Congratulations, you are engaged and there are exciting times ahead!
What to do first? Enjoy the celebration of engagement and the joy of knowing you are spending the rest of your life with the person you love! Give yourself time to absorb this precious moment in time.
Your wedding ceremony is the most important part of your day, it is the purpose of your celebration, planning, and hard work. It’s the reason why family and friends from around the world will join to witness your ‘I Do’.
Please give your ceremony the attention it deserves! Here are my ‘Top 10 Tips For Choosing The Right Celebrant!’
CONNECTION – Your ceremony is a very special and intimate time, so it’s important you trust your celebrant and feel a connection to them. You need to feel they understand the story you want to tell, and will find the best way to tell it.
YOUR CEREMONY, YOUR STORY – Your love story is unique, as your ceremony should be. Ask your celebrant do they work from a template or are they going to tell your story, in a language you understand and in a way that has meaning to you.
INITIAL CONTACT – Always speak with your celebrant either in person, by phone or via a Zoom chat before making your booking or any payment. You should always be given the opportunity to ask any questions and understand the process before making a decision.
BOOKINGS PER DAY – Ask your celebrant how many ceremonies they perform a day. Its best if it’s just the one. Some book in several weddings, if this is the case, ensure there is plenty of time between ceremonies to allow for any delays.
CHOICE – I encourage you to speak with a number of different celebrants, this helps to understand their background and beliefs, and to know that they are inline with yours.
CONTENT – Keep a ceremony diary. When you come across a reading or poem, a piece of music or a ceremony element, jot it down and bring it to your first celebrant meeting. This really helps your celebrant to set the tone for your day. Remember your ceremony is a creative process that you are very much a part of.
COST – Before booking, ask what the total ceremony cost will be, including any travel fees.
LOCATION – Check whether your celebrant is happy to work in the environment you have chosen – on a hill side, island, beach, restaurant or anywhere else you fancy! If your ceremony is on location, ask your celebrant if they have microphones and battery powered speakers. Any outdoor ceremony over 10 to 15 people requires amplified sound.
LENGTH Ask how long your ceremony will be and if there are any time restrictions.
DON’T RUSH – Your ceremony sets the tone for your wedding day, so treat it with the respect it deserves!! Don’t rush your plans and be careful not to focus only on your reception. Your celebrant should work with you to ensure your celebration is one of a kind and unforgettable!
If you are planning your wedding ceremony and would like to have an informal chat, please feel free to give me a call on +353877813594 or email hello@thecivilcelebrant.ie
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