What's the Trend around Religious Weddings?

Is there a deep shift in the ways in which couples marry within Australia?

Until 1973, wedding ceremonies in Australia were either religious based (e.g. a Catholic Church Wedding) or a Registry Office (government) Ceremony. In 1973, the Marriage Act, 1961 (Cth) was amended to allow a third option i.e. a Civil Ceremony officiated by a Civil (Wedding) Celebrant. This was intended to provide wedding couples with a non-religious, non-government run ceremony that’s instead far more personal to them as a couple and their culture.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (“ABS”), about 110,000 wedding ceremonies occur annually within Australia. Up until the early 2000s, the ABS reported that about 80% of these ceremonies were conducted in a religious context e.g. Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, etc. The remaining 20% of couples were married either in a Registry Office or by a Civil (Wedding) Celebrant.

Fast forward about 20 years to 2025 and the ABS ratio has flipped! Instead, in the mid 2020s, over 80% of wedding ceremonies are Civil (Wedding) Ceremony based with less than 20% being officiated through either religious or government registry ceremonies.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding inspiration, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Will Your Celebrant be Your Serial Ceremony Photo Bomber?

A mindful Wedding Celebrant always avoids being a “serial photo bomber” in your ceremony photos!

During the ceremony, the focus must be on the wedding couple (e.g. Bride and Groom). Many, many photographs and videos will be taken of the couple standing together. It’s their moment, it’s their milestone, it’s their special occasion.

If the Celebrant appears in (almost) every shot, arguably that’s photo bombing. Instead, a Celebrant can often stand to the side of the wedding party. For example, the Celebrant may not be engaging with any fiancé in a dialogue but rather speaking to them in a monologue. In standing to the side of the wedding party, the Celebrant can easily orient their monologue to the wedding couple or to the guests as needed, whilst not “photo bombing”.

There will necessarily be times that the Celebrant will need to stand between the Bride and Groom e.g. when interactive dialogue is needed and/or the mic is to be held for either fiancé. Otherwise, stepping aside (and out of the couple’s photos) is ideal.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding planning, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your marriage celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

So, What About Your Celebrant's Wedding Attire?

What attire should a Celebrant wear to a ceremony? Simply, it depends.

Often the fiancés (e.g. Bride and Groom) might have their ceremony in a formal environment e.g. a venue's chapel or venue's romantic garden setting. This would warrant smart business-like attire e.g. a male celebrant wearing a suit and tie, a business shirt with long pants and dress shoes.

In contrast, the wedding might be taking place on a beach, say on a warm summer’s day. In this setting, there's simply no need for a male Celebrant to wear a tie. Instead, simply an open jacket with a collared shirt, dress pants and dress shoes. (In fact, shoes might be optional for all attendees including the Celebrant!)

In further contrast, the wedding couple may have a themed wedding (e.g. Star Wars, Vikings, etc) or a cultural wedding (e.g. Asian, Indian, etc) to which the Celebrant’s attire could be adapted!

Nonetheless, at all times a Civil Wedding Celebrant in Australia is upholding the federal legislative requirements of the Marriage Act as administered by the Attorney General's Department. So, the Celebrant’s attire should always be reflective of this responsibility.

For Let’s Marry to help you best to celebrate your love, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding officiant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Legal Vows vs Personal Vows ... What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between “Legal Vows” and “Personal Vows”?

The Legal Vows (in Australian Civil Ceremonies) are each fiancé (e.g. Bride and Groom) to commonly state … “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [full name], take thee, [partner’s full name], to be my lawful wedded [wife / husband].”

Under the federal Marriage Act legislation, these words, with some minor variations allowed, must be stated by each partner to the other for the civil marriage to be legally solemnised. (Note, this is general information only (and not legal advice) and there are other ceremonial legalities also needing compliance.)

In contrast, Personal Vows are completely optional. It is up to each wedding couple to decide to include (or to not include) any Personal Vows. If included, these vows can be of any length and they can occur at any time during the wedding ceremony. Sometimes couples otherwise choose to express their Personal Vows after the Ceremony, away from the guests, and privately to each other.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding goals, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Your Wedding Celebrant Brisbane, Wedding Celebrant Gold Coast so Your Ceremony, Your Way!

Should your ceremony follow strict traditions? It's your day, let's make it your way.

