Bari Braun.com

Celebrancy got its roots in Australia many many years ago. But in the US, it’s a fairly new movement; and due to its infancy, many people do not fully understand the wonderful services that a celebrant offers. Whenever I first speak to a new couple, I always explain to them how, as a Celebrant, I differ from wedding officiants. So what exactly is a Celebrant, and how do I differ from other wedding officiants??
First I’ve received specialized training in the theory and building blocks of good ceremony, as well as in ceremony writing and performance. Think of me as a “ceremony specialist”, with my training having been specifically focused on weddings.
It’s all about customization, customization, customization!!! Unlike wedding officiants who often “fill in the blanks” with “one-size-fit- all” ceremonies, my services offer personalization through interviewing, and sending an in-depth questionnaire to each couple. I listen closely to my clients’ personal stories, cultural, religious, family or ethnic traditions, and goals and beliefs. If necessary, I may follow up – with my clients’ permission – by interviewing other family members or friends. I make suggestions on readings, organization, poetry and music based on what I have learned about my couples. I then use this information to craft a ceremony – in collaboration with my client – that reflects exactly who they are and what they envision for their ceremony. My clients “own” the ceremony and, although I may bring their particular writing style and personality to its development and performance, every word of the ceremony will be approved by my client. I strive to be accurate with facts and pronunciations and I do not ad lib

I also provide unlimited consultation with my clients and am always accessible by phone and email. I research and brainstorm until my client is completely satisfied with the “plan.”

Rehearsal anyone?? As a Celebrant, I rehearse and encourage rehearsals. I don’t merely show up at a ceremony and read. It’s been my experience that the rehearsal provides each couple with a chance to prepare for a smooth ceremony and to calm nerves.

CUE SHEETS!!! While I’m not an event planner, I quite often take on some ceremony coordinating functions – such as creating a much-appreciated cue sheet for musicians, writing out processional instructions for a wedding, touching base with venue staff, photographers or videographers to highlight any special aspects of the ceremony or to troubleshoot any ceremony issues.

PROFESSIONALISM!!! Forgive me if I sound like I’m tooting my own horn, but I do consider myself to be a professional of the highest calliber. Why, you may ask?? I’m timely, I know the details of ceremony set-up, and I can handle last minute changes with style and grace. I perform the ceremony with warmth and sincerity while retaining a strong presence. I offer support, thanks and congratulations as appropriate and I’m available to honorees, family members and other participants, such as readers, to answer questions.

And last, but not least, I provide special extras such as creating a keepsake ceremony for my clients as a gift. I also offer the use of my own PA system for the ceremony because if I can’t be heard, then nothing else really matters.

Someone (very wise, I believe) once said that a great Celebrant is a bargain at $700, but a bad one is too expensive at $10. So what “bang do you get for your buck” by using a professional Celebrant?? A life time of wonderful memories. How’s that for an investment in your future??