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A blog about the Value of Money and Time...
What does a celebrant actually do?
An authorised celebrant will work with you to create a ceremony that is truly unique and showcases you and your other half. We meet with with you to find out what you’re looking for, what you’re NOT looking for and from there create something that is perfect for you.
We will figure out your music together, discuss with you if you’re looking for readings or rituals and advise you on your personal vows and wording for ring exchanges if you need it.
We also make sure that all the legal requirements for a marriage are satisfied, and your marriage submitted to Births, Deaths and Marriages to be fully registered. You can expect your celebrant to be knowledgable on processes and procedures from having completed relevant qualifications or having significant experience.
Why do you charge what you do? I can get a ceremony from another celebrant for less...
You may be wondering why a celebrant charges so much? We have a great many expenses to cover to ensure we remain registered, and we invest our time into your ceremony too. Time is money, and chances are a celebrant who doesn't charge much isn't investing much time into your ceremony. Maybe they are giving you a cookie-cutter ceremony and changing a few details without personalising, maybe they aren't... Maybe they only include the very basics, maybe they include more - each one is unique and provides a certain level of service.
Here are some things to consider when thinking about value for money:
- For each ceremony a celebrant creates can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to prepare, customise and deliver. It’s a substantial amount of time. We also need to be there 30 mins – 1 hour before the ceremony starts to make sure that everything is going smoothly for you, to set up and check things over with a venue manager and make sure there are no issues to impact your special day.
- We work with your other wedding suppliers to make sure all requirements are met for you, and to ensure your day is memorable and includes everything you want - for example making sure your photographer or videographer gets that shot photo of your first kiss. We need to know when to stay out of the way and often look for cues from the photographer to do so.
- We work with your bridal party to calm down any nervous bridesmaids or groomsmen and have a chat with your family and guests if they have questions.
- We have invested in training, sometimes upwards of $1000 to become a celebrant - I'm qualified with a Certificate IV in Celebrancy
- The government requires us to apply and pay a fee to be registered, pay an annual fee to stay registered, pay fees to complete ongoing professional development, and operate as a business.
- We are part of professional associations, mine is the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC). This membership ensures that we have copyright exemption and can play music at your ceremony, as well as having access to a wealth of support and information to help with your ceremony. Membership also helps us by providing Public Liability Insurance for us as celebrants - There is a cost for all of this.
But, my ceremony only goes for a short while. It sounds expensive...
On the day your ceremony will only generally go for 15 – 25 minutes depending on your inclusions. The end product may seem like it cost a lot for what you and your guests see, but what you actually get for your money is a bespoke ceremony, professional service in line with legal requirements, and a great day with a lifetime of memories - And of course a legally registered marriage!
At the end of the day we are your go-to person for your marriage ceremony. Whether you've been planning this your whole life or you have chosen to elope in a month - it's our job to make sure that your special day is exactly what you want. It's an investment in lifelong memories and a celebration of you as a couple. Well worth investing in a quality service!
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