The wedding industry continues to scale steadily in the right direction, making a comeback after the pandemic caused many ceremonies to be put on hold. All those extra weddings mean a lot more work for wedding celebrants across the globe. The celebrant (sometimes known as the ‘officiant’) is the person whose job it is to perform the ceremony for your marriage. 

They are integral to the tone of your vows, which means it’s extra important to choose the right person. Although necessary for a legal marriage, celebrants can also be a part of a wedding where the couple has chosen to forgo any paperwork and just wants to celebrate their love with their friends and family.

Here are four ways to choose the perfect celebrant for your big day. 

Determine the tone of your ceremony

The first thing you’ll want to figure out before selecting a celebrant is what tone you’d like your ceremony to have. The vibe of the ceremony is heavily influenced by the person performing it, so you’ll want to find someone that reflects your values and beliefs. Whether they are spiritual in nature or not, you’ll want someone who can make sure your wedding includes all the specific traditions you want and none that you don’t.

Consider using friends and family 

If you have decided you want to go with a more intimate ceremony, which includes a personal touch, consider asking a close friend or family member to officiate. It’s not unusual to choose this route, in fact, a recent study from 2018 indicates that 32% of couples were married by a loved one. Trends indicate that those numbers have increased in the years since.

Many modern couples are choosing this route, preferring to eschew the more traditional, religious-leaning ceremonies and vows. Having someone close to you provides a level of familiarity and comfort that your day will be exactly as you hoped. The tone can be light-hearted, with jokes or sentimental anecdotes that only someone who truly knows the couple could provide.

Look for celebrant reviews 

Not sure where to start looking for local celebrants? A quick internet search should be all you need to find someone reliable in your area. Many celebrants have their own websites or social media pages they can be contacted at. They will also post reviews from the other happy couples they have helped. You can also use a local directory to find someone near you.

Once you’ve found a celebrant that you think might be suitable for you, arrange a time to speak to them over the phone or in person. This will help you get a feel of whether they’re a good fit. Remember, finding the right person can take time, so start looking early in your wedding planning process.

See if they’re included with any venues

Another perfectly viable option is to see if the venue you have selected has anyone they recommend. Some packages may even include a celebrant as part of the deal, so make sure to do your research prior to committing. Having a built-in officiant can save you a massive headache.

Whether you choose a professional celebrant or a friendly face, you can trust that they will have your best interests at heart. The person performing your ceremony will be there to help you bring it all together and give you and your partner the day you’ve been dreaming of.

If you need help finding a wedding celebrant, or any other wedding vendors, I have a bunch of great local recommendations so don’t hesitate to get in touch.