For a civil ceremony in Australia, there are certain minimal legal requirements that need to be upheld in order to, at law, get married. However, before, in between, and after these minimal legal requirements, the wedding couple can choose to either include or preclude whatever they wish towards their ceremony. In fact, even exchanging wedding rings is only a symbolic gesture in Australian weddings i.e. it is not a legal requirement!

Moreover, the signing in the registry doesn't need to happen in front of friends and family. Legally, this can happen after your ceremony has concluded, but must happen before midnight! Likewise, your Love Story, your Personal Vows, cultural traditions or symbolisms are completely optional.

It’s your day, your way!

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your love story, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your marriage celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Your Ceremony Script? What a Great Celebrant will Do for You!

How will a great Celebrant compile your personalised Ceremony Script?

In Australia, a great wedding Celebrant will provide you with an initial draft script. This will include the minimum legal requirements to become married under the federal Marriage Act of Australia, 1961 (Cth).

In addition to these minimum requirements, your Celebrant's script will also include little romantic inclusions. For example, the words to be said when you're providing your wedding rings to each other.

Finally, your Celebrant will give the option for you to include your unique Love Story, your Personal Vows plus any cultural wedding traditions or symbolisms.

Collectively then, your great Celebrant will personally support you so as to shape your ceremony to be your way, for your day.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding inspiration, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Your Music supported by your Wedding Celebrant Brisbane and Wedding Celebrant Gold Coast

It’s a big wedding, many guests but what about the Ceremony music?

Here are the three stages of Wedding Ceremony music …

One … For about thirty minutes pre-ceremony, as your guests arrive for your ceremony, have background romantic music playing. Simply, it adds to the feeling of the marriage about to unfold as your guests arrive.

Two … The actual ceremony music! There's the Processional Song for the entrance of the Bridesmaids and Bride. Then there's the Signing of the Registry, needing one song, very likely two songs (as most signings take around six minutes). Finally, the Recessional Song as the entire Wedding Party departs with a fun, celebratory song.

Three … Immediately after the Wedding Party concludes their departure to then group kisses and cuddles, the background music must be upbeat, fun and romantic. This music simply concludes upon the photographer needing to speak to arrange group photos (as they don’t want their voice to compete with loud music).

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding inspiration, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Your Walk Down the Aisle Song ... What's its Ideal Length?

The length of your Processional Song i.e. “Walk Down the Aisle Song” will depend perhaps on four considerations.

Firstly, how many people are going to be walking down the aisle with you? Will there be a Page Boy, a Flower Girl, a number of Bridesmaids, the Maid of Honor and then finally the beautiful Bride? Allowing for each individual, you could assume a fifteen second gap in between each person.

Secondly, if the Bride is walking down the aisle with her proud Dad, is everyone able-bodied to walk at a good pace or (for whatever reason) is a slower pace required? In some special moments, a Bride’s Dad simply may require a walking pace with some tender loving care.

Thirdly, there’s the physical distance between from where the Bridesmaids and Bride begin their entrance to where the Groom, Groomsmen and the Celebrant are standing. Naturally, say a 60m distance warrants more music time than simply a 20m entrance.

Finally, after the Bride completes her Processional, she and her Groom will perhaps prefer the song to continue playing at least another thirty seconds. In this time, if needed, the Maid of Honour can adjust the Bride’s wedding dress train.

Regardless, this is also the time for the Bride and Groom to together simply take in the moment. After all, it’s their first time as a loving couple to be just minutes away from saying, “I Do”!

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your love story, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your marriage celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Your Day, Your Way, Your Love Story or Not?

Should you include your personal, “Love Story” in your Ceremony? How did you first meet? How was the first date? When did your friends begin to notice the blossoming romance? How about meeting the parents? Have you holidayed together? Have you bought your home together? Any other poignant moments along the way to now, your special day?

You might be after a short, sweet and simple ceremony, commonly called a legals-only or an elopement ceremony. Whilst technically your Love Story can be included, for the purposes of brevity, you may choose otherwise. However, you might be having a large wedding (e.g. a hired wedding venue with dozens of guests and a big Reception). Then perhaps your Ceremony could include your very unique, “Love Story” to share with your many guests.

