Ronse (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The city of Ronse is seeking volunteers to assist with weddings by setting up rooms, welcoming guests, and guiding families during ceremonies.
That is typically done by the civil affairs department staff, but they are currently overburdened.
This year, a lot of their driver’s licenses and identity cards need to be renewed. Ronse is now requesting volunteers because of this.
The marriages are being held at the auditorium of TIO3, the former municipal hospital, while the Ronse city hall, Belgium, undergoes renovations. The city council is seeking volunteers to help make sure everything goes without a hitch.
“It’s not a saving,”
Responds alderman for Civil Affairs David Vandekerkhove (N-VA).
“Our Population service is overloaded.”
“2025 is a year in which many driving licenses and identity cards have to be renewed and our employees are mainly busy with that. It is therefore more difficult for us to use them to help with weddings, but we still want to be able to offer the same service and so we are looking for volunteers.”
The volunteers themselves do not have to lead the ceremony.
“I will continue to do that,”
laughs Vandekerkhove.
“But they can, for example, prepare the documents that need to be signed, they can set up the room, start the music or guide the family to their places.”
“It is an ideal opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at a wedding. Everyone who applies will first have to go through a selection procedure.
Then they will receive coaching from people from the registry office to give couples the most beautiful day of their lives.”
Those who are interested can contact 055 23 27 87 or send an email to burgerstand@ronse.be.
What skills are needed to help set up the wedding room effectively?
Ensuring that every component—from décor to seating arrangements—is positioned precisely to satisfy the event’s needs and the couple’s vision.
Juggling several duties to make sure everything is ready on time, including setting up furniture, liaising with suppliers, and adhering to a setup schedule.
Collaborating with other volunteers, staff, and the families to ensure they follow instructions and have a clear knowledge of them throughout the event.
Having the flexibility to swiftly modify plans in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as last-minute timing or layout adjustments.
Setting priorities and working quickly to finish the setup before the ceremony begins.
Resolving any problems that come up during setup in a composed and efficient manner to prevent delays or interruptions.
