Dressing beautifully, spending precious time with your family and friends, drinking champagne, and laughing and enjoying your day away is exactly what you should look forward to at your wedding. But don’t forget to make it legal! Book a celebrant.

If you think it’s a bit of a drag meeting lots of celebrants to find the right fit for you, here’s a couple of tips to see who could make a short list before you even start approaching people.

  • Check out their website. What’s it like? Is it engaging? Informative? Do they have a calendar? Are they available on your wedding date?
  • Check their Facebook. Do they sound and look interesting? What’s their feedback like? How do they communicate and talk with others on their Facebook page?
  • Are they a member of CANZ (Celebrants Association of New Zealand)? You should find this information on their website, if not, look them up on www.celebrantsassociation.co.nz. It’s not mandatory for a celebrant to be a member but it’s a professional group and they support celebrants to deliver high-quality services

By finding out a little bit about each celebrant on their website and Facebook page, it gives you insight into what they’re like rather than just a name on a computer screen.

Once you’ve set a time to meet here are some things to think about:

  • Do you like them? Do they seem caring and kind? Obvious questions but you’ve got to like them cos they’ll be there when you’re most vulnerable – standing in front of many people, speaking your vows and saying β€œI do”
  • Are they warm and friendly? It’s not just you and your bridal party that will spend time with them, it’s your families and your guests too before you arrive
  • Are they enthusiastic and listen to what you want? If they don’t think your idea will work, they’re not right for you. It is your day, and a good celebrant will want you to fulfill your dream of 100 kittens walking you down the aisle
  • What do they charge, and what do they offer as part of their fee? Is it within your budget? Maybe it’s $50 or $100 more than you’d hoped, but my advice is go for them if they’re your perfect match.

Sure, it’s like a job interview or an awkward first date, but if they’re the right celebrant fit for you, don’t be shy in telling them at the meeting. You wouldn’t want the good one snapped up by another couple who loves them the very next day.