If the latter, as your supportive Celebrant, Mark David can help you draft your, “Love Story” to be included within the Ceremony Script. Mark will ask you questions about how you met, your first date, perhaps holidays together and other important moments along your journey towards your Wedding Day.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding inspiration,simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Is Your Ceremony Puppy Friendly?

Will your “puppy” (big or small) be invited to your wedding? Will your puppy be the cute Ring Bearer or simply a very special family guest?

As a passionate dog lover, Mark David easily understands why your dog would have a special place in your wedding. Yet, there are certain practical considerations.

Will the Ceremony location allow a dog? Will your dog be in “fancy dress”? How will your dog get to the wedding? Who will take care of your beloved during the ceremony (with a water source and, if needed, a doggie litter bag)? Will your dog remain relatively calm or are they likely to be restless, bark, etc? Will the weather be too hot for your dog?

Will your “puppy” be included in post-ceremony pics with, “Mum and Dad”? It’s very likely that your dog will need to leave the entire wedding shortly after the Ceremony and if so, be taken away by whom and to where? If not to your home (e.g. a relative’s home), when and how will they be returned to your home?

Dogs (and some other family pets) can be an integral part of your special day, but perhaps after allowing for certain practicalities.

For Let’s Marry to help you best to celebrate your love, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your wedding officiant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Stay Cool ... It's Your Ceremony

An outdoor Ceremony is often in the mid to late afternoon with a setting sun. During the warmer months, it's very important for the Wedding Couple, the Celebrant, plus any Bridesmaids and Groomsmen to have their backs to the setting sun. Ideally there should also be shade for the guests.

For example, if the actual temperature of the afternoon is 25 degrees Celsius, for the Wedding Couple it will probably feel more like 35 degrees. This is for two reasons. Firstly, they're both probably wearing formal wedding attire, for example, her wedding dress (with make-up) plus his suit and tie.

Secondly, there’s the natural wedding anxiety that in itself can make a Bride and Groom naturally feel more warm. Hence, it is so important for the Bride and Groom to remain in a cool environment during the Ceremony.

Very chilled drinks, prior to the Ceremony, offer another way for the wedding couples to remain cool. As an alternative to cold water, enjoy some very cold Gatorade consumed in the hour prior to the Ceremony! Gatorade is specifically made to replenish lost electrolytes and to restore the body to a cooler temperature. 

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding ideas, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your elopement celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

How to Build Rapport with Your Celebrant

It's very important for a wedding couple and their Celebrant to grow a rapport together. The Celebrant is going to have such an impact on the energy of the ceremony and also the legalities of the ceremony ensuring that you’re lawfully married in Australia, as per the Marriage Act of Australia, 1961 (Cth).

So, perhaps read the reviews about your Celebrant, watch their online videos, have an in-person (or at least a video) meeting with them, and afterward ask any questions. Your Celebrant should have a genuine purpose to guide you and proactively support your wedding journey.

Additionally, your rapport could grow with your Celebrant if they’re also your Wedding Dance Instructor. Across your various private dance lessons, it will be very easy for you both and your Celebrant / Dance Instructor to gain a better understanding of each other and have more opportunities to discuss your day to be your way.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding, simply click here to contact Mark David (he being a wedding dance instructor) plus a your wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

What are the Qualifications of Your Modern Celebrant?

In recent years, becoming an Australian Civil (Wedding) Celebrant has become significantly more than, say, a One Day Online Course and providing proof of ID. Instead, there are two significant steps.

Firstly, formal studies to earn a Certificate IV (Celebrant) must be completed with an authorised training facility. This can require up to 60,000 words to answer 150 questions plus assessments of eight videoed mock ceremonies. Secondly, having attained that qualification, you must then apply to the Attorney General's Department. If successful, this is about a five-month process. It includes verification that your qualification satisfies the requirements of the Marriage Act, 1961 (Cth), plus a federal police criminal check on the applicant, plus written character references satisfying federal government criteria, and much more.

Only upon satisfying both of the above two initial steps (sometimes taking up to 17mths) is a candidate then issued with their authority to practice as an Australian Civil (Wedding) Celebrant.

