Choosing a celebrant
Many couples come to me and say “We don’t want any fuss, we only want the bare minimum, just give us the “standard” wording” – and that’s fine. Often, however, once we start exploring the wording and elements of their ceremony, they come to realise the significance of the moment.
The best celebrants are keenly aware of this sense of occasion and its utmost importance.
Your chosen celebrant, within their general fee, should:
- be a good listener, broad-minded and romantic!
- be someone you feel comfortable with
- be willing to meet at their own premises, or yours
- provide testimonials
- adhere to the Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants, including to seek feedback
- be willing to share their library of ceremonies, readings, poems/verses, music, rituals and good ideas with you
- be happy to wordsmith your ceremony for or with you
- be sensitive to your unique requirements including cultural and personal relationships
- be willing to provide a rehearsal
- be a good electronic communicator (after the first meeting, much of your communication will be by email)
- have a clear and transparent fee structure
- be able to supply registry table, tablecloth, chair, vase, posy of silk flowers on the day
- be able to supply excellent quality sound system including microphones, speaker and music player, where appropriate
- have back up procedures
- offer advice on all aspects of your ceremony including copyright, suppliers and venue arrangements
- be authorised as a Marriage Celebrant under the Marriage Act 1961
- be a member of a leading industry association.