10 Questions with Fiona Winwood

Wedding Diaries interviewed one of the most experienced and a highly sought-after marriage celebrant from South Australia, Fiona Winwood of Fiona Winwood Weddings. Adelaide based Fiona is the founder and owner of Fiona Winwood Weddings.

Marriage Celebrants - Fiona Winwood

Business: Fiona Winwood Weddings
Location: Adelaide, SA
Experience: 8 Years
Profile: Fiona Winwood Weddings
Website: abia.com.au

1. Introduction: What's your story?

I’m Fiona, a huge fan of gathering people for exciting occasions.

Forget all of your preconceived ideas about marriage celebrants; I don’t stand there and talk about me and my views on marriage because you know what? no one gives a crap! Instead, I talk about you and only you! This is your day, your special moment.

I’d like to share a little more about me with you, I’m a devoted wife of 32 years and a hugely devoted Mum of three awesome now adult sons.

After a vibrant career in corporate 5-star hotels and various high-profile venues in Adelaide and Sydney as an Event Manager what I enjoyed most of all was weddings, designing and managing was always a pleasure.

With a wealth of experience in weddings and special events I completely understand how important your wedding day is and I won’t let you down!

My level of commitment to you and your partner is off the dial.

I spend time getting to know you both, understanding how you want your wedding to feel.

2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?

With many years in this fast paced exciting industry I know how to create those most memorable moments which I present in a natural fun way. Your guests will be engaged and feel connected enjoying every moment as I tell your story with confidence; if you want a bit of humour, I’ve got that too.

The best marriage ceremonies are entrenched in truth and created with intention. The writing process takes time, I love putting together a ceremony that conveys your distinctive characters, very personal and heartfelt.

At meetings I ask questions and listen to everything you say, then create a ceremony that is authentic.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

Popular dates are booked at least 12 months in advance, particularly Saturdays and Fridays are becoming very popular.

I advise couples to book 12 months in advance if possible. However, for weekday weddings, I often have availability.

Marriages require a Notice of Intended Marriage to be lodged with me 1 calendar month prior to your ceremony unless you have an allowable reason to apply for a shortening of time.

4. How would you describe your ceremony style?

My style is easy going, professional with the perfect balance of fun and serious.

I’m creative and don’t take myself too seriously. I know how to combine the serious matter of getting married with the fun side.

I value collaboration, I’m a good communicator we create a rapport as often couples don’t know what they want for their ceremony, or they may know exactly what they want, but struggle to express it. Before your ceremony I provide a draft copy of your ceremony for your review and comments.

I’m more than willing to help guide you to write your personal vows, make suggestions for your music, readings or poems. We work together to devise ways to include family and friends, traditions, culture and your furbabies!

I understand how a wedding is a mix of heightened emotions, I come with years of dealing with logistics, family dynamics, and high expectations… nothing fazes me.

5. What are your fees for a wedding?

I offer four packages they all include the legal paperwork including Notice of Intended Marriage, Declaration, Official Marriage Certificate, lodgment and Registration of your marriage with Births Deaths and Marriages.

My most popular package is all the Bells and Whistles priced at $1200.00
A 25-30 minute personalised bespoke ceremony, I offer unlimited help, support and meetings either in person or via zoom
I arrive at your ceremony with my sound technician hubby one hour prior, he plays all your carefully chosen songs, fade in and out as required using my top quality wireless PA and microphones.

Legals Only - $650.00
A very short 10 minute ceremony for those just wanting to tie the knot and be legally married.
Just you and your 2 witnesses, one pre wedding meeting.

Short and Sweet - $750.00
A 15 minute ceremony that is great for a mid sized wedding.
One meeting in person or via zoom
I play your chosen songs, my high quality PA and microphones if needed.

My fourth option is growing in popularity, is to have a friend or family member who you would like to design and deliver your ceremony. I stand to the side and pop in to deliver the legal components of the ceremony. It's a lot of fun, and reasonably priced at $850.00

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

I have a lot of Celebrant dresses in just about every colour.

I always check with my couples for their colour palette and the dress code and then wear the appropriate clothing to match their theme.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

We have the first meeting at a cafe to plan the entire ceremony and sign some legal paperwork. At this meeting we will cover everything in relation to the ceremony.

There's often no need to catch up again until your rehearsal, however I'm more than happy to meet again should you choose to do so.

8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?

This is what I do best.

Every couple is different so every ceremony I write is different focusing on their journey to this moment.

I send couples a questionnaire, in order to get to know them better and to understand more about their unique relationship.

I include a small Love story in all the packages.

All packages allow the couple to write personalised vows to each other. You may choose a Ritual such as a Sand Ceremony, Handfasting or Unity Candle Lighting etc this is included.

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

I am always open to travelling for weddings, in fact I absolutely love a destination wedding! Port Douglas is or favorite go to location for weddings.

Travel is factored into my price, I travel across South Australia however interstate will incur an additional cost of an airfare. I love doing weddings in other states and am very happy to jump on a plane to travel wherever and whenever I am needed.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

When you book you pay a $200 booking fee which secures your date with me.

My cancellation and refund policy is covered in the service agreement you sign with me when booking. I am however very flexible and willing to work together to postpone or choose new dates.