Congratulations, you're getting married! Now what?!
It appears that traditional weddings are being phased out and
civil ceremonies are the new, happening thing. How To Say 'I Do' By
Mandy Newman with June Newman is a comprehensive 11 chapter guide
to civil marriage ceremonies.
Some of the helpful chapters include:
Chapter one - Everybody's doing it
Covers two of the most important questions in regards to the
civil marriage option, why civil? And is a civil service the same
as a "real" service?
Chapter two - Legal mumbo jumbo
Explores the legal information you need to know about civil
marriages including answering questions, what must a civil wedding
contain in New Zealand? Who can be a witness? And even, what name
do I sign my marriage documents in? All questions to help guide you
into the civil marriage process.
Chapter four - Choosing a civil celebrant
Includes advice and answers the important questions, what
qualifications does a celebrant need? And where can I find a civil
celebrant?
Chapter five - The 16 elements of a civil marriage
ceremony
This chapter includes how to choose your wedding Theme - the
blessing, reading, and the vows, exchange of rings, declaration of
marriage, signing of register as well as the declaration and
presentation of the marriage certificate.
This also covers questions in relation to, location - what will
you do if the weather wreaks havoc? Marrying overseas, How to
create the right atmosphere and how to define the space, create a
focal point and advice about music and lighting. This chapter also
answers important questions in relation to readings - Do I have to
have readings? Where do I find readings? How many should I have?
And the vows - How long should vows be? Do I have to say 'love and
obey'?
Chapter ten - Sources of inspiration
Is a guide to finding inspiration for the perfect readings and
poems, songs ideas and wedding themes. This chapter also
includes ideas to help spark your imagination.
Some of the song ideas include anything from all time greats,
'Can't Help Falling in Love' By Elvis Presley to rock song You Are
My Everything by REM.
Chapter eleven - Contacts
This final chapter includes helpful wedding websites, bridal
magazines, list of civil marriage celebrants, Pre marriage
education providers and counsellors, religion resources, where to
find readings and also includes a list of registries of births,
deaths and marriages.
Overall I found this book to be an excellent guide to civil
marriage ceremonies; it has a broad diversity of topics and advice.
A must! For those of you that are planning your own civil marriage
ceremony.
Book: How To Say 'I Do'
Author: Mandy Newman with June Newman
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Book Reviewed By: Nicki Gault