How to Celebrate: A Guide for New Celebrants Ready to Rock the Aisle
- Jordan Vassallo Celebrant
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
So, you’ve just become a celebrant. Congratulations! You’ve taken the leap into one of the most rewarding, joyful, and (let’s be honest) logistically demanding roles you’ll ever have. You’re not just delivering words; you’re delivering a moment. One that two people will remember forever — and one that hundreds of eyes will watch unfold.
Whether you're fresh out of training or still clutching your certificate like a golden ticket, this guide will walk you through the essentials of how to celebrate with confidence and professionalism — from your feet to your final paperwork. Get ready and find out How to celebrate. A Guide for new Celebrants
1. Blocking (Staging): Where Everyone Stands Matters
Think of the ceremony like a performance — because it is. Blocking is all about making sure every person is in the right spot, at the right time, facing the right direction. Your job is to create intentional symmetry while also making it feel natural.
✅ The Couple: Should be angled slightly toward one another, not square-on. This keeps the audience engaged and the photos flattering.
✅ The Celebrant (That’s You!): Slightly to the side, not wedged between the couple like a piece of emotional salami.
✅ Wedding Party: Evenly split on each side — groomsmen and bridesmaids aren’t scenery, but they shouldn’t upstage the stars of the show. (sitting in the front row works great aswell)
✅ Tips:
Do a run-through chat or “ceremony walk-through” where you physically place people where they’ll stand.
Be mindful of backlighting and shadows for photography.
Always, always test the mic (more on that later).
2. Scripting: Don’t Wing It, Write It
Your script is the heart of the ceremony. It’s not just what you say — it’s how you guide the tone, energy, and story of the couple’s relationship. Every ceremony is unique, but here’s a tried-and-true flow:
Welcome & Acknowledgements
Couple's Story (make it personal, heartfelt, and a little cheeky if it fits)
Readings or Rituals
Legal Monitum (can’t skip this — it’s mandatory)
Vows
Ring Exchange
Declaration & The Kiss
The Signing
The Big Pronouncement
🔑 Pro Tip: Write in spoken voice. You’re not crafting a thesis — you’re telling a story. Avoid jargon and cliché (“For those who don’t know me…” is cancelled).
3. Equipment: Your Kit is Your Best Friend
You could have the most incredible voice and moving words, but if no one hears you — it didn’t happen. Invest early in gear that works.
🎤 PA System:
Wireless mic preferred (lapel or handheld).
Make sure it can handle both your voice and any music inputs.
Battery-operated systems are ideal for outdoor venues.
📜 Paperwork Kit:
Folder for legal docs
Spare pens (trust me)
Paperclips, pegs (for wind), and tissues (for tears)
Bluetooth speaker (for background music or aisle songs)
Extension lead or power bank for back up..
4. Attire: Dress Like You’re in the Photos (Because You Are)
Professional: Polished, but not louder than the couple
Practical: Comfortable enough to move and stand in for long stretches
Weather-appropriate: Breathable fabrics for summer, layers for winter
Avoid bold patterns or colours that clash with common wedding palettes. And no, you don’t need to match the bridal party — but you do need to look like you belong.
5. Presentation: You’re the Calm in the Chaos
Your delivery should be:
🗣 Clear: Use the mic properly. Don’t wave it around or cup your hand.
📏 Paced: Not too fast — especially during the vows or important rituals.
💛 Warm: Inject personality. Be the kind of celebrant that guests say, “They were fantastic!”
Body Language Tip: Don’t rock or sway. Ground your feet, stand tall, and hold your notes discreetly. Don’t be afraid to pause for laughter, tears or applause — it’s all part of the magic.
6. Legal Paperwork: Your Most Important Role
As fabulous as your script and delivery are, none of it counts without the legal side done right.
Here’s your bare minimum checklist:
📄 NOIM: Lodged at least one month before the wedding.
📜 Declaration of No Legal Impediment: Signed prior to the ceremony.
🖊 Marriage Certificates: 3 to be signed during the ceremony (official, celebrant’s, commemorative).
🖥 Lodgement: Register the marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages within the required time (usually 14 days in NSW).
Double and triple-check names, spellings, birthdates and witness details. Your couple deserves the moment, but they also need the marriage.
Final Thought: Celebrate Like a Pro
Being a celebrant is equal parts showrunner, scriptwriter, storyteller and legal officiant. When you strike the right balance of presence and planning, you don’t just conduct a ceremony — you elevate it.
And hey — if you ever need advice, a second pair of eyes on your script, or a strong coffee after your first wet-weather ceremony, feel free to reach out.
Welcome to the best job in the world. You’re going to love it here.
Jordan Vassallo
#1 Male Celebrant in Australia | As seen on Married at First Sight
👉 Let’s Connect
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @jordanvassallocelebrant and like my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jordanvassallocelebrant
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