When preparing for the big day, figuring out where to start with booking a wedding celebrant can be overwhelming. To alleviate any uncertainty, we turned to Claudia Neal-Shaw from The Love Diaries, a renowned celebrant expert, to gain valuable insights on the best practices and considerations for selecting the perfect celebrant for your special occasion. She shared her expertise on when to book, what qualities to look for, and what kind of investment you can expect.
Read on to get all your questions answered!
When Should You Book Your Celebrant…
It’s essential to secure your celebrant’s services as soon as you’ve finalised your wedding date and chosen a venue, especially during peak seasons when they can be booked out for up to 14 months in advance. By doing so, not only will you avoid the stress of trying to find a last-minute replacement, but you’ll also gain access to valuable recommendations on other reliable vendors that your celebrant has worked with before.
In many ways, your celebrant serves as your trusted guide or ‘personal guardian angel’ who can offer expert advice and support throughout the wedding planning process.
What Should You Look For…
When selecting a celebrant, it’s essential to consider the qualities that make them a great match for you. According to the queen of celebrations herself, three key factors to look out for are chemistry, strong and clear communication, and personality. These elements not only ensure a smooth ceremony but also create an atmosphere that resonates with your unique style.
As she wisely advises, ‘Opt for a celebrant who harmonizes with your energy and seek individuals who embody the qualities you appreciate in others’.
What Qualifications Should They Have…
When searching for the perfect celebrant, it’s crucial to verify their qualifications. Specifically, look for ‘Authorised Marriage Celebrant’ status, which indicates they’ve completed a comprehensive 6-12 month training program and have been officially verified. This ensures the celebrant has received rigorous preparation to perform your special day. For a complete list of certified celebrants, visit the Attorney General’s website.
Additionally, couples may also want to consider the celebrant’s level of experience. Key factors to consider include their total number of weddings conducted, their tenure as an Authorised Celebrant, testimonials from previous couples, and their comfort with public speaking. This thorough evaluation will help you find a celebrant who perfectly complements your big day.
How Much Will It Cost…
When it comes to planning their special day, cost is a significant consideration for many couples. Interestingly, each celebrant has their own distinct approach, which can be condensed into two primary options. The first and more straightforward option, ‘Legal’s Only’, typically falls within the $400-$800 range. This iteration focuses solely on the essential legal wording required to make the union official.
In contrast, the second and more comprehensive option, ‘Full Wedding Ceremony’, can range from $700-$2000. With this approach, couples receive a bespoke experience that encompasses not only the legal paperwork but also the creative planning of a ceremony that reflects their unique personalities and style, effectively blending the glitz and glamour.
What Equipment Do They Provide…
When preparing for a wedding, it’s crucial to understand what equipment and materials each party is responsible for providing. In our case, the celebrant will be supplying all necessary legal documentation to ensure the ceremony’s validity. Additionally, they’ll be equipped with a professional-grade public address system featuring a high-quality microphone, ensuring that your heartfelt vows are clearly audible to your guests.
What Are They Responsible For…
To ensure a smooth and legal marriage ceremony, it’s essential to understand the celebrant’s role in the process. A significant aspect is completing the Notice of Intended Marriage, which requires the celebrant’s signature and filing upon registration of the marriage. Furthermore, couples should be prepared to provide evidence of birth, identity, and marital status to prove their eligibility for marriage.
As Claudia emphasized, ‘It’s crucial for couples to demonstrate these proofs to avoid any legal issues or complications.’
What Legal Aspects Will They Take Care Of…
As you count down to your big day, one crucial detail often overlooked is the Declaration of No Legal Impediment, which your celebrant will need to complete shortly before the wedding. On the actual day of the ceremony, they’ll also handle all legal formalities. Once these final steps are taken care of, the newlyweds must sign the wedding certificate. The celebrant then has a 14-day window to lodge the necessary paperwork with the relevant authorities.
What Information Do You Give To Them…
As the celebrant, it’s crucial to build a strong connection with the couple, making them feel like you’ve been friends for years by the time the ceremony rolls around. To achieve this, share personal anecdotes about your love story, proposal, and favourite memories together. Consider including special people in their lives, such as family members or close friends, to make the ceremony even more meaningful.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to share your own thoughts on what makes a wedding ceremony truly memorable – do you have a pet peeve with common wedding traditions? Do you have a unique idea for a special moment? Whatever it is, sharing these details will help create a sense of intimacy and authenticity with the couple, making the ceremony an unforgettable experience.
What Can You Personalise…
While couples may not be aware, there’s actually considerable flexibility when it comes to personalizing their special day. In fact, aside from the celebrant’s formal introduction and legal vows, almost every aspect of the ceremony is open to customization. There’s no traditional structure that needs to be adhered to, which means couples can feel free to incorporate unique elements that reflect their personalities and style. Want to make an entrance with llamas? Go for it!
Desire a mid-ceremony flash dance or a custom theme? It’s all fair game. Even a collective parent blessing for the couple is possible, providing endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression.
What About Vows…
When it comes to crafting your wedding vows, you’re not alone in the process. In fact, many couples find it helpful to collaborate with their celebrant, who can offer valuable guidance and support. Most celebrants are more than happy to provide a vow template or even sit down with you to review and refine your vows. This collaborative approach can help ensure that your words perfectly capture the tone, length, and style of your unique relationship.
What Will They Wear…
To ensure a harmonious visual atmosphere at your special day, it’s crucial to consider the attire of your wedding celebrant. Typically, couples will ask if there are any specific dressing preferences, allowing them to maintain control over their chosen color palette. This thoughtful approach ensures that the focus remains on the couple, not overshadowed by an outfit clash.
Has Covid-19 Changed What A Celebrant Offered…
A breath of fresh air! Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, love has not been cancelled. In fact, many couples are embracing the intimate and smaller wedding ceremonies that celebrate their commitment to each other. While circumstances may have changed, the love and passion remain unchanged. Our expert celebrants are committed to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring your special day is just as radiant and memorable as it would be under normal circumstances.
Any Advice For Couples Getting Married During Covid-19…
For Claudia, the key is finding a decision that makes each partner happy. Before making or changing plans, couples should consider their non-negotiables and what must happen for them to get married. What’s the difference between a smaller ceremony now versus a bigger one later? As a couple, taking time to reflect on these questions can help inform your decision. Writing down pros and cons can also be a helpful exercise in weighing the options.
If uncertainty persists, Claudia recommends discussing concerns with your celebrant. They’re there to support you and want to ensure your special day exceeds expectations. Ultimately, it’s about making choices that bring joy to both partners.