Initial Contact: Where to Begin With Your Celebrant
Initial contact with potential wedding celebrants can be challenging for you as a newly engaged couple. You’re searching for the person who will provide you with the ceremony you want for your wedding day. Once you’ve identified potential celebrants via referrals, internet searches or personal experience, it’s time to reach out for the first time.
It may be helpful to remember that celebrants are waiting to hear from you. They look forward to speaking with or engaging with couples looking for a celebrant. They are happy to walk you through the process.
So what do you say/write in an initial contact with a celebrant? It’s best to start by sharing your name, your wedding date and the name/location of your ceremony venue. With this information the celebrant will be able to tell you if they serve the area where your ceremony will be held, and if they are available for your date. If all those items check out, it’s time to move on to the next level of conversation.
At this point your goal is to determine if this celebrant matches your wishes for your ceremony. You’ll want to share anything you know you do or do not want in your ceremony. For example, perhaps you want to write your own vows, or have certain music you want to use. Or possibly you don’t want religion in your ceremony and don’t want to include a unity ritual. The celebrant’s reaction to all these wishes will help determine if they are a good match for you. It’s OK if you don’t have any particular wishes for your ceremony at this point. The celebrant may ask you a few questions during your initial contact that will help them determine if you’re likely a good match.
Before you book any celebrant, though, you’ll want to have an in person meeting where you can chat further. If you’re not geographically co-located, a Skype or Facetime meeting can be used, too. This follow-up meeting is important for two reasons. First, you’ll want to make sure that the celebrant is prepared to create and deliver the kind of ceremony you want for your wedding day. And second, you’ll want to ensure that you are comfortable with the celebrant. You’ll work closely with them and want to feel comfortable asking questions, making your wishes known, and expressing concerns should any arise.
You may feel apprehensive or uncertain when the time comes to reach out to potential celebrants. But you can rest assured that they want to make that initial contact as easy and positive as possible. You’ll generally find friendly, caring, and interested people on the other side of your initial contact. So pick up the phone or write an email to get the ball rolling. We’re waiting to hear from you.