Spreading the word “celebrant”!

Spreading the word “celebrant”!

by | Oct 22, 2013 | Blog

In the celebrant world, there is a certain amount of competition, but I think we’re a close-knit bunch. I was certainly delighted, earlier this month, as my friend and colleague Judy Mansfield gained a huge boost for her business when she was profiled by the “Guardian Professional”.

Judy trained with me last year and we have met at subsequent training courses, as well as at quarterly FOIC meetings. She is a lovely and supportive person, and I am so pleased that she has had this success.

Judy’s article has also done a lot to put celebrancy on the map, so I am delighted to highlight it as my blog of the week. Here it is in full. Enjoy!

 

Marketing and PR excellence: Cherish Ceremonies

“It’s vital that my clients connect with me – after all, I’m involved in huge events in their lives”

  • Guardian Professional, Wednesday 9 October 2013 17.01 BST

Judy Mansfield connects to potential clients via YouTube videos. Photograph: PR

Name: Cherish Ceremonies
City: Southam
Website: www.cherish-ceremonies.co.uk

I launched Cherish Ceremonies in January to design and deliver heartfelt ceremonies for all life occasions, including weddings, vow renewals, baby namings and funerals.

The question I get asked most is, “What is a celebrant?” I decided to harness the power of YouTube and made some short videos to introduce myself and what I do.

It’s vital that my clients connect with me – after all, I’m involved in huge events in their lives. The best advice I’ve had is not to be afraid to let the passion for my business shine through, and it seems to be working.

Social media opens doors that would remain closed trying to connect through more traditional ways. But it is vital not to spam.

Building relationships is key, and as well as my blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube have been fabulous at enabling me to do this. It takes time, it takes energy, it takes commitment, but it is doable. The uppermost thought on my mind when I interact online is, “How can I be of help to you?”

Sharing what I’ve learned through online Q&A sessions has been amazing too. ‘Givers gain’ and ‘paying it forward’ works. It’s like sowing the seeds – the harvest in the form of sales will come (and is already happening).

Judy Mansfield is the celebrant at Cherish Ceremonies

Judy has clearly worked very hard and she is an inspiring lady. I am looking forward to seeing her again later this week near Northampton, and congratulating her in person on her achievements.

I shall be following her example – in fact, I film my first video next week, so YouTube, watch out!

Michael Gordon can help prepare and conduct a tailor-made life-cycle ceremony in or around London or, indeed, in Europe.

How to behave at a gay wedding

by | Aug 27, 2013 | Blog

People are often a little unsure how to behave if it’s a single-sex wedding. I hope I can put some minds at rest with a few suggestions.

Essentially, a gay and a heterosexual wedding are the same. So why behave differently?

Manners

However, manners are something always worth emphasising, so I make no apology for basing my article around this.

Whether the wedding is heterosexual or single-sex, the following apply:

  • Make sure you actually congratulate the happy couple on the day (amazingly large numbers of attendees skip this part!).
  • Be willing to circulate among the guests. It can be dull and awkward if people stay in little cliques. You can break the ice, of course, with “How do you know X and/or Y?” and conversations – and, possibly, connections  – may flow.
  • When talking to the newly-weds, don’t go on about how prevalent divorce is these days or how appalling your own marriage is.  This is a time for rejoicing (rather than regretting).
  • Don’t tell the newly-weds that the food wasn’t up to much/the guests were dull/how ludicrous someone’s hat was/what a noisy venue it turned out to be/what an unsuitable honeymoon destination they have chosen, etc. Just be positive and up-beat; if you can’t do that, then say nothing. It is meant to be a celebration, after all.
  • If you’re giving a speech, then beware of causing offence or alienating one half of the wedding party. Be positive and sensitive (but you can still be amusing). Show respect, especially when it comes to religious or political beliefs. (See my suggestions on wedding speeches: https://vowsthatwow.co.uk/?p=919.)
  • If it’s your wedding, thank people for coming, both on the day and then afterwards, preferably by sending a card (rather than an e-mail).

If you’re really uncomfortable with a same-sex wedding, you can simply politely decline to attend. Don’t risk spoiling the couple’s big day by your disapproving or embarrassed behaviour once there.

And if, as a straight person, you do attend, be tactful and don’t ask offensive questions (“Which of you will wear the dress?”, for example).

In an ideal world, all this wouldn’t need to be mentioned, but it’s surprising how insensitive people can be.

As with any wedding, go there to enjoy yourself (in a civilised fashion!), participate in the celebrations, and help make the day memorable – for the right reasons!

 

Michael Gordon can help prepare and conduct a tailor-made civil ceremony in or around London or, indeed, in Europe.