The celebrant low down
Okay, okay, so it’s not the most inspired first blog for a celebrant but we all have to start somewhere right? So let’s get cracking! I’m guessing if you’ve found your way to my website, www.hjceremonies.com, you may already have a good idea of what a celebrant does. In this blog I’m going to focus on the role of a wedding celebrant.
We are superheroes of the event world (too much?), swooping into your occasion with our ceremony scripts and wide smiles to deliver a unique, individual service that can sometimes be lacking in an industry that is chock-a- block with, well, pretty much everything you need and a load of extras that you probably don’t really need but desperately want for your big day.
Celebrants are the friendliest of folk. Every individual I have had the pleasure of speaking to is truly all about the celebrant profession as a whole. It’s not about being competitive, it’s about supporting each other and getting the word out there that celebrant-led weddings are about choice. Yep, we are all about choice. That’s why you’ll hear many a celebrant use the phrase ‘Your Day Your Way’ because that’s exactly what we help you to achieve.
The nitty gritty
So what exactly do we do? The word ‘bespoke’ gets bandied about a lot these days but what we do truly is unique. We meet you, we suss you out (that’s right), we get inside your minds and your hearts to discover the very core of your personalities, your love, your relationship and then we start writing (at this point throw in lots of snacks and a few brews). There is no template to what we do, no filling in the blanks. We lavish hours of work on your ceremony, creating individual pieces of art. This may sound melodramatic, but hell yeah, we are pretty badass!
My main geographical area for work is South Yorkshire (I live in Sheffield), Derbyshire and Berkshire, however I will happily (and do) travel nationally to conduct personal and unique ceremonies.
It’s a pretty simple process if you do like the idea of a celebrant-led wedding. We can meet in person or on the phone before you make a decision as you have to be sure I’m the right person for you. If you want me there on the day it’s a case of me asking you lots of nosey questions that appeal to the romantic in me. Most of my couples absolutely love this part as it makes them stop and reflect on their relationship and put into words exactly how special their partner is to them. I love this bit too as it allows me to really understand you as a couple and what you want from your ceremony and your day as a whole. I’ve even been known to shed a tear or too reading back through my couples’ stories. I am truly lucky to work with some amazing people. Following the writing of a draft ceremony script you get to read it through and make amendments or ask for additions. Examples of vows and readings are also part of the celebrant experience. It’s all pretty fabulous don’t you think??
Got your back
In one of my Instagram posts (@helsbells_celebrant) I likened a celebrant to a bridesmaid or best man. I am there for you during the planning of your wedding and I 100% have your back on the day. Having a celebrant-led wedding is more than just words, it’s having someone to help you put on a show that you will remember forever*.
* This last line may have been influenced by listening to The Greatest Showman soundtrack whilst writing this.