Personalising Your Ceremony: Make It Yours
The beauty of modern weddings is that couples have the flexibility to design a ceremony that’s true to their personalities. You don’t have to follow the same structure your parents did, or stick to rigid traditions if they don’t feel right for you.
During my own wedding, we worked closely with our celebrant to make sure our ceremony told our story—our favourite songs, a poem from a friend, and a personal reading. It felt like a beautiful reflection of who we were as a couple.
For some, incorporating personal vows is a must. Others might prefer to keep it traditional, exchanging the classic “I promise” vows. The beauty is in the options, and it’s about what feels true to you. You may even choose a celebrant who has the experience to add some lighthearted moments to the ceremony or help you navigate more formal elements.
The Role of Your Officiant: More Than Just a Legal Requirement
Your officiant or celebrant plays a huge role in making sure everything goes smoothly. In Australia, your officiant doesn’t need to be a religious leader, though many couples choose one based on their personal beliefs. A celebrant, on the other hand, can offer a more flexible, non-religious ceremony that can be tailored exactly to the couple’s preferences.
My own celebrant was a great fit—someone we could connect with and who really took the time to get to know us as a couple. For us, that connection made the ceremony even more meaningful. They didn’t just perform the service; they helped us tell our story, adding little touches that made the ceremony feel intimate and reflective of our journey.
Wedding Traditions: Honouring the Past While Embracing the Future
A Tradition with Meaning
Wedding traditions have been passed down through generations, each carrying its own significance. However, as I’ve seen in my experience, many couples are reimagining or adapting traditions to suit their own style.
During my wedding, my partner and I kept some traditions but also threw in a few that were uniquely ours. Weddings are about finding the right balance between tradition and personalisation.
One of the most well-known traditions is “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.” When I first heard this, I thought it sounded a bit like folklore, but when you dig into its meaning, it’s surprisingly heartfelt.
- Something Old represents continuity, the bride’s ties to the past, and her family’s traditions. For me, my grandmother’s necklace became my ‘something old.’ It felt like a beautiful way to keep her spirit with me on my big day.
- Something New symbolises the hope and joy for the future. I wore new earrings that my partner had surprised me with on the morning of the wedding. It was a small but meaningful touch that marked the start of our new chapter.
- Something Borrowed is about carrying on the happiness of others into your own marriage. A close friend of mine lent me a handkerchief that had been passed down through her family. I loved knowing it had already witnessed so many other joyful moments.
- Something Blue represents love, fidelity, and loyalty. I wore blue shoes under my wedding dress—something small but quirky that felt personal.
These traditions carry deep meaning, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow them strictly. Over the years, I’ve seen couples mix in their own unique twists—like including a family heirloom, adding meaningful quotes, or incorporating a special ritual to create a ceremony that reflects their personality.
Personalising or Skipping Traditions: It’s Up to You
The beauty of modern weddings is the flexibility you have to make your ceremony and reception entirely your own. I’ve worked with couples who’ve decided to skip long-standing traditions like the bouquet toss or even the first dance. And that’s perfectly okay! Wedding traditions can be wonderful, but if they don’t resonate with you or your partner, there’s no reason to feel obliged to keep them.
For example, one couple I worked with in Melbourne decided to skip the traditional first dance. Instead, they used the time for a heartfelt toast with their closest friends, which felt much more reflective of their laid-back personalities. It was a great example of how weddings can be as unique as the couple themselves.
New, modern traditions are also cropping up that offer fresh takes on old customs. The “first look” before the ceremony, where couples see each other privately and share a moment together, has become a beautiful way to connect before the ceremony and calm any nerves. For some, having a special thank-you moment with family before walking down the aisle adds a personal touch that’s hard to beat.
How Traditions Create Meaning
Traditions, whether you keep them or adapt them, serve as a meaningful way to connect with your heritage, your values, and the people who have shaped your journey. They create a shared experience with your loved ones and add layers of significance to your big day. I’ve seen couples incorporate family customs or cultural elements into their ceremonies, like a family member performing a special reading or including a cultural ritual that symbolises unity. These additions enrich the day and make it feel even more special.
For instance, a couple I worked with had a traditional tea ceremony, which was a significant part of their cultural background. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture that honoured their parents and their roots, while also marking the start of their new life together.
