by Michael | May 19, 2023 | Blog
You don’t need me to tell you that weddings are costly. There are potentially a lot of suppliers to engage and they do not tend to come cheaply!
Some suppliers are probably guilty of hoicking their prices up as soon as they scent an engaged couple.
Mind you, mainly due to competition, some charge very reasonable rates. And others undervalue themselves. Not just anyone can do their work! They have been trained, possess specialist knowledge, particular skills and ability. All that needs to be reckoned with too.
Furthermore, what is a necessity to one couple might be a luxury to another, so there will be different viewpoints about how much is reasonable to spend. Of course, the scale and complexity of the ceremony need to be factored in too.
Then there’s the need for the couple to do their ‘due diligence’, shop around and check they’re not being shafted. But they have to take care to compare like with like.
Practicalities
You’re likely to want to hire a photographer, a florist and maybe a celebrant. Then there’s the catering, venue hire, dress/suit outlay, MUA expense, maybe a wedding planner – to name but half a dozen potential expenses.
Even that is not as simple as it sounds.
Do you want a single photographer or a couple, to capture different angles and facets? What about a videographer, or both? Can you get a friend to do the photography? (I’d say no, unless they are professionals themselves. You don’t want a foul-up at such a unique occasion.)
A wedding planner can be a long-term booking, or you can get one for the day only.
A decent celebrant needs to be able to ask the right questions (to get inside the couple’s heads and establish their vision). They also need to listen well (not just imposing their own choices, although advice can often be invaluable). They must be good writers when putting together the ceremony and, not least, be able to present well.
I hold a Diploma in Wedding Celebrancy and have over 10 years’ experience in conducting ceremonies. I belong to an ethical professional association. I have a suitable personality – calm, friendly, but professional. How many celebrants boast all these assets?
I therefore feel justified in charging for my services (although I am only mid-range).
The same must go for other suppliers. They may use other skills, but they are professionals in their field. Many are experts and can guarantee doing an excellent job.
When you’re seeking out suppliers, ensure you find out their Ts & Cs (I know it’s boring!). That way, there can be no nasty surprises, and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
And what you’re not!
So, decide your budget, speak to suppliers and choose your team for the event. Hopefully, you can afford the team you want (if not, maybe you can juggle your outlay).
That way, you should get maximum peace of mind and a wonderfully successful occasion!
by Michael | Jan 17, 2022 | Blog
When you buy a car, you usually know what features you will be getting. The same with most products. So when you’re booking a service like that of a civil celebrant, why should things be any different?
Misconceptions
However, not that many people really know what a celebrant does. For example, they assume that a civil celebrant and event planner are the same.
No! The event planner usually books and organises the venue and suppliers. The one thing they don’t do is to organise the ceremony itself. (That’s usually their only time out the whole day!)
The weight of the ceremony falls squarely on the shoulders of the civil celebrant.
A lot of people also assume that a civil celebrant is either a “vicar” or a humanist. An independent celebrant can be anything they want to be – the clue is in the word “independent”. They may be prepared to include religious elements despite their own personal belief, and the opposite may be true too.
So what does a civil celebrant do (apart from conducting the ceremony on the day)?
Behind the Scenes
There’s normally a discovery conversation to start the ball rolling. That way, the couple can see if they even want to work with the celebrant – and the reverse is true too! What is also important is to discuss the couple’s vision for their big day. If the celebrant feels they can’t achieve it or opposes or even ignores it, it ain’t goin’ ta work!
Assuming the Ts & Cs have been agreed and both will work together, the celebrant prepares a draft and e-mails it to the couple in due course. They will probably want some changes, and there’s some toing and froing to be expected before the final version is agreed.
That way, there are no unpleasant surprises on the day, and the couple get exactly what they want.
On the Day
The visible role of the celebrant comes into play on the wedding day. As for me, I like to arrive about an hour before the ceremony is due to start. I can check that everything is set up correctly and sort it, if not.
I nudge relevant people, such as Best Men (“have you got the rings?”) and make sure any Event Planner knows I’ve safely arrived. The same goes for the bride (where accessible) and groom. A lot of it is about putting their minds at ease. I also collaborate with musicians (do they have the same playlist as me?) and photographers (“who is standing where?”). I try and remind those in the bridal train to process in slowly and remind them where they should end up.
As for the half hour or so in the spotlight, that’s our big moment. As celebrant, I never forget that it is not about me, but about the couple standing with me. I conduct the ceremony in the tone we have already agreed – usually solemnly, in places, humorously, and welcoming in others. I facilitate the events calmly and clearly. Sometimes there’s the unexpected to deal with. Then I rely on my years of experience.
The important thing is to make the ceremony memorable, enjoyable, meaningful and special for all concerned.
Much of what goes towards making the ceremony so special happens in the days and months preceding the wedding, and that is what a civil celebrant can do for you!
Feel free to have a chat to find out about how you could put together your special ceremony.
Photo: samyaz.sproutstudio.com
by Michael | Jan 13, 2020 | Blog
We were
lucky with our wedding venue. A year or so before our wedding, my wife and I
were invited to a celebration dinner at the Grim’s Dyke, Old Redding. We fell
in love with the place, and choosing our wedding venue proved to be ‘no contest’.
There are those who may get a helping hand from other people’s recommendations, but most have to start from a blank slate.
That usually
means trawling through websites. Naturally, the pictures are flattering and the
descriptions are tantalising, but don’t rely on those alone.
Contact the wedding planner by phone or (less good) e-mail. You’ll have questions, and they should be able to answer them. If the answers don’t meet your needs or wishes, then go elsewhere.
Questions
However, if possible, make an appointment and pay a visit.
That way,
you’ll meet the planner and get a feel for them. Obviously, you need to know if
the date you want is available.
Are they
going to be with you on the day, or will somebody unknown take over? Does the
planner seem willing to listen to your vision and plans? Do they seem excited?
What will you
get for your money? Does the price seem extortionate? (More on costs later.)
What are the payment terms?
Can the planner recommend a celebrant (if that’s what you want)? Can you see the room(s) you’ll be using?
You will
probably want to discuss refreshments, catering and service, as well as
eventuality-planning (what happens if the weather is bad?).
Decisions
You must follow your head (if you have a strict budget, then you may have to reject the venue), but you must always follow your heart. If you arrive at a venue and both love it (like we did with the Grim’s Dyke), then go for it. Don’t select a place just because you can afford it. This is probably going to be the biggest day of your life, so the venue and atmosphere is very important. You will want to remember the day for the rest of your lives, so the memory will have to be highly positive!
Money
If you feel
that you can’t afford the price, there are some strategies you can try. Why not
suggest hiring the venue Monday-Thursday? Those can be quieter times, and the
planner will be glad to fill the place then.
Equally, if
you go for a date that is outside the peak summer (and Xmas and Valentine’s
Day), you may also be able to negotiate with the planner. Same reasons. And
hiring the place for the afternoon, rather than the evening, may bring down the
price.
If you don’t
ask, you’ll never find out!
So, see what
you can do – you may be able to secure a bargain! At all events, make sure you
both absolutely want to marry there.
For further
suggestions, feel free to contact me.
