1.4.11

Helpful Hints - Ceremony

Ahh, my favourite couple.
 Mmm, I have been spending many a delicious hour poring over the internet for unique outdoor wedding ceremonies in Manitoba, and I realized that I came up with a few questions of my own. Aside from gushing over dresses and reception playlists all the live long day, you don't really step back and think of the planning that goes into the actual ceremony. It tends to get lost when you're coming up with favors and place settings. But um . . . it's the ceremony that denotes the marriage part, ya know!

So, here are a few helpful tips I've conjured for you if you're planning your Manitoba ceremony and you're scratching your noggin'.

Miss Bee's Helpful Ceremony Hints

1. Time 

There are really no limits to when and where a marriage ceremony can be performed in Manitoba, as long as it's within the province. The only limits you're going to find are those that are set by the marriage commissioners themselves RE: when they are available to perform ceremonies. Most schedule them between the hours of 9 am - 9 pm. So yes, your midnight fireworks ceremony overlooking Falcon Lake is still a possibility, but definitely shop around for commissioners. You might even be able to persuade one out of their usual schedule. Tip with cake!

2. Location Location Location
Image copyright Invitations by Ajalon
 So time's covered. What about the location? I absolutely love (and am probably going to commit myself to) the idea of an outdoor garden wedding. But unfortunately, even though it seldom rains in MB, it will probably come down JUST WHEN YOU DON'T WANT IT TO. Oh how many Thunder Rapids birthday parties did I plan until I learned? Too many. Anyway. Always a good idea to have an alternative! Or to look around at outdoor locations that might include an indoor option as well. The Gates would be my first thought for this kind of sitch. Want some outdoor ceremony site ideas? Check out this post I did a while back!

Speaking of outdoor sites, DID YOU KNOW that if you're going to wed at a particular park in Winnipeg, you need to buy a permit?  They also come complete with maximum capacities! Take a look at this page which lists these parks that require permits (not all of them do!) and who to contact. As well as the paperwork! (My fave = the informal gardens at King's Park ♥)

As for choosing the location (aside from outdoor or indoor), take into account your lifestyle and personalities. Love books? Millennium Library would make a great spot! (Upcoming entry on this soon, WINK). Maybe you love hanging out at your cottage? Exchange vows there, why dontcha! Or how about a sunset ceremony on the boardwalk at Winnipeg Beach? Tons of potential all over our fine city. Take advantage of it! It doesn't have to be expensive to be awesome.

3. Officiant or Marriage Commissioner

You should hire your marriage commissioner as soon as you've confirmed your wedding day and time. Most of the Manitoba commissioners prefer about a year in advance as well, especially if you're going to have your wedding during peak season (June - September). It's also pretty common that, during peak season, officiants will book more than one wedding per day during this time. So get your name in there fast!

Another thing I'd like to point out about your officiant or commissioner, is to build a healthy relationship with them. They are the ones uniting you after all, but they can also be a really amazing resource when it comes to planning the ceremony. They've seen quite a few, after all. Ask their opinions on stuff like symbolic acts (unity candles, the releasing of the key), readings, what they liked from various religious or non-denominational ceremonies, etc. Your commissioner is better than google, I'm telling you! (PS, We'll be doing a post on some awesome officiants soon.)

4. License to Wed

Next, I'd like to talk to you about one of those after-thought things that sometimes get lost in the tulle and four course dinners. I'll give you a hint. It's that little slip of paper that actually says . . . OH HEY. You're married. Yeah. Kinda necessary! (I had a friend who forgot to get theirs to nearly the wedding date! BAD.)

So if you're 18 years or older, you can go and seek out your license. Where do you get them, you may ask? Various jewelers, florists, wedding supply shops and printers throughout the Province issue marriage licenses.  As well, licenses are issued by the Vital Statistics Agency in Winnipeg, and by some government offices outside of Winnipeg. So they are pretty easy to get your hands on. Like a list of places in the Selkirk area? Click here! Right now, the fee for a license in Manitoba is around $100.00

**Just FYI, when applying for a marriage license, both the bride and groom must attend together and produce documentation verifying your age and identification.  Acceptable forms of identification are things like birth certificate, driver's license and/or passport.

Any other burning questions on your minds about your ceremony ladies and/or gents? Feel free to leave them in the comments!

♥Miss Bee


2 comments:

  1. Where can I (we) get a license on Saturday at or near Falcon Lake?

    ReplyDelete