Once you have become engaged and decided on a date for your wedding, it is important that you make an appointment with your local church/ place of worship to discuss your wedding plans and preparations with the priest. This is important to ensure that both the priest and church are available on the date you have set for your Wedding.

$ It is not expected, however, do plan in your wedding budget a donation for the church.

Should you wish to get married outside of the church at a venue where both the ceremony and reception are being held (this is becoming more popular) you can either request that your local priest officiate the ceremony at the venue (ask them first, do not assume that they are able to do so) or you can hire a celebrant to officiate your wedding ceremony.

# Punctuality is important; you need to ensure your celebrant is clear about the time they are expected to turn up

Fiji Guests:

Having a celebrant officiate your wedding ceremony is the most commonly practiced option, however if you are interested in getting married at a church of your religious denomination ask your local wedding planner to find out if this is possible.

$ As you are not a local member of the church do plan in your wedding budget a donation for the church.

Once your Marriage license is issued you can now take part in your wedding ceremony where you will be given a Wedding Certificate which is signed by:

• - Bride & Groom
• - Witnesses
• - Officant of the ceremony (Priest/ Celebrant)

Obviously this is an important document so I recommend having a folder for it and give the responsibility to the Maid of Honor to look after it, leaving it on the head table during the reception is just begging for food and wine to be spilt on it.

(Image Courtesy of Sports & Events Management, Wedding coordinated by Fiji Weddings 2008)