Destination Weddings, Personal Vows & the Truth About Celebrants | Mandi, Married by Mandi

Ever wondered what a marriage celebrant actually does — and why they might be the most important vendor you book? In this episode of Just As Planned, Christine sits down with Mandi, a Brisbane-based marriage celebrant with 20 years of experience and a specialist in destination weddings and romance travel.Mandi shares the real talk behind the wedding industry — from why celebrants are chronically undervalued (yes, even compared to the cake), to how reality TV shows like Married at First Sight are warping couple's expectations before they've even booked a venue.They dive into personal vows — why Mandi believes they're the most important moment of any ceremony — and she shares some genuinely funny examples, including the very specific promises she made to her own husband.The conversation shifts to destination weddings: why they're booming, the surprising legal hoops for getting married in Bali, Thailand, and Fiji, and why many couples opt for symbolic ceremonies overseas and handle the paperwork at home.Mandi also drops some no-nonsense planning advice — including who to book first (celebrant, photographer, venue — in that order) and why September Saturdays disappear faster than you'd think.Whether you're planning a first wedding, a second chance at love, or a blended family celebration, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and a few laughs.In this episode:Why celebrants are undervalued — and how to think about their worthHow personal vows can be simple, funny, or deeply meaningfulThe legal reality of destination weddings in Bali, Fiji & ThailandWhen to book your vendors (and what happens if you wait)How wedding expectations shift for later-in-life couplesWhy the pronouncement moment never gets old after 20 yearsConnect with Mandi:Website: www.marriedbymandi.com.auFacebook: facebook.com/Marriedbymandi.marriagecelebrantVisit https://www.justasplanned.com.au/DISCLAIMER: Intended for entertainment purposes ONLY. seek medical or professional advice or certified professionals only, before making any decisions.