I’ve heard this time and time again. You see us show up at the ceremony, 20 minutes later you’re married, and off we go, and you think ‘I paid all that money for 20 minutes???’ What you’re not seeing, is everything that goes into creating that 20 minutes and making sure that it’s the most beautiful and meaningful 20 minutes of your life. Let’s look at some of the things Ministers/Celebrants do.
Most Ministers/Celebrants have spent years studying and learning how to create and write a ceremony so that it reflects the personality of every individual couple and is legal in the location it’s performed. Your celebrant has spent countless hours researching ceremonies from many different cultures and sharing with other celebrants to find samples for you to look at and examples of vows and readings you may wish to incorporate in your ceremony. They have put together lists of things that need to be done along the way which take some of the pressure off of your having to remember them, and they offer suggestions based on their experience of what works and what doesn’t.
When a couple comes to me for a price quote, I know I am probably one of a dozen Celebrants they are going to contact. Based on a little bit of information (which will probably change several times before the ceremony) I offer a quote of what my services will cost and what is included for that price. (half-hour unpaid)
If the couple accepts my quote and I receive a deposit to hold their date/time, we set up an interview. Sometimes this is also done before I’m hired to see if we are comfortable with each other. (one hour unpaid)
This is where we get to know each other. I ask a ton of questions to get a feel for who you are and who you have become together. I create every ceremony uniquely for every couple, so hearing stories and learning about family is important.
After you leave I get to work. Based on our meeting I begin to write your ceremony. Depending on what you want, this could take between 2-4 hours for a first draft. Now we begin ping-ponging the draft back and forth until it is exactly how you want it. (4-6 hours depending on the number of edits)
Communication can also be time-consuming. Usually, after the first meeting, everything can be done via email. Every couple is different, some email me 5 or 6 times, others have topped the 100
Depending on where the ceremony takes place, I like to contact the venue so they know what my needs are and what they can provide. I also like to speak to the person I’ll be working with that day to introduce myself. I do this with the DJ/Music provider and Photographer as well. (half hour)
A good Celebrant never just ‘shows up’ at a wedding. There is a lot of
Rehearsals help put everyone at ease so they know what’s going to happen at the ceremony. ( 1-2 hours
travel time not included)
Your big day! It’s the Celebrant’s job to be sure the ceremony runs smoothly. I usually get there at least half an hour before and check in with the Bride and Groom to see if anything is needed or just to chat and keep them calm. During the ceremony, I get to whisper things that will put the couple at ease. If they have written their own vows, I’m sure that I have them on cards to give to each so they can read them and don’t have to worry about remembering them. I perform the ceremony with dignity, joy, and Love.
Afterward, I make sure the license is signed and promptly put it in the mail the following day.
I make myself available for pictures if requested. (ceremony day at least 2 hours travel time not included)
These are just the basic things a Celebrant does for every wedding, no matter how large or small. Our hearts go into the preparation of every service making it special and meaningful to our couples. So now you see that we don’t just spend the 20 minutes everyone sees at the ceremony, but many, many hours striving to make your special day perfect for you.
So when a Celebrant quotes you a price, know that their investment in your ceremony is worth every penny.
In Love… jj
Written by The Reverend JC Jenkins of Joyous Journey Celebrations
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