How do you prepare for a wedding ceremony and how do you collaborate with the couple throughout the process?
Firstly comes the collaboration. No matter how I’m introduced to a couple, they receive an introductory email from me, with references to my website and celebrant Facebook page (if they haven’t seen it already), a choice of two suggested ceremonies (one longer than the other), some readings and a selection of vows. I let them know that the whole ceremony, and the wording, is very flexible, and elicit responses from them. Since Covid and the proliferation of online meetings, I offer one or more online video meetings and try to avoid meeting the couple face-to-face prior to the day, unless they live or are staying close by. For ceremony preparation, I review all emails and notes the day before, ensure my clothing is ready to go, and on the day, check, check, check that I have everything. I like to arrive at the ceremony location an hour or so before the start time, and always prefer to meet the bride and groom to check they’re happy with everything and that there are no last-minute surprise changes.
