A Celebrant is for Life, not just for a Pandemic!

So, as 2021 draws to a close it’s a great time to look back on the year and the weddings I have officiated. Of course, the beginning of the year was as much of a challenge as 2020, particularly for the wedding industry. Watching so many couples having to change their dates, sometimes for the third or forth time, was absolutely heartbreaking. I am so happy that I was able to change the date with most of my couples, though sadly there are two or three couples that are still unsure as to when to book their big day (and I’m ready when they are!)

Then we got to mid-July and weddings were back with a bang! Trying to keep up with demand was a struggle, particularly after not working for some 20 months at this stage. But ... it was a happy struggle and the relief and adrenaline from each and every wedding day are what carried me through. Finally seeing couples walk down the aisle and get the day they deserved was more rewarding than ever. Each and every one an emotional day for them, their guests and for me too!

It was also a real privilege to be able to help those couples who had decided to legally marry during heavy restrictions throughout 2020 and early 2021 and for me to be able to create a ceremony for them to celebrate with all their friends and family throughout the last 6 months of 2021.

I feel the pandemic has helped to put Celebrants into the spotlight. It was great to be in such demand by venues and I feel many couples realised their second wedding day was even better than they could ever have imagined.

Three couples finally get their big wedding day after postponing from 2020

(Photo Credits: John Woodward Photography and Art by Claire Photography)

Now I’d really like to highlight that a Celebrant shouldn’t be looked at as “just” a replacement for a Registrar in times of need.

It’s time to move on to better times, to work on the venue and Celebrant relationships that have occurred over the last few months. I know from experience that many venues understand what Celebrants do and are happy to work with us, however it is a common misconception that venues believe if a couple want a Celebrant they will ask for one. Sadly there are many, many couples that do not have a clue what a Celebrant is. I’d even like to hazard a guess that 70% of couples that view a venue for their wedding will not know there is a choice about their ceremony.

Be the venue that is the font of all knowledge!

This is where I am calling for a simple change. Be the venue that is the font of all knowledge. Rather than telling ALL your couples that they need to book a Registrar before confirming their booking with you – explain the differences between a Celebrant and Registrar and let the couple decide which is the best option for them.

And if you or your team are not 100% sure of the differences then please reach out to me as I would love nothing more than to come in for a meeting or arrange a zoom chat so that I can advise your team and answer any questions they may have about Celebrant led weddings and the differences between Celebrants and Registrars.