There is lots to think about when choosing a celebrant for you.
Deciding how to conduct your ceremony may also leave you with questions too.
Read below to see my answers to the most commonly asked queries.
Got any questions I’ve not answered, then drop me an email here and I’ll get right back to you.
FAQs
GENERAL FAQs
General requently asked questions
WHY BOOK A CELEBRANT?
A celebrant can create a ceremony that's very personal to you both, bringing your personality into the ceremony.
Forget Formality and tradition; you dictate how your ceremony goes; let your commitment to each other take centre stage that day.
DO YOU PERFORM LGBTQ CEREMONIES?
Yes I do! Love is love in my eyes. I support the LGBTQ community and would be honoured to officiate your wedding!
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE BOOK YOU?
Firstly congratulations on your impending commitment to each other, I am pleased you have chosen me to make your day memorable. Next we speak or do a zoom meeting to help me together the information I need to create your wedding ceremony. There may be some homework for you to do on email in the lead-up to your ceremony, but not much. You can see all the steps for of the planning here.
HOW LONG DOES A CEREMONY LAST?
My ceremonies can usually take from ½ hour to 45mins depending on what you want to include in your ceremony. If you are including Rituals and readings then probably 45 mins, but I don't put a time limit on your ceremony.
DO YOU CHARGE EXTRA IF WE ADD ANY RITUALS TO THE CEREMONY?
No not at all, my cost includes everything except any special implements you wanted to use in say a handfasting, or special candles for a unity candle ritual. Some couples like to buy or make their own handfasting ties for instance.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET SICK?
I am a member of Fellowship of Celebrants which is a lovely family of celebrants that have each other's backs.
So if I were to get sick on your wedding day one of my colleagues would step in to deliver your ceremony, and they would use the script that you and I prepare, but they would deliver the ceremony. But I promise I don't get sick very often!
WEDDING FAQs
Questions about Wedding Ceremonies
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK YOU?
The earlier you can book me, the better. I am usually taking bookings for one and two years ahead. But have been known to have a month's notice.
I work on a first-come, first-served basis and only book one wedding per day. So the sooner you book my services, the better.
IS A CELEBRANT WEDDING RELIGIOUS?
I am a non-faith Celebrant which means that a ceremony with me can not include any religious aspects.
DO WE WRITE OUT OWN VOWS?
Only if you want to. This is an area couples can worry about, and this is where I can help write them for you. If you are struggling to express in words your love and commitment I am here to help. A personal set of vows that say what you want to say to your partner beautifully made and for you to keep after the ceremony.
CAN WE HAVE AN OUTDOOR CEREMONY?
Of course you can. A ceremony in a place special to you can definitely happen. What not ask about where I have officiated a ceremony as I have knowledge of those venues / places which also have indoor areas should the weather be inclement.
WHO ELSE CAN BE INVOLVED IN OUR CEREMONY?
Supportive friends or family members can of course be part of your ceremony as they are the very people that there support your commitment. Couples with children and blended families are more than welcome to play a part too. The lighting of unity candles or sand ceremonies is a perfect way to join you all as a family unit in a ritual representation. Read about Unity Ceremonies here.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT TIME WE HAVE A CEREMONY?
No, absolutely not. I can carry out ceremonies any time of the day, day of the week, or month of the year. I would love to perform a ceremony under a full moon, or at sunrise, if anyone's up for that!
WHAT DOES A CELEBRANT DO ON THE DAY?
A Question I am often asked is "what exactlly does the celebrant do on the day of the wedding"?
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I will be at your venue well before the allotted time for your ceremony. I like to ensure that everything is in place so that it all goes smoothly for you.
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I coordinate with your venue and wedding planner, if you are using one, and your photographer, ensuring that we all know where each other is meant to be.
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I make sure any music planned is set for being played and stopped at the appropriate times.
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Briefing anyone doing a reading, so that they are confident in when to come up and join the bridal party to do their part.
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I will deliver your ceremony, introduce the newlyweds to their family and friends, then be on my way.
That's the official job description for the day, but ultimately I end up doing lots of other things to ensure your day goes as well as you have planned.
ASK
Ask Gem your ceremony questions