what questions should i ask my celebrant when i meet with them?

Dear Bride

that question is very much like the question: how long is a piece of string? You need to know that the Celebrant is the Celebrant for you. A professional Celebrant should basically be able to answer all of your questions at the initial meeting/during the initial phone call without you actually having to ask them. They should tell you what services they offer, that they will help you to create your ceremony and write your vows or even create the ceremony for you by getting to know you and weaving your love story int o the ceremony. You will be able to judge from that initial contact whether they are the right fit for you as a couple, but if you're not sure, ask them how they will reflect your beliefs and who you are.You can ask:

• What they offer in the way of a ceremony.
• Ask how they go about creating it? Is it rigid or is it fluid? A ceremony only has to contain the legal wording spoken by the Celebrant and yourselves, everything else is up to you and, in light of that, what the Celebrant is prepared to do. You want someone who is relaxed enough to conduct a ceremony that you feel comfortable with.
• Can you write our own vows and can they help with that?
• Ask what else they offer in the way of services. Do they have a PA system and, if so is it extra?
• Do they provide a signing table and chairs?
• Do they take care of the music?
• Do they have any other ceremonies on that day?
• Do they charge extra for travel?
• can they provide ideas for readings ceremonies like Butterfly release.

there are so many questions, I could go on forever. Feel free to contact me and we can discuss these things in more detail.

Regards

Tim

Cairns Tropical Marriages

At a meet & greet, I provide my prospective clients with a list of "frequently asked Questions".  This acts as a guide/promt to ask specific questions like, "can I change my vows when they are already written, who can give me away, can my daughter be a witness, what does your fee include, what if my ceremony needs to be cancelled........"  etc. Plus, as you work through the ceremony with your celebrant, more questions will always surface.  

You should ask your celebrant what is included in their services and what they will do to ensure that the ceremony is a true reflection of yourselves as a couple

You should be able to communicate well with them, and they should listen to your requests and needs.

It would be a good idea to have a specific date in mind as some celebrants book out well in advance. I personally only take on one ceremony per day so that I can provide each couple with my undivided attention.

An experienced Celebrant will have all of the information ready and waiting when he or she meets with you both.

Ask about the paperwork and what is required from you both, that will get the meeting on its way.

If you don't understand any item, ask your Celebrant to explain further in detail.

If you are not confident in their ability to answer clearly - move on, that Celebrant is not for you.

Hi the most important 2 questions are;

1. Will the celebrant truly reflect you as Individuals and as a Couple; your personalities, senses of humour, values, beliefs, what you love about each other, your Love Story, Personal Vows and the style of ceremony you want and if you don't know what you want can they inspire you with a thousand creative ideas??
2. If you have children or important family members and friends how will they include them to make them feel important and special on the day??

If they can truly do that your wedding day will be magical!

Love & Light

Marry Me Marilyn xxx

What do you wear on the day

How long is ceremony 

do you do a rehearsal

Ask your celebrant if you are the only one that he marries that day, that way you are assured that you get the attention that you need. Ask him/her about the documentation, what assistance is he/she able to give you with the wedding ceremony. Does he/she belong to an association like AFCC.  What insurance cover has the celebrant? Just remember, it is your day, you are giving out a lot of personal information by filling out all the paperwork, and YOU must feel comfortable with the Celebrant

• Can the celebrant help you with any special requirements you might want for your wedding ceremony e.g gift giving; a tea ceremony; including family and friends in ceremony, hand fasting etc etc;
• Do they have other ceremonies on the same day that will impact on your timing of your wedding?
• Will they travel to your chosen venue if it's out of town? If so do they charge extra for travel?
• Can we write our own ceremony (if that's what you want to do)
• Your celebrant should automatically give you a handout or talk to you about what they include in their fee without you having to ask them. They should also include information to assist you put togther your ceremony or work with you to compose your ceremony - without you having to ask.

The most common questions I get is:

1) what documents are required and when

2) will I get to see a draft copy of the ceremony

3) can I submit the application for the standard marriage certificate in order to change my name

4) are there any additional charges besides the basic fee eg: for travel, rehearsal

5) can we write our own vows and can you help with that

6) do you have a PA system and can our music be played on it

7) do you provide a signing table

8) is there a late fee involved

9) what is your cancellation policy

10) what happens if you get sick, will someone still marry us

These are the typical questions I get asked when I meet with my couples

Hope this helps