 choosing
a celebrant
It’s becoming more and more popular for couples to choose a civil celebrant over a religious minister for their wedding. In fact, in Australia, 60 per cent of weddings are conducted by a celebrant.
There are many pluses to using a celebrant rather than a religious minister.
One is that it gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to personalising proceedings. A celebrant is also a good option for couples who don’t have particularly strong religious leanings and who may feel uncomfortable in a church setting.
Civil celebrants don’t come from any particular religious standpoint but, equally, they should be open to incorporating into the ceremony elements of religious tradition that you would like.
Getting the right celebrant for you sets the whole tone of the day. In fact, after the happy couple the celebrant is arguably the most important person at the ceremony! A brief look through this Shire Bride will show you there are plenty of people out there willing to conduct your wedding service, but how do you make this important decision?
Personal recommendation is always the best way to find someone you feel comfortable with. If your best friend loved the celebrant who helped her tie the knot then the chances are you will, too.
You should also check your potential celebrant’s website. Look out for letters or emails from other satisfied couples.
Once you are ready to meet a few potential celebrants, some of the questions you can ask include:
- How long have they been a celebrant?
- How many weddings have they performed?
- What time will they arrive for the ceremony (usually about 20 minutes prior) and how long do they expect the ceremony to last.
- Whether they will provide a PA. They should have he facility for you to plug an iPod or CD player into their sound system.
- Whether they will supply items such as a signing table and chair. A celebrant will usually provide you with a list of trusted suppliers who are happy to arrange chairs, tables and carpets.
- What their fee will be and what is their cancellation policy and payment policy. Most celebrants will require a deposit and then full payment up to 14 days prior to the day.
In the end, the best way to choose your celebrant to feel that, when you walk away from your meeting, they care as much about your day as you do.
Bernice Keane – ceremonies for all occasions
0400 845 645
www.bernicekeane.com.au
Hollie-Berri c.m.c. – Everything is possible
MULTI AWARD WINNING 2007 /2008 / 2009
0425 270 524
www.hollie-berri.com.au
Carol Provan – Commonwealth registered marriage celebrant
0418 246 524
www.carolprovan.com.au
Cassandra Keogh – marriage celebrant
0414 336 674
www.cassandrakeogh.com.au
Coral Kortlepel/Deborah Jenkins – Professional Celebrants
Coral 9524 7111 / 0417 717 359, Deborah 9540 4192 / 0417 021 292
www.getmarried.com.au or www.deborahjenkins.com.au
Dot Nolan – ceremonies as unique and individual as you are
9533 1917 / 0411 350 908
www.dotnolancelebrant.com.au
Elizabeth Davis – professional and friendly
9525 2562 / 0411 654 900
www.elizabethdaviscelebrant.com.au
Frances Kneil – beautiful memories of a perfect day
9542 8184 / 0418 224 340
www.celebrantceremonies.com.au
Jamie Shadlow – modern, fresh and vibrant ceremonies
9589 1544 / 0410 435 051
www.jamieshadlowmarriagecelebrant.com
Janette Butler-Grech – your “own special day”
9589 4346
www.celebrant4you.com.au
Keith Lammond – your special day, your special way
9542 2708 / 0409 399 956
www.marriagecelebrant.net
Lillian Lyon & Joanne Love – Shire Celebrants
Lillian 0438 506 123, Joanne 0414 979 460
www.lyonheart.com.au or www.weddingswithlove.com.au
Nan Bennett – friendly and relaxed ceremonies
9546 5401
www.nanbennett.com
Sarah Oluk & Robert Hughes – fine weddings, anywhere
Sarah 9579 3142 / 0409 801 516, Robert 9579 6173 / 0416 067 285
www.saraholuk-sydneycelebrant.com.au or http://home.exetel.com.au/robhughes
Sarah Parker – ceremonies with confidence and style
0401 843 199
info@sarahparker.com.au
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