So what does this mean to Celebrants? Well, I believe it is very encouraging. To me it shows how the growth in celebrant-led funerals and the decline in minister-led funerals is now irreversibly being echoed with wedding ceremonies.
The difference clearly is the dominance of registrars in the civil wedding category. This is not unsurprising given the cultural links we have in the UK with marriage law and the wedding being on the same day.
In the UK, some people struggle with the concept of registering a legal marriage on a separate and different day to their wedding day. In many other cultures and places around the world, including when British couples have their weddings abroad, this is quite normal. The legal bit after all is identical for everyone and a bit dull. In cultures where weddings go on for days, of course the legal bit is done at another time. In other countries, getting your legal marriage certificate is almost as easy as popping into your local council office to register the birth of a child. However, in England and Wales, registering a marriage is a more long and drawn out process.
The more people see and enjoy a celebrant-led wedding, the more they will experience what a difference a wedding celebrant can make to the start of their celebrations. Getting the legal bits done separately means no restrictions on the words & music that can be used. So if the couple or family members would like a religious blessing, then fine. The couple can plan the start of their ceremony when they like, and not be dictated by a registrar's diary. The ceremony can be located anywhere, whereas there are many restrictions with registrars. I even had one call this week from a despondent groom who was planning on having an owl deliver their wedding rings, only to find the council have said "no animals allowed".
Because the couple have got to know the celebrant beforehand , they will feel more at ease, more relaxed and will enjoy the ceremony. Because the celebrant will warmly welcome guests as they arrive and will write a ceremony that will include humour and fun, rather than the bit guests have to "grin and get through", instead, they can really enjoy the beginning of the wedding day, like a really good starter in a 3 course meal...not just bread!
If you have never delivered a wedding ceremony, there is nothing so wonderful than experiencing the love and happy reaction you get from guests afterwards. Regardless of their generation, it is likely to be the most beautiful and personal wedding ceremony they have ever seen.
The difference clearly is the dominance of registrars in the civil wedding category. This is not unsurprising given the cultural links we have in the UK with marriage law and the wedding being on the same day.
In the UK, some people struggle with the concept of registering a legal marriage on a separate and different day to their wedding day. In many other cultures and places around the world, including when British couples have their weddings abroad, this is quite normal. The legal bit after all is identical for everyone and a bit dull. In cultures where weddings go on for days, of course the legal bit is done at another time. In other countries, getting your legal marriage certificate is almost as easy as popping into your local council office to register the birth of a child. However, in England and Wales, registering a marriage is a more long and drawn out process.
The more people see and enjoy a celebrant-led wedding, the more they will experience what a difference a wedding celebrant can make to the start of their celebrations. Getting the legal bits done separately means no restrictions on the words & music that can be used. So if the couple or family members would like a religious blessing, then fine. The couple can plan the start of their ceremony when they like, and not be dictated by a registrar's diary. The ceremony can be located anywhere, whereas there are many restrictions with registrars. I even had one call this week from a despondent groom who was planning on having an owl deliver their wedding rings, only to find the council have said "no animals allowed".
Because the couple have got to know the celebrant beforehand , they will feel more at ease, more relaxed and will enjoy the ceremony. Because the celebrant will warmly welcome guests as they arrive and will write a ceremony that will include humour and fun, rather than the bit guests have to "grin and get through", instead, they can really enjoy the beginning of the wedding day, like a really good starter in a 3 course meal...not just bread!
If you have never delivered a wedding ceremony, there is nothing so wonderful than experiencing the love and happy reaction you get from guests afterwards. Regardless of their generation, it is likely to be the most beautiful and personal wedding ceremony they have ever seen.