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Photo credit: Florence and Charles
All You Need To Know!
I have been working as a Wedding Celebrant now for 7 years and it saddens and frustrates me that I am still writing blogs with a title like this one “What are Wedding Celebrants?”. But I must. It is essential that I keep plugging away because the simple fact is that the majority of engaged couples have either never heard of a Wedding Celebrant or the pivotal role they play in a wedding.
This unawareness leads to missed opportunities for couples who are looking for a meaningful and inclusive wedding ceremony experience.
Photo credit: Louise May Photography
So what are wedding celebrants?
Wedding Celebrants are lovely, warm, empathetic and creative individuals who are professionally trained and specialise in creating and conducting wedding ceremonies that are tailored to a couple’s preferences and beliefs.
Unlike their counterparts, i.e. religious figures or Registrars, their role goes way beyond simply officiating ceremonies. They offer a more flexible and personalised approach collaborating with couples to create a ceremony that truly reflects their very personal story, values and beliefs.
Wedding Celebrants have essential attributes; the ability to connect with people, a conduit for emotions, storytelling and a capacity to uplift, leaving a positive imprint on the hearts and minds of those who attend their ceremonies. They collaborate closely with couples and through their words, presence, and demeanour, will create an atmosphere that foster’s reflection, joy and unity. The ceremony will leave a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
Why do wedding celebrants still have limited recognition?
Newly engaged couples are often unaware that Wedding Celebrants exist, let alone know about the service they provide. What are Wedding Celebrants able to do? They have the ability to transform a traditional ceremony into a unique and personalised experience.
A Wedding Celebrants’ invaluable contribution is overlooked mainly due to the dominance of traditional wedding practices.
Religious or civil ceremonies are more commonly known and understood. The prevalence of these traditional practices overshadows the alternative option of hiring a wedding celebrant. Consequently, Celebrants remain on the periphery of the wedding industry, Couples may not actively seek out information about Celebrants assuming that religious or civil officiants are their only choice, despite the potential of creating and enjoying a far more unique experience.
Families also often have significant influence in wedding planning including the ceremony itself. Many couples feel obligated to follow a more traditional path, be that religious or civil. Breaking away from these expectations and exploring alternative options can be challenging, especially when couples fear disappointing their loved ones.
The frustration is that broadly speaking, wedding industry suppliers, be that venues, photographers, caterers, cake makers, florists or videographers, recognise and acknowledge the difference that a Celebrant can make to a couple’s ceremony and value the work they do. This lack of knowledge about Wedding Celebrants is not within the wedding industry itself. If consulted, most wedding suppliers would actively encourage couples to consider a Celebrant led ceremony.
WhAT ARE WEDDING CELEBRANTS?: THE BENEFITS
Wedding celebrants play a crucial role in modern society by offering a personalised, inclusive, and meaningful approach to wedding ceremonies. They provide couples with the freedom to create a wedding that reflects their unique love story, beliefs, and values.
What are Wedding Celebrants’ ceremonies like?
Whatever you wish it to be! Whether you want a non-religious ceremony, a fusion of different cultural traditions, or a ceremony that incorporates specific rituals, Wedding Celebrants can help bring your vision to life. They have the expertise to guide you through the process, offering suggestions and ideas while ensuring that your ceremony remains true to who you are as a couple.
Wedding Celebrants have the ability to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere during the ceremony. They are skilled in public speaking and can deliver the ceremony in a way that engages and captivates the audience. Whether you want a light-hearted and humorous ceremony, or a more solemn and romantic one, Wedding Celebrants will adapt their style to match your desired tone.
Personal Connections
Another benefit of working with Wedding Celebrants is the personal connection they bring to the ceremony. Unlike a Registrar or religious figure who may not know you personally, Wedding Celebrants take the time to get to know you as a couple. They will meet with you multiple times, asking questions about your relationship, your journey together, and your dreams for the future. This allows them to craft a ceremony that is not only meaningful but also deeply personal.
Flexibility
Furthermore, Wedding Celebrants are more flexible in terms of location and timing. Unlike religious or civil ceremonies that are typically held in specific venues or during specific hours, Wedding Celebrants can officiate ceremonies in a variety of settings, such as beaches, gardens, or even private homes. This allows couples to choose a location that holds special meaning to them, making the ceremony even more significant.
Conclusion: What Are Wedding celebrants?
More and more couples are seeking more personalised and unique wedding experiences and the demand for wedding celebrants has grown since I began my celebrant journey. It is essential to increase awareness and understanding of wedding celebrants’ invaluable contribution.
What are Wedding Celebrants offering to couples? We offer a modern and personalised approach to wedding ceremonies providing couples with the freedom to create a ceremony that truly reflects their love story and values. With our expertise, personal connection, and flexibility, we really can help make your special day even more memorable and meaningful. So, if you’re looking to add a personal touch to your wedding, what are you waiting for? I’d love to hear from you.
