Choosing your Celebrant

When planning your wedding day one of the most important decisions you have to make as a couple is choosing your celebrant. Often within the excitement that surrounds planning a wedding, the ceremony is placed somewhere further down the list, yet it is vital to the success of the celebration. A dull and irrelevant ceremony or one that is delivered poorly will disappoint, which is such a pity when it can be so much more.

Today there are thousands of Civil Celebrants to choose from, and it can be difficult finding the one that you relate to and whom you know will uphold your standards and style. Your wedding ceremony is an expression of your love for one another, there are many displays of emotion and sometimes even a moment or two of composure is required, which all needs to be handled with understanding and consideration by your celebrant.

In helping you to make the right decision, professional and highly experienced celebrant Sylvia Johnson of Melbourne has put together a checklist for you to reference. Her advice includes:

Looking for Experience

Invariably experience is vital, so look for a celebrant who is a member of a professional body, ie. The Australian Civil Celebrants Association or the Australian Civil Celebrants Network. Ask them to show you a range of photographs or tell you about the ceremonies they have conducted and where. There is also nothing like a personal recommendation; family or friends who have seen a celebrate in action, and even informative web sites are beneficial as they will give you a good idea of the celebrants appearance, background, philosophy, and testimonials.

Meeting with Celebrants

Try to meet with two or three select celebrants, ideally in their homes which enables you to get a good idea of their style and tastes. It provides a far greater insight than if they come to you.

Appearance

Take time to assess the appearance and presentation of the celebrant so there are no disappointments on the day. Remember the celebrant literally features throughout the entire ceremony, and certainly they are in many photographs.
Some things to look for that you don't want are:

• Untidy hair or hair that will blow everywhere if it's a windy outdoor ceremony. If their hair is long, ask how they normally wear it for a ceremony.
• Heavy make-up or highly decorated fingernails.
• Wearing suitable clothing - no low cut necklines, unbuttoned shirts or loud clothes.
• Celebrants that smoke as the smell lingers on their clothes and hair, and ultimately your ceremony.

Bad posture or withdrawn body language.

Their voice

Remember the celebrant is speaking on average for 25 minutes so their English and pronunciation needs to clear and defined. An excellent presentation through a voice that strokes the words of love and highlights the happiness and joy of the ceremony, will always engage you and your guests.  And remember, there can be some wonderful humour within a ceremony as long as the celebrant is capable of delivering it.

Other questions to think on and ask

• Discuss a rehearsal. Some couples want one while others feel a rehearsal can take the magic and spontaneity away from the day, however it's totally up to you.  
• What time will the celebrant arrive at the wedding venue? Half an hour before is normal.
• Will they introduce themselves to important family members - they should.
• They should meet with the photographer/videographer a few moments before the ceremony commences to ensure any guidelines are in place.
• Ensure you are given plenty of time and emotional space for The Asking, The Vows and the Exchange of Rings.

Managing a Ceremony

The role of a today's Civil Celebrant can be far greater than in previous years as many weddings are becoming ‘big events', particularly those held in gardens, parks, and private properties. Within the planning of these, the celebrant needs to be involved to ensure everyone knows their role.  Some things to remember, particularly in relation to the weather, include:

• Ensuring there is a fall back position, an optional place for the ceremony, in case of bad weather.
• On the day delegate a person to make the call if a change is needed, ideally the Groom who is first at the venue, consulting with the celebrant if something is not going to plan.
• Sometimes chairs have been set up without thought for where the sun is positioned (who wants a squinting bride?) so a quick re-positioning can be necessary.  The same can be said if it is quite a warm day and the sun is too hot, especially for older guests and children, for a long period of time.
• The ability to support those with a case of the nerves, which is very common on such a big day. As well as the Bridal Party, this includes the Father of the Bride and those involved in the ceremony.

   
Planning your wedding day is both an emotional and enriching experience, knowing you are putting together such a life changing event. Therefore ensuring your celebrant becomes your friend will ensure you have a wonderful ceremony. In the words of Kirsten MacKelden; "There is no such thing as the absolutely perfect wedding, not when some 301 things have to all come together, but if 299 come home, it will be a fabulous wedding day".
 

Sylvia J Johnson
Civil Celebrant
www.lifescelebration.net
(03) 9754 6259   0419 229 488