The Problem with Group-Based Celebrant Courses
Whether it’s at a physical venue or taught live online,
traditional group celebrant training has some big disadvantages,
especially for adults coming into celebrancy as a second or third career.
1. You’re Being Talked At—Not Developed
In a group classroom, the trainer has to teach to the middle. That means hours of content you might already know, delivered at a slow pace, with little opportunity to skip ahead. You end up being talked at, not taught with. “I did so many work courses like that. You sit there watching PowerPoints, counting the minutes.” – Celebrant Training School graduate
2. One or Two People Dominate the Group
We've all experienced it. Someone in the group has lots of questions—or very specific challenges that don’t relate to anyone else’s journey. Before long, their story takes over, and you’re just…waiting. At Celebrant Training School, we avoid this entirely. Our self-paced video content means you are in control—and your training is about your learning, not anyone else’s.
3. Feedback in Group Classes Is Often Shallow or Non-Existent
In a mixed-ability group, real assessment is rare. It’s hard for tutors to give honest, constructive feedback when everyone’s paid to be there, and when time is limited. The result? Everyone gets told they’re “great,” and opportunities to grow are lost.
4. Group Courses Are Inflexible, Costly, and Disruptive
Even if the teaching was good, you still need to: Block out time from work or caring responsibilities, pay for travel, meals, and accommodation. Rearrange your life to fit someone else’s schedule For many of our students—especially those over 50 who are transitioning from other careers—this just isn’t feasible.
1. You’re Being Talked At—Not Developed
In a group classroom, the trainer has to teach to the middle. That means hours of content you might already know, delivered at a slow pace, with little opportunity to skip ahead. You end up being talked at, not taught with. “I did so many work courses like that. You sit there watching PowerPoints, counting the minutes.” – Celebrant Training School graduate
2. One or Two People Dominate the Group
We've all experienced it. Someone in the group has lots of questions—or very specific challenges that don’t relate to anyone else’s journey. Before long, their story takes over, and you’re just…waiting. At Celebrant Training School, we avoid this entirely. Our self-paced video content means you are in control—and your training is about your learning, not anyone else’s.
3. Feedback in Group Classes Is Often Shallow or Non-Existent
In a mixed-ability group, real assessment is rare. It’s hard for tutors to give honest, constructive feedback when everyone’s paid to be there, and when time is limited. The result? Everyone gets told they’re “great,” and opportunities to grow are lost.
4. Group Courses Are Inflexible, Costly, and Disruptive
Even if the teaching was good, you still need to: Block out time from work or caring responsibilities, pay for travel, meals, and accommodation. Rearrange your life to fit someone else’s schedule For many of our students—especially those over 50 who are transitioning from other careers—this just isn’t feasible.
The Celebrant Training School Difference: Flexible, Focused, and Fully Supportive