Then, on an ongoing basis, other requirements remain in force. As a licensed Celebrant, you must continuously uphold the legislative requirements of the Marriage Act, 1961 (Cth), its Guidelines and related policies. If in breach of this legislation, in some circumstances, a Celebrant may lose their authority to practice. In extreme breaches of the legislation, they could also be imprisoned. Additionally to remain licensed, every year a Celebrant must complete an Attorney General Department’s issued exam, and without errors.

So, a modern day qualified Australian Civil (Wedding) Celebrant will provide a lot of guidance and romance to your wedding, backed with significant knowledge and experience.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your love story, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your marriage celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Now Married, so How to Change Your Name?

If a Bride or Groom - at their discretion - would like to change their surname, this can only be done after the BDM (of the State or Territory in which you were married) has formally recorded the solemnisation of your wedding. Upon this occurring, the BDM can then provide the couple with their Official Marriage Certificate. (Within your Ceremony, the couple will sign and take home their Commemorative Marriage Certificate.


However, a different document called the Official Marriage Certificate is needed from the BDM to officially provide proof of identity when telling organisations about an intended new surname name.)

For information about the application process (including the fee) and to receive your BDM issued Official Marriage Certificate ...

To order your Queensland Official Marriage Certificate, please click here.

To order your New South Wales Official Marriage Certificate, please click here.

To order your Victoria Official Marriage Certificate, please click here.

To order your South Australia Office Marriage Certificate, please click here.

To order your Western Australia Official Marriage Certificate, please click here.

To order your Australian Capital Territory Official Marriage Certificate, please click here.

To order your Northern Territory Official Marriage Certificate, please click here.

Once in receipt of the Official Marriage Certificate, the next suggested step is to use this document to arrange a new Driver's License (or other proof of photographic ID). Then, this updated photographic ID (e.g. Driver's License) can be combined with the Official Marriage Certificate to most easily officially change a person’s surname in other areas e.g. a bank account. 

This is not legal advice specific your circumstance, rather simply general information to assist at-large.

So as to help you best as your brisbane wedding celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, gold coast wedding celebrant and wedding celebrant gold coast, simply click here.

Why Personalise Your Wedding Ceremony Script?

A personalised wedding script transforms your ceremony into a heartfelt reflection of your unique love story. Imagine standing before your beloved, every word spoken resonating with shared memories and dreams.

This is why personalisation matters.

Firstly … Capture Your Love Story
A customised ceremony script can include personal anecdotes, making your ceremony intimate. For example, recalling how you met at a local café can evoke laughter and nostalgia, creating a warm atmosphere.

Secondly … Reflect Your Values
Tailoring the ceremony script ensures it aligns with your beliefs and style. Whether you prefer a traditional tone or a modern vibe, the script can be adapted to resonate with who you are as a couple.

Lastly … Create Lasting Memories
Personalised Vows are treasured words. Sharing promises that reflect your journey together adds depth to the moment, for you both and your guests.

Ready to create a magical ceremony with your Brisbane Wedding Celebrnat or Gold Coast Wedding Celebrnat? Contact Mark David at Let’s Marry for a personalised wedding experience that captures the essence of your love.

For Let’s Marry to help you best towards your wedding planning, simply click here to contact Mark David … Your marriage celebrant, wedding celebrant brisbane, wedding celebrant gold coast, brisbane wedding celebrant, gold coast wedding celebrant, civil marriage celebrant, legals only celebrant and elopement celebrant.

Van Dev Weddings - Ultimate Wedding Planning

As the Wedding Specialist at Let’s Marry, I have supported over 2,000 weddings across Australia and New Zealand across five separate services. Prior to the last ten years of supporting wonderful wedding couples, I supported $100M companies as a national Project Manager.

It is from this deeper perspective, I had the pleasure of meeting Kodie from Van Dav Weddings, to understand and to appreciate her unprecedented, detailed approach towards Wedding Planning. As the proprietor of Van Dev Weddings, Kodie takes a caring, proactive and diligent approach to supporting her many wonderful Wedding Couples.

I asked Kodie a series of questions, with her answers appearing below.

With so many wedding vendors available across a spectrum of services and products, what due diligence is upheld by Kodie at Van Dev Weddings to ensure the quality, reliability and trustworthiness of those businesses it recommends to wedding couples?

I love to match my clients with the perfect vendors suited to their needs and visions, making their wedding day even more memorable. I maintain an exclusive list of trusted vendors with whom I have established a rapport through past collaborations, ensuring they align with my commitment to excellence.

On the occasions where my clients seek a specific vendor type outside my current vendor portfolio, I undertake an extensive vendor research process. This involves delving into the vendor's historical business practices, analysing client feedback and reviews, scrutinizing their qualifications, and evaluating the quality of their customer service. These efforts are essential to guarantee that every vendor I recommend not only meets but exceeds the expectations of my discerning clients.

Moreover, I take the extra step of personally meeting with potential vendors well in advance of my clients’ events. This allows me to delve beyond the surface and ensure the legitimacy of each vendor’s business. I believe in fostering personal connections with my referred vendors to understand their work ethic and passion for creating exceptional wedding experiences.

But my commitment doesn't stop there. Wherever feasible, I actively seek to experience the services of these vendors firsthand. This firsthand encounter provides invaluable insights, allowing me to precisely anticipate what my clients can expect. By immersing myself into what my vendors offer, I can confidently guide my clients toward affiliates who not only meet their wedding day expectations, but who will enhance their overall experience.

In essence, my vendor selection process combines thorough research, professional connections, and firsthand experiences, allowing me to select the very best vendors for each and every client.

Planning a wedding is akin to a "romantic project". That is, there's a large volume of tasks to be done, people to be allocated to these tasks and the documentation of the timing of such (before, during and after the Wedding Day). Does Kodie from Van Dev Weddings use Gantt Charting methods to assist with this "romantic project" planning?

Wedding planning is indeed “akin to a romantic project”. That’s I've meticulously developed a comprehensive wedding timeline checklist. This textual roadmap plays a crucial role in orchestrating a seamless wedding planning journey for my clients. While it may not adhere to the visual format of traditional Gantt Charts, my in-depth checklist does reflect the optimal order of contributions by vendors to any wedding and how the timing of each contribution effects those of other vendors.

However, like in Gantt Charting’s concept of “critical path”, if there are proposed changes in the order of task my checklist highlights what impact (if any) these changes will have on the timing of other tasks. This is a testament to my commitment to precision planning. Every detail, from the initial planning stages to the post-celebration moments, is considered and executed flawlessly through this invaluable tool.

My timeline checklist conforms to wedding industry standards and is designed to be flexible. This allows me to customise the planning process based on my couples’ engagement periods (e.g. several years, a year or simply a few months). Simply, I accommodate the timeline and adapt my tool to match the needs of my clients.

This invaluable resource guides me towards effective time allocation, managing tasks with precision, and ensuring nothing is overlooked. Simply, it is the backbone of my intended, meticulous planning approach. It allows me to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and document timelines meticulously.

For the majority of wedding couples, it's their first time along the decision-making pathway for their wedding event. The wave upon wave of considerations and decisions can become overwhelming, sometimes with couples needing time to consider options and/or to change their minds. How does Kodie from Van Dev Weddings mentor couples along this varying planning process?

I want nothing but the best for my couples. Planning a wedding is such an exciting time in one’s life and it should be an enjoyable process. But it’s correct to say that wedding planning is also a daunting task that can become extremely stressful, and emotionally taxing for all involved. I find that it’s the unknown and the overwhelm of To Do’s with which first-time couples often struggle.

Thankfully, because of my exclusive planning packages, my couples never have to feel this way. Navigating the intricate journey of wedding planning is what I do best. I understand that the multitude of decisions and considerations can be overwhelming, prompting the need for time and flexibility in choices, all of which are accommodated within my planning processes.

My commitment is to ensure that this significant period in any couple’s lives is not only enjoyable but also of minimum stress. With my exclusive planning packages, I tailor an approach that transforms the wedding planning process into a seamless and enjoyable journey. From conceptualising the wedding or elopement style/design, to sourcing the perfect venue and vendors, as a fully certified wedding planner, I offer a guiding light throughout. Having very recently walked in the footsteps of a bride, I bring a unique understanding of the immense importance and significance attached to this singular day.

My mentorship extends beyond the conceptual stages to liaising with vendors, managing the wedding day, and handling every detail from the event set-up to the final pack-down. My personal experience allows me to empathise with the weight that can sometimes rest upon a couple's shoulders, and I am dedicated to lifting that burden. I stand by my couples every step of the way, ensuring their day evolves into the extraordinary event they’ve envisioned.

At Van Dev Weddings, my mission is clear. To provide not only the best planning services but also a supportive and uplifting experience that turns the daunting task of wedding planning into a joyful and unforgettable journey for my cherished couples.

What contingency planning is automatically included with Van Dev Weddings? For example, due to unforeseeable family illness, a vendor must suspend its services for several months and sadly just one month away from your client couple's Wedding Day.

At Van Dev Weddings, I recognize that unforeseeable circumstances can haunt the dreams of a perfect wedding, but they do not need to worry. In the unfortunate event of a wedding vendor, crucial to their celebration, becoming unable to perform their services due to unforeseen family illness or any unexpected circumstances, I have contingency plans in place to ensure the flow and fun of my client’s wedding day remains uninterrupted.

In such scenarios, I step in immediately, liaising with the affected vendor on my clients’ behalf. My priority is to secure an equally talented and proficient replacement, ensuring that the integrity of my client’s wedding vision is preserved. Leveraging my carefully selected network of skilled professionals, I swiftly reach out to suitable alternatives, ensuring the unfolding of this wedding remains on course. This is supported by my chosen vendors, many of which already have their own contingency plans documented and set to be activated if needed.

Likewise, if for any unforeseeable circumstance, Van Dev Weddings is unable to fulfill its duties, a contingency plan is ready to be enacted. I will diligently source the perfect replacement planner or coordinator for your wedding or elopement celebrations. In this process, I plan a comprehensive meeting with your new planner to discuss and hand over all the planning decisions made to-date. This includes providing the new planner with all the materials, documents, and work I've completed for your event and walking them through the next steps and remaining tasks required of them. I make this transition seamless, ensuring the new planner is well-versed in every single detail of your event.

As the Director of Van Dev Weddings, I provide a guarantee. No matter what challenges or unexpected events may occur during the planning of my clients’ events, or on the day itself, I will effectively and efficiently navigate through these roadblocks. With the utmost care and professionalism, I will ensure my clients receive the grand wedding they desire.

Wedding couples often invest many, many tens-of-thousands of dollars towards their special day. Given this commercial expenditure, does Van Dev Weddings provide to couples a detailed Wedding Budget template?

I recognise the significant financial investment my couples make in their special day. To empower my clients and bring clarity to their investment, I manage their budget and tracking spending on their behalf. Not only do I have a detailed wedding budget template, but also a meticulous expenditure tracker. My clients enjoy the luxury of having detailed financial insights at their fingertips whenever they desire, without the burden of day-to-day budget management.

Beyond the numbers, my approach involves personalised consultations where I delve deep into each couple’s unique preferences. Through a series of thoughtful questions, I tailor the budget to reflect what matters most to them, ensuring every dollar is allocated intentionally. At Van Dev Weddings, I take the reins, meticulously bringing a couple’s wedding visions to life whilst insightfully maximising their budget's potential. My commitment is not just to plan extraordinary events but also to provide my clients with a seamless, stress-free experience, ensuring every dollar invested translates into an unforgettable celebration.

Couples in need of a professional Wedding Planner do so for a myriad of reasons, one common reason being because they're already very time-poor. Allowing for their limited time to discuss and decide on the wedding plan options, how do you ensure you're easily available to these couples at times suitable to them?

As I understand the demanding schedules of my couples, Van Dev Weddings prioritises the accessibility and flexibility of its services. To guarantee my clients receive the utmost attention, I intentionally limit the number of couples I work with annually. This ensures that my commitment is not diluted, instead my undivided attention is readily available whenever I am needed. Whilst my standard office hours are from 8.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, I acknowledge the unique time constraints my clients face. For those clients who are unavailable during these times, special meetings are held outside these hours.

My clients also enjoy unlimited phone and email access throughout the entire planning process, facilitating seamless connection at their convenience. My strategic planning process incorporates two in-person consultations strategically placed within the planning timeline for maximum productivity. In appreciative of my time-poor clients, I also offer video streamed catch-ups.

What are the qualifications, awards, experience, etc of Kodie at Van Dev Weddings towards curating a wedding couple's "Perfect World' within the one day destined to be revered?