Whether you’re keeping things traditional or creating new traditions, what matters most is that the day reflects you, the couple and your story.
The Wedding Planning Process: From Engagement to the Big Day
Setting Your Wedding Vision
The wedding planning process can feel overwhelming at first, but it all begins with setting a clear vision for the day. When my partner and I started planning our wedding, we took some time to think about what we truly wanted. We asked ourselves: What kind of atmosphere do we want to create? How do we want our guests to feel? The more we discussed our vision, the clearer everything became.
A wedding vision is more than just choosing a theme or picking out colours. It’s about capturing the essence of who you are as a couple and what you want your day to represent. Whether you’re envisioning a grand, elegant affair or a laid-back celebration with close friends, starting with a solid vision makes the rest of the planning easier.
For example, one couple I worked with had a deep love for the outdoors, so they chose a rustic vineyard for their ceremony and reception. Their vision was to blend nature and elegance seamlessly, which guided their choices in décor, food, and even attire. From the start, their vision gave them the confidence to make decisions that truly fit their style.
Creating a Wedding Mood Board
Once you’ve got a vision, it’s time to start bringing it to life. A mood board is a great tool to gather all your ideas in one place. My partner and I created a Pinterest board, collecting everything that inspired us—wedding dresses, floral arrangements, venues, and even unique ideas for the reception. This helped us see the bigger picture and ensure everything matched our style.
Building a mood board is a fun way to visualise the elements of your wedding, whether you’re going for a specific colour scheme, a vintage feel, or something modern and sleek. You can use physical boards, online platforms, or apps that allow you to pin photos, create colour palettes, and add notes. Once you have your vision and mood board ready, it’s much easier to make decisions about flowers, stationery, attire, and other wedding details.
Choosing Your Wedding Vendors
Vendors play a crucial role in turning your vision into reality. From photographers and florists to caterers and musicians, these are the professionals who will help bring your ideas to life. For me, one of the most important vendor choices was our photographer.
We wanted someone who not only had technical skills but also understood our personalities and could capture our wedding day in a way that felt natural and candid.
I always recommend booking your vendors early, especially for popular wedding dates. Make sure you meet with potential vendors to get a feel for their style and approach. You’ll be working with them closely, so having a good rapport is essential.
Here’s a quick checklist for selecting your key wedding vendors:
- Photographer/Videographer: Start by looking at portfolios, checking reviews, and meeting with them in person.
- Catering: Book early and consider tasting sessions before making your decision.
- Florist: Have a clear idea of your wedding theme and mood to share with them.
- Musicians/DJ: Listen to their previous work or attend a live performance if possible.
- Wedding Planner/Coordinator: If you’re hiring a planner, ensure they’re a good fit for your personality and vision.
Key Wedding Roles: Who Does What?
The roles of your wedding party and your vendors are crucial in making sure everything runs smoothly on the day. While it’s common to have a Maid of Honour and Best Man, there are other roles that are just as important, like the ushers, flower girls, and ring bearers. It’s always helpful to clearly communicate each person’s responsibilities so everyone knows what to expect.
During my wedding, we had a solid group of people who were ready to step in and help with whatever was needed. The day ran seamlessly because everyone knew their roles, whether it was keeping track of the rings or making sure guests were seated in the right place. I always recommend having a wedding coordinator (even if it’s just a day-of coordinator) to oversee everything. This will ensure that you’re not overwhelmed and can actually enjoy your day.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Crafting an Unforgettable Experience
Personalising Your Wedding Ceremony to Reflect Your Relationship
One of the things I always tell couples is that their wedding ceremony is the perfect opportunity to share their unique love story. While traditional vows are beautiful, personalising your ceremony is a powerful way to make the day truly yours.
When my partner and I planned our ceremony, we chose to incorporate readings from books that had special meaning to us. We also had a friend who had known us both for years share a personal story of how they witnessed our relationship grow. It made the ceremony feel more intimate and connected.
There are so many ways to personalise your ceremony. You can choose specific readings or even write your own vows. Incorporating family traditions or creating new ones can add depth and meaning to the occasion.
