It's a popular question, "Why are you a celebrant?" or "What got you into celebrancy?"
The answer to the first question is quite simply, "the buzz". I love the buzz of a wonderfully delivered wedding whether it's the wedding ceremony, MC'ing the reception or both.
The dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphin hit from, planning, officiating and managing weddings and events is addictive!
I love to see the happy couple grinning from ear to ear and know that I had a part to play in making it the best day of their lives, and one they will look back on with great fondness. I love seeing the tears of joy and tears of laughter. I love getting a compliment or two afterwards and I love to see the guests enjoying themselves.
The answer to the second question is a little longer. It was not a calling to the service, rather I was called into it. A young man I mentored many years ago was getting married to his high school sweetheart and they had spent months looking for a celebrant, yet no one fit the bill for them. Exasperated he cried out "Why can't you be our celebrant?!" I then thought to myself "Why not?". Many people had told me over the years that I should do it. I didn't realise the commitment involved at the time, study, an exam, character references and an application submitted to the Attorney General. Not to mention ongoing fees, advertising, expos, mandatory professional development and ongoing education. All out of your own pocket.
I always go above and beyond for my couples and spend many hours planning the best wedding I can for them. If I average out the hours I put in per couple, for meetings, practice, rehearsals, emails, recommendations for other services, education and training it would work out far less than the minimum wage. Most of us celebrants do it because we love it. It's definitely not a money making exercise for most of us.
A good celebrant is worth every cent you pay for their service. Many times I've helped to avert a malfunction, or a slip behind the scenes that no-one will ever know about. (Except maybe on this blog) We set the mood for your entire event... it reminds me of what Maya Angelou once said "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ...Well said Ms. Angelou xo
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