As its lead planner and stylist, I established Van Dev Weddings based on my rich collection of qualifications and experience. In 2020, I earned my place within the wedding industry as a fully qualified wedding planner, having earned my Certificate of Professional Wedding Planning, Styling, and Design from The Wedding Planner Institute. With over three years of dedicated involvement in the wedding industry, including a significant chapter at a luxury wedding venue on the outskirts of Brisbane, I’ve meticulously planned and/or coordinated approximately 100 weddings, showcasing an exceptional proficiency in curating, and coordinating extraordinary events.

Beyond Australian shores, Van Dev Weddings extends its services to destination events worldwide. My expertise has transcended borders, from orchestrating an elaborate destination wedding in South Africa to currently planning another in Fiji. My work has recently gained recognition from 'Great Destination Weddings' wherein I was featured in an eminent article of this magazine.

My academic achievements shine through my university graduation, marked by a prestigious academic award. From this, I was acceptance into the ‘Golden Key International Honour Society', the world's largest collegiate honour society with membership into the Society by invitation only and is a testament to my standing in the top 15% of graduate students globally across all fields of study. Plus, with my university degree being adjacent to the wedding industry, it underscores my dedication in the industry towards excellence and continued drive for perfection.

With a foundation built on qualifications, experience, and a commitment to excellence, Van Dev Weddings, stands poised to craft the "Perfect World" for weddings destined to be revered.

What do we gain in expending time and money with a Wedding Planner?

Choosing a wedding planner is a strategic decision that significantly enhances the entire wedding experience. Wedding Planners, in general, bring expertise and industry knowledge to guide couples through the complexities of wedding planning. This not only streamlines decision-making but also opens doors to a network of trusted vendors, ensuring a well-coordinated event.

With the responsibility of managing logistics, communicating with vendors, and handling intricate details, Wedding Planners avail couples to focus on the joy of their engagement without the overwhelming burden of planning. Additionally, Wedding Planners provide stress reduction, taking on the intricacies of planning and execution to ensure the wedding day runs smoothly. Their added role as coordinators at the event itself allows couples to relax and fully immerse themselves in the celebration without the hassle of managing every detail.

The attention to detail, budget management, and efficient decision-making facilitated by Wedding Planners means a meticulously curated and enjoyable celebration. It is this that makes the investment in a Wedding Planner simply invaluable.

What's so unique about Van Dev Weddings for us to choose them over their competitors?

Van Dev Weddings stands out in the wedding industry for its commitment to exclusivity, a defining feature that sets it apart from other planners. I limit client intake to ensure that each couple receives my undivided attention. This exclusivity allows me to channel all of my time, energy, and resources into crafting not just weddings but extraordinary, tailor-made celebrations.

What truly distinguishes Van Dev Weddings is its genuine investment in understanding its couples. At Van Dev, I invest time to intimately know my couples, to unravel their personalities, hopes, and dreams. This knowledge forms the foundation for creating a wedding experience that is not only meticulously planned but authentically reflective of who they are. I want my couples to feel seen, heard, and understood, fostering a bond that transcends the role of a typical Wedding Planner.

At the heart of my approach is genuine care for my clients and their events. I want my couples to feel more than just clients as they are valued, respected, and appreciated partners on their journey. Choosing Van Dev Weddings means choosing a bespoke and deeply personal wedding experience, where exclusivity, dedication, and a passion for curating extraordinary celebrations combine.


In conclusion, my encounter with Kodie at Van Dev Weddings has given great insight into her processes and the personalised journey in which she takes her couples. Kodie's values align with my values here at Let’s Marry and her dedication to creating a harmonious celebration, paired with her extensive knowledge and exceptionally robust planning, is truly unique.

With much enthusiasm, Kodie has generously agreed to offer you and your fiancée a complimentary 45-minute consultation to discuss your wedding vision. This initial meeting is intended for Kodie to better understand your hopes and dreams, allowing you to collaborate and transform your wedding desires into an extraordinary experience. It's an opportunity for you to connect and ensure she is the perfect fit to create your unforgettable celebration. During this meeting, you and your fiancée can seek guidance and get answers to questions about the wedding planning process. It also enables Kodie to create a custom quote tailored to your specific needs if you choose to move forward. So, without any obligation, you can experience Kodie’s perfect matching of vendors to suit your needs and visions by clicking here...

To otherwise learn more about the collective services Kodie provides at Van Dev Weddings, simply click here …