For instance, one couple I worked with included a sand ceremony, where they poured different coloured sand into a single vessel to symbolise the blending of their lives. The beauty of personalisation is that it allows you to reflect your unique bond while keeping the ceremony meaningful.
Planning a Memorable Wedding Reception: From Grand Entrance to Send-Off
While the ceremony marks the legal start of your marriage, the reception is where the celebration really kicks off. It’s the moment where you and your guests can relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. When planning your reception, it’s important to think about the atmosphere you want to create and how you can surprise and delight your guests.
One of the most memorable moments at my wedding was our grand entrance. After the ceremony, we made our entrance to a song that had personal significance for us, and the energy in the room was incredible. It set the tone for the entire evening.
Here are a few key elements to consider when planning your reception:
- Grand Entrance: Think about the music and how you want to enter the reception. This moment can be playful, elegant, or even funny—whatever reflects your personality.
- Seating Arrangement: Whether it’s a formal, seated dinner or a more relaxed, cocktail-style reception, make sure your seating arrangement works for your guest list. You want your guests to be comfortable and to mingle easily.
- Food and Drink: The food can make or break your reception. Choose a catering style that fits the vibe of your wedding, whether it’s a plated dinner, buffet, or food stations. Don’t forget to consider dietary requirements and preferences when choosing your menu.
- Entertainment: Music is key to creating an unforgettable reception. Whether you go with a live band or a DJ, pick tunes that get your guests on the dance floor and add to the overall energy of the celebration.
- The Send-Off: This is one of those moments that make for an unforgettable photo opportunity. From sparklers to confetti to bubbles, there are plenty of fun and unique ways to send the couple off to their next adventure.
Creating a Flow: Keeping Guests Engaged
The flow of the reception is just as important as the venue’s decor or the food you serve. A well-planned reception ensures that guests are engaged, entertained, and comfortable throughout the event.
My advice is to have a clear timeline in place for the evening. Knowing when speeches, dances, and cake-cutting will happen allows everyone to enjoy each moment without wondering what’s next.
For instance, if you plan to have a photo booth, a dessert table, or a special toast, make sure these activities fit into the timeline. I once worked with a couple who had their guests write down messages to the couple as part of the reception entertainment. Not only was it fun for the guests, but it also gave the newlyweds something special to look back on.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Crafting an Unforgettable Experience
Personalising Your Wedding Ceremony
Your wedding ceremony is your chance to share your unique story. Whether you write your own vows or incorporate a special reading, personalising the ceremony makes it feel meaningful. At my wedding, we included a personal poem from a close friend and chose songs that had special meaning to us. It made the ceremony feel deeply personal.
Planning a Memorable Reception
Your reception is where the celebration happens. From the grand entrance to the final send-off, plan moments that will make your day unforgettable. Choose music that sets the tone, have fun with seating arrangements, and ensure your guests feel comfortable.
I recommend a clear timeline for the evening, so everyone knows what’s coming next. The little moments—like sharing a toast or a first dance—are what will stick with you and your guests.
Beyond the Wedding Day: Life After the Ceremony
The Meaning of a Honeymoon
The honeymoon is more than just a getaway; it’s time to relax and reflect on your wedding. For us, it was a quiet retreat that gave us a chance to recharge before starting our married life. Whether you choose a tropical beach or a road trip, your honeymoon should be about enjoying each other’s company and celebrating your new life together.
Anniversaries: Keeping the Spark Alive
Your wedding is just the start. Anniversaries are an opportunity to reflect on your journey and continue the celebration. We made it a point to do something special each year—whether it’s revisiting our wedding venue or simply spending the day together. These moments help keep the connection strong and remind you of the love and commitment you’ve built.
A wedding is more than just a celebration; it’s the start of a lifelong journey built on love, commitment, and unity. While the ceremony marks the official union, it’s the vows and promises exchanged that truly define the relationship.
Personalising your wedding ceremony with unique touches like custom vows, readings, or rituals makes it even more meaningful. The reception is the chance to celebrate with family and friends, with moments like the grand entrance and first dance creating unforgettable memories.
After the wedding, anniversaries and honeymoon trips help nurture the marriage. Weddings are about more than the big day—they’re about starting a lifetime of love, support, and shared experiences.
