Choose Your Celebrant Wisely

It's easy to presume a 30 minute ceremony is simply the repeating of a few words on the wedding day. The choice of a celebrant should be made with the knowledge that the celebrant can greatly impact whether you have the day of your dreams or the day of your nightmares.

Wedding Celebrant It is wise to inform yourself about those things you require in a celebrant as carefully as you would the venue, photographer, caterer, table decorations and gowns and clothing. Let's face it, YOUR DAY starts with the ceremony.

Take time to look over the following list and add those things which are especially important to you.

I have a firm faith that you will know within the first few moments if you and the celebrant are "in sync". Subjective as that may sound, it is the first requirement when looking for a celebrant who will make a positive contribution to making the day YOUR DAY.

What was the first thing the celebrant asked you/said to you?
At your first meeting/telephone conversation, was the first question about you or a comment about themselves? Remember, the professional celebrant will be a "background" person who ensures you are at the forefront. They are a facilitator of your wishes on the day.
What determines the content of your ceremony?
How much time is the celebrant willing to spend with you? Will they speak with significant others - like the person giving the bride away? Do they simply provide a few samples "to choose from"? Or do they write your ceremony especially for you? Is it unique for you?
Does the celebrant have a fixed fee?
If so, just what does that include? Are there extras for travel, rehearsals, special rituals, Registered Certificate from BDM, use of PA system?
How long before the ceremony will the celebrant be at the venue? A professional celebrant will be at the wedding venue between 20 minutes and 45 minutes ahead, depending on the complexity of the choreography of the ceremony.
Does the celebrant have a reputation for working well with other wedding professionals? Ask your photographer, musicians, venue host about the celebrant and vice versa.
How much flexibility does the celebrant allow in the order of service and choreography of the ceremony? Once again, it's YOUR wedding. It's your choice. The celebrant is there to advise you - but you approve/dictate how the day is structured.
Will the celebrant provide a public address system?
Experienced celebrants provide their own systems because this ensures they know what to expect from the system. No unpleasant surprises on the day.
Do you get to approve the ceremony?
The best celebrants are happy for you, even insist upon you reviewing the ceremony they have designed for you. There should be much discussion before, with a review of the emailed/printed copy and final adjustments at least four weeks before the wedding. The actual ceremony is the last thing you want to be thinking about the night before your wedding. There are some specific sections which must be included by law. Your celebrant will tell you about those.
Is the celebrant knowledgeable in providing options/ideas about different aspects of the ceremony? How flexible is the celebrant?
When you ask questions is the celebrant forthcoming with information or sources to gain information from? Do you get the feeling it's their way or the highway?
Do you feel comfortable with the celebrant?
Perhaps the most important factor in choosing a celebrant is to be comfortable with them and to feel confident they will design a ceremony the way YOU want it, on YOUR day. Did you feel relaxed in the environment the celebrant emanated/exuded? After all, even if your wedding is a very formal affair, you still want to feel as relaxed as possible. It's the celebrant's job to design a ceremony you're thrilled with and then help you feel comfortable and enjoy the day.