By Sally Cant
A guide to creating memorable ceremonies
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Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1 – Background to the celebrant movement
Origins and growth of the movement
Reflections on the standards and training of celebrants in Australia
What is the future of celebrancy?
Chapter 2 – Being a top celebrant
The essence of a top celebrant
What motivates someone to become a celebrant?
How can celebrants make a significant difference?
What are the biggest challenges facing a celebrant?
Deciding what type of work you want
Full-time celebrancy or part-time hobby?
How do I balance work with family life?
Learning about myself through my work as a celebrant
How can I stay fresh and keep learning?
How to manage different expectations
Being a celebrant lets me step outside my comfort zone
How can having a process help you in your work?
Chapter 3 – Interviewing
The process of interviewing clients
Building trust with clients
What communication skills are required by celebrants?
What are common barriers to effective listening?
How to collect information effectively
Chapter 4 –Wedding ceremonies
What is a wedding ceremony?
Steps involved in planning a wedding ceremony
What is an authentic ceremony?
The order and structure of the ceremony
Designing a wedding ceremony
Writing the ceremony with substance, meaning and dignity
Working with a couple leading up to the wedding
Who else can be involved in the ceremony?
Choreography and movement
Music
Music for before the ceremony
The processional
Interludes
Recessional
Music for after the ceremony
Public address system and music sources
Live musicians and singers
Poetry
Rituals and symbolism
Vows
Paperwork
Working with clients from a distance
Rehearsals
What are clients looking for in a celebrant?
Chapter 5 – Funerals
History of the funeral industry
What is a funeral?
Step by step process for a funeral ceremony
Ringing the family
Meeting the family
Reporting back to the funeral director
Writing the ceremony
Read back
Order of service
Other things to do before the day of the funeral
Liaising with family and friends
Grief awareness
What is an authentic ceremony?
The order and structure of a funeral ceremony
Selecting appropriate material
The ability to improvise and problem solve
Skills to help other speakers
Working with funeral directors
Displaying dignity and solemnity
Managing stress and emotions
The future of funerals
Chapter 6 – Creativity in ceremony
Why be creative?
Learning to be creative
Using rituals and symbols to be creative
Religious components
Chapter 7 – Public speaking
What is ceremonial public speaking?
How can you engage the guests?
How to overcome your fear of public speaking
What do successful speakers have in common?
Good planning and structure
Tone and volume
Slow down
Body language and gestures
Chapter 8 – Personal characteristics
Appearance and grooming
Punctuality
Develop your own style
Be in the role at all times
Name badges
Chapter 9 – Sales and marketing
Image and branding
How to build up your business
Have a marketing strategy
Know your clientele
Know your competitors
Value your service and price accordingly
Evaluating your marketing
Chapter 10 – Working with other professionals
Funeral directors
Photographers
Wedding venue operators
Chapter 11 – Running a business
Choose the right business structure
A business or a hobby?
Trading names
Business plan
Your office
Make it presentable
Use the right office technology efficiently and safely
Organise your paperwork and diary
Get a good accountant
Do you need a bookkeeper?
Working from home
Communications – be tech savvy
Equipment
Insurance
Protecting your intellectual property
Forms and contracts
Quality control, evaluation and feedback
Chapter 12 – Sample ceremonies and checklists
Wedding Questionnaire
Funeral Questionnaire
Wedding rehearsal checklist
Wedding Ceremony
Funeral Ceremony
Memorial Service
A commitment of partnership ceremony
Resources