Tal Lemmens
FAQs
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of questions. Here's the answers to the ones I get asked the most.
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of questions, and chances are you're not the first person to ask them.
Here are the answers to the ones I hear most often.
Planning
How far in advance should we book? If you've already got a date in mind, I'd recommend reaching out around 12–18 months beforehand. Popular dates (especially Saturdays from September to March) can book up quickly, so if you've got a good feeling, don't leave it too long. I'd hate for you to miss out.
What does the planning process look like? First things first, I'll send through your Welcome Pack with everything you need to know, along with a rough timeline so you'll know when I'll be in touch throughout the planning process. A little closer to your wedding, I'll reach out to get the legal paperwork underway (including your Notice of Intended Marriage), and we'll start chatting all things ceremony. In between? I'm always just a message away. Whether you've got a question, need some advice, or just want to bounce around ideas, I'm here to help. You won't be left wondering what's next, I promise.
Can we meet before booking? Absolutely! In fact, I encourage it. Your celebrant is a big part of your wedding day, so it's important that we click. We'll jump on a relaxed Zoom call, chat about your plans, and you can ask me anything. No pressure, no awkward sales pitch—just a chance to see if I'm the right fit for you.
Do you travel? The short answer is yes! I'm based in Bannockburn and regularly travel throughout Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine, Ballarat and beyond. If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married a little further from home, don't let that stop you reaching out. I never say no to a good road trip or an excuse to jump on a plane!
Ceremony
Can we personalise our ceremony? Denfinitely! In fact, I encourage it. Your ceremony should feel like you, not like something copied and pasted from the internet. Whether it's personal vows, readings, handfasting, a special tribute or even your dog as ring bearer, we'll create something that reflects your story.
How much input do we get into the ceremony? As much as you'd like. This is your ceremony, not mine. I'll guide you through the process, write the ceremony from everything you've shared with me, and then send it through for you both to read before the big day. Want to tweak something? No worries. Want to add a funny story or remove something that doesn't quite feel like you? Easy. Nothing is locked in until you're completely happy with it.
Can we write our own vows? Of course, I love it when couples do. Your vows don't need to be perfect, they just need to sound like you. They can be heartfelt, funny, a little emotional, or a mix of everything. If you're feeling stuck, don't worry. I'll send you my vow writing guide packed with tips, prompts and examples to help you get started. And if you'd like a second set of eyes before the big day, I'm always happy to read them over and offer feedback. No pressure, no cheesy templates, just vows that feel genuine.
What if we're nervous speaking in front of everyone? Honestly? Nearly every couple tells me they're nervous about standing in front of everyone. The good news? You don't need to be performers. I'll guide you through the entire ceremony, let you know exactly where to stand and what's coming next. Before you know it, you'll be so caught up in the moment that those nerves will melt away.
Can we include our children, family or pets? 100%! If they're important to you, let's find a way to include them. I've had dogs walk rings down aisles, kids completely steal the show, and grandparents become the biggest surprise crowd favourite.
How long does a ceremony usually go for? Usually around 20–30 minutes, depending on what you'd like to include. Long enough to laugh, cry, tell your story... and short enough that Uncle Steve doesn't start checking his watch.
What if we have no idea where to start? That's exactly why I'm here! I'll guide you through everything, from the legal paperwork and ceremony planning to vow writing and all the little details you didn't even know you needed to think about. You don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. We'll work through it together.
Legal
What is a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and when do we complete it? The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is the legal document that lets the government know you're planning to get married. It needs to be completed at least one month before your wedding, but it can be lodged up to 18 months in advance. Don't worry about remembering deadlines though, I'll let you know when it's time, guide you through the paperwork, and make sure everything is completed correctly.
What documents do we need? To complete your NOIM, you'll each need some identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, along with photo ID like your driver's licence. If either of you has been married before, you may also need to provide documents relating to your divorce or your previous spouse's passing. It sounds more complicated than it is, I promise! I'll let you know exactly what you'll need before we meet, so there are no surprises.
Do we need witnesses? Yes, you'll need two witnesses who are over 18 years of age to sign your marriage paperwork on the day. They can be family, friends, or anyone important to you—they don't need to be part of your bridal party. If you're ever unsure who to choose, just ask. I'm always happy to help.
What happens after we're married? Once you've said "I do" and you're off celebrating, I'll take care of lodging all of your legal paperwork with Births, Deaths & Marriages. You'll receive a beautiful ceremonial marriage certificate on the day, and I'll also apply for your official marriage certificate on your behalf. Even better, the cost is already included in my fee, so it's one less thing for you to organise. One more thing ticked off your list, and one less thing for you to worry about.
MC
What does a professional MC actually do? Think of me as the person working quietly behind the scenes to make sure your reception feels effortless. Before the big day, I'll help create a personalised reception timeline and coordinate with your venue and vendors. On the night, I'll welcome your guests, make announcements, introduce speeches, keep everything running on time and make sure everyone knows exactly where they need to be. While you're busy celebrating with your favourite people, I'll be behind the scenes keeping the vibe high, the timeline on track and everything running smoothly.
Should we choose a professional MC or ask a friend or family member? There's no right or wrong answer. It really comes down to the kind of experience you want for your day. A friend or family member can absolutely do a wonderful job, but they're also one of your favourite people. They're there to celebrate with you, laugh during the speeches and dance the night away, not spend the evening watching the clock, chasing vendors or making announcements. A professional MC takes care of all of that behind the scenes, allowing your loved ones to simply enjoy the celebration alongside you. It's one less thing for everyone to think about.
Why book the same person as both our celebrant and MC? There's something really special about having one familiar face with you from the moment your ceremony begins until the dance floor is pumping. Because I've already spent months getting to know you, your family and your plans, the whole day flows naturally. There's no awkward handover, no repeating information to someone new, and no wondering who's in charge. It's seamless, relaxed and one less thing for you to think about.
About Ash
Why did you become a celebrant? It all started with my brother and sister-in-law. They'd just gotten engaged and were saying how much they hated the idea of having a complete stranger standing up there telling their story. I'd been thinking about becoming a celebrant for a little while, so I jokingly said, "Well, I better get my butt into gear so I can marry you!" I definitely wasn't expecting them to say yes... but they loved the idea. So, I became a celebrant, married my brother and sister-in-law, and completely fell in love with the job. The rest, as they say, is history.
What's your favourite part of a wedding day? This is impossible to answer because I honestly have two favourite moments. The first is seeing your partner's face as you walk down the aisle. There's something so special about watching all those nerves disappear the moment they see you. The second is during your vows. Whether you're laughing through them, crying through them, or somehow doing both at once, it's one of those moments where the rest of the world disappears and it's just the two of you. I get a front-row seat to all of those emotions, and I honestly don't think I'll ever get tired of it.
What's one thing every couple worries about that they really shouldn't? Honestly? Getting everything "perfect." I've seen enough weddings to know that the moments people remember most are rarely the perfectly planned ones. They're the unexpected laughs, the happy tears, the flower girl who decides she'd rather sit down halfway up the aisle, or the vows that go a little off script. Your guests won't remember if something tiny didn't go to plan, they'll remember how your ceremony made them feel. So take a deep breath, trust the people around you and enjoy every moment. I've got the rest covered.
How much input do we get into the ceremony? As much as you'd like. This is your ceremony, not mine. I'll guide you through the process, write the ceremony from everything you've shared with me, and then send it through for you both to read before the big day. Want to tweak something? No worries. Want to add a funny story or remove something that doesn't quite feel like you? Easy. Nothing is locked in until you're completely happy with it.
What's one piece of advice you'd give every couple? Take five minutes together. Just the two of you. No photographer, no bridal party, no phones, just a quiet moment to soak it all in. Your wedding day goes by so much faster than you think, so pause, look around and appreciate what you've created together. Those five quiet minutes often become the memories couples treasure most.
What if something goes wrong on the day? Honestly? Something almost always goes a little differently than planned... and that's completely okay. Maybe the flower girl decides she's not walking. Maybe someone tears up halfway through their vows. Maybe the wind has other ideas. My job is to stay calm, adapt in the moment and make sure you barely notice if something changes. Some of my couples' favourite memories are the little unexpected moments that no one could have planned.
Still wondering about something?
Every wedding is different.
If your question isn't here, I'd love to hear all about your plans and answer anything that's on your mind.