Setting the stage - what do you want the site of your wedding to look like.

Are you interested in having a theme to your ceremony or do you prefer a 'traditional' approach.

Ceremonies generally last 30-40 minutes, including the signing of the legal documents and I suggest you not be too conservative in your choice of inclusions, as this is your one and only wedding.

Gently remind the bridesmaids pre-wedding to be aware to assist you with your train, flowers etc, I find quite often they are so nervous they forget to do this!

I think it is always a good idea to have seating, even a small amount, as parents and grand-parents really need to sit down. It also adds some structure, a path for the bridal party and seems to also help people see and hear better!

Do you want a Ceremony booklet and what will you put in it?

Think about whether you are going to have one married name ie wife takes husband's name or perhaps you would like to hyphenate the two names or you may both wish to retain your own names. These days legally things are not so rigid in this regard, ask me about this if in any doubt. Brides often ask me which name to sign on the marriage certificates. You sign the same name you signed on the 'Notice of Intent to Marry' form ie generally your maiden name or previous married name if you have used this on the NOIM.

Advise me of the colour of your attendants in order for me to wear an appropriate colour to blend in.

If your ceremony is situated in a bush setting etc, consider tying balloons en route to make it easy for guests to locate.

If you are being given away do you want special words spoken by your father/mother/? at this juncture.

There are usually two readings or poems delivered during the ceremony and I think it is lovely if someone close to you delivers them rather than the celebrant.  It adds interest and variety to the proceedings and becomes very meaningful.

I think you will agree that music is of the utmost importance as it really reinforces feelings and creates an atmosphere. In my experience it is imperative this is orchestrated correctly. Consider having one person in charge and that they know exactly when to start and finish and to make sure the volume is loud enough to be heard. Of course you may have 'live' music which is wonderful.

Perhaps you could consider incorporating a ritual or symbol (of joining together) into your ceremony which I think is a lovely idea. I can advise you of some options eg binding hands with scarf, sand merging, creating a circle of rosepetals around the couple, candle lighting etc...

Regarding your chosen ceremony location, keep the elements in mind.
Eg harbourside or on the beach, late afternoon often brings strong winds. Also the position of the sun is important as it can be very uncomfortable in summer to have the sun in your eyes with no shade for more than a short period. The time you choose is related to the location also, so keep this in mind.