10 Mistakes Couples Make in Their Ceremony (and How to Avoid Them)

Weddings are full of moving parts, and while most couples spend endless hours planning the reception, the ceremony can sometimes get less attention. But here’s the truth: the ceremony is the heart of your wedding day.

As a Sydney marriage celebrant, I’ve seen what works beautifully - and the common pitfalls that can throw things off. Here are 10 mistakes couples often make in their ceremony (and how to avoid them).

1. Forgetting Guest Comfort

If your guests are standing in the hot sun, shivering in the cold, or battling wind and rain, they won’t be able to focus on your vows or your beautifully crafted ceremony. Always think about shade, shelter, water, and seating. Comfort first - photos second.

2. Overlooking Sound

Guests can’t engage if they can’t hear. Outdoor ceremonies especially need a quality PA system and microphone. A professional celebrant (like me 🙋‍♀️) will bring their own and make sure every guest can hear every word.

3. Making It Too Long

Your ceremony doesn’t need to drag on. Aim for 20–30 minutes max. Long enough to feel meaningful, short enough to keep everyone engaged and excited for what’s next.

4. Not Being Present

One of the most common mistakes I see is couples too caught up in nerves or logistics to relax and be in the moment. Remember - if you feel it, we feel it. If you’re emotional, present, and connected to each other, your guests will be right there with you.

5. Running Late

Starting late can throw off the flow of the whole day. Factor in travel time, wrangling your wedding party, and moving between spaces. Everything takes longer with more people involved - so build in buffer time and aim to start on schedule.

6. Rushing the Aisle Walk

The number one thing bridal parties worry about is: “How do I know when to walk? How fast do I go? Where do I stand?” The solution? A celebrant who calmly guides your wedding party before the ceremony begins. With a little direction, the entrance becomes smooth and stress-free.

7. Skipping Guest Congratulations & Ghosting Your Guests

This one is a pet peeve of mine - rushing straight into photos after the ceremony is an instant vibe killer or going straight to your couple photoshoot…I strong urge couples to not miss the joy of hugs, mingling, and soaking up that “we just got married!” feeling. Some of the most beautiful candid photos come from this moment. Enjoy the music, the drinks, the canapés, the hugs… and then head off for photos if you wish.

8. Not Practicing Your Vows

Even the best-written vows can fall flat if you’ve never said them out loud. Practice them - not to memorise, but to get comfortable with the flow and emotion. It makes a huge difference to how confident and connected you’ll feel when you’re speaking them on the day.

9. Creating a Schedule That’s Too Tight

A tightly packed run sheet leaves no space for life’s little delays. Build in breathing room between travel, arrival, and start times. A 10-minute buffer here and there will make everything feel calmer and smoother.

10. Not Reserving Seats for VIPs

Your parents, siblings, and closest family should never be left wandering for a seat. I always suggest reserving the first row or two with name tags (I even make these for my couples). Beyond that, keep it flexible - don’t have too many assigned seats (as that can be tricky to manage) - but having your VIPs right up front ensures they feel included and supported.

✨ Final Thoughts

The best ceremonies don’t happen by accident - they’re created with thought, care, and the right team beside you. By avoiding these common mistakes and trusting an experienced Sydney marriage celebrant to guide you, your ceremony will feel effortless, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Thanks for reading!