If there’s one thing all Celebrants agree on, it’s that you never forget your first wedding ceremony.
So we decided to ask our wonderful members about their first. We know that this will be gold for other new celebrants, as it’s a given that nerves + excitement are a given for any new celebrant.
Sarah O'Grady Celebrant
