Robyn Pattison Civil Marriage Celebrant

No! Almost nobody does. If you just relax and enjoy the ceremony, without having to worry about what you have to say, I will take care of everything. You can repeat them after me (and no-one else will hear me, but you). Easy!

Of course! And if you need a little help, getting them right, just ask. That’s what you have me for!

No! You should see all the options I have for you in my homework books. Writing the perfect ceremony for you couldn’t be easier. Just watch things bounce off the page, when they feel good to you.

I always ask that you budget about 40 minutes, from the time we first see a bridesmaid on her way down the aisle, through the ceremony, the kiss, the signing, the happy Mr & Mrs making their exit down the aisle – and into your big group photo with your guests, if you want one. Most ceremonies will fit perfectly into that time frame – and it will go like lightning.

Some of them do. Some of them cost $1000. I’m in the middle. I’m also the least expensive – and most important – part of your wedding day. Think about it like this. Supre vs Chanel – then being lucky enough to but Chanel at a heavily discounted price. Bargain! Do you really want to scrimp on the one part that truly matters? No, I didn’t think so. You know what they say about monkeys and peanuts…

Let’s play dress ups! What would you like me to wear? I always make every effort to co-ordinate as best I can to your bridal colours and styles, so tell me what colours your bridesmaids are wearing, what flowers you will carry, and the theme of your wedding, so I can fit in as best I can. (I like shopping, so my wardrobe is huge, and you should see my collection of hair flowers!)

No. Think of your guests. Treat them with respect. Think of your groom – he’s waiting for you. Think of your schedule for the day. You’ll probably run out of time for your photos, if you are late. If you are worried about guests arriving late, invite them for 15 minutes, before you plan to arrive. No more than 15 minutes. Being any later than 15 minutes is plain rude.

You can load up your iPod/MP3/laptop/iPhone/ iPad with the music for your ceremony and play it through my PA system. BUT you need to give someone else the job of pressing the buttons, and make it easy on them to know what to do.

Playlists! You will need a song to come down the aisle. Choose something you love – it doesn’t have to be traditional – and put it in a playlist called AISLE SONG. You’ll need 2 songs to cover the signing. Put the one you like most first, then the other one, after that. Call that playlist SIGNING SONGS. The last one – go on, guess. Yes! EXIT SONG!

Pick something you love – your favourite song is always a good choice. Something that will relax you, and make you smile. That’s your best choice.Check out my music suggestions page, if you are having trouble deciding what to play.

Yes! Always. All the readings will be on my ipad. I can make paper copies for those who prefer. Your readers can choose which one they prefer. I bet your friends will go for the iPad, but your mum will definitely want the paper version. PS I print them really big.

Yes! On my iPad, I don’t have to worry about turning pages or papers flapping in the breeze – but it’s in a cover that looks just like a book, so it looks nice in the photos, too.

Yes! You really do. We all hope that your day is shiny and bright blue – but you never know…. It is worth spending a little extra, or making arrangements with your reception venue, for just in case. Your guests will not thank you for making them stand in the rain, unprotected. They won’t hear a word we say – they’ll be too busy thinking about getting wet. Besides, if you get your shoes wet and muddy, they’ll get ruined…. (and we hate that, don’t we?)

Shade! We need shade! And water – for everyone. It costs very, very little to fill a couple eskies with water bottles – and there is always a couple of friends willing to help – but this small gesture will make all the difference to your guests’ comfort on The Big Day.

You don’t have to have a formal, traditional ceremony, at all. You can be light and friendly and casual, or funny, or elegant and simple – or anything you like. No need to pretend you are anything that you aren't...

Aaah! That one. Well, if you want one, or if it will make you feel more comfortable, of course we can do one. But if it’s not possible, or you don’t have to time, don’t worry, I will be there in plenty of time to sort everything and everyone out, before the ceremony. You never really needed one, anyway.

I do! It’s fantastic. Watch it here and pass it on to your whole bridal party, too..

Don’t be. I will take really good care of you – and when we are finished with the most important part, you can go off to party. You know how to party, don’t you?

No worries. More than half of my gorgeous couples are just like you. I have lots of lovely ideas to make your parents, guests and grandparents feel more welcome. I’ll practise just about any language you give me – so long as you give it to me in phonetics and coach me a little – I am getting pretty good – especially at Cantonese and Mandarin! I’ll do anything you like to help.

Excellent! I love a reunion. Tell me who it was, and I bet I remember every detail…

Big or small, it’s your wedding day, so let’s make it as beautiful as we possibly can. Some of the most wonderful weddings I have been a part of have been 12 people or less.

Talk to me. If you can be flexible with time or date, I can help. I would rather you talk to me about it, and let me help you, than let you end up not getting what you want. I’m nice. Really.

How sick? Very sick? Very, very sick? Ok, if I am in the hospital, on a drip, I will get you someone else. It would have to be really serious. For anything else, I will be there for you. I have NEVER double-booked, got too sick to show up, been late, let anyone down. NEVER. And you won’t be my first.

Yes! I do. I do lots and lots of weddings. I see lots of great people’s work – and sadly, some pretty awful work, too. My favourites are on My Little Pink Book page. They are all fabulous! If I trust them, you certainly can.

Yes. Of course I do. (I am a busy girl!) Most of my work is on weekends, so I regularly do two or three. Sometimes four. But never less than two hours apart. Never if it’s too far, from one to the other. Never if there is any likelihood of one clashing with the other. And I never, ever lose my bounce!

Sure – but maybe you should ask yourself why? Is it because they only have the energy for one? Or is it because they just aren’t in the same level of demand as I am? If your wedding is at 3pm, there’s really no reason for me to be twiddling my thumbs at 11am, is there?

Excellent! Smart thinking. BUT you need to let me know what it is. If its a different venue, or different time of day, we need to talk about that. If your sunny day wedding is at 2pm, but your wet-day wedding would be at 5:30pm, in a different place, you are asking me to say no to other lovely couples who want a fabulous wedding too. If you need me on stand-by, there’s a small fee to keep me twiddling my thumbs for just in case. It’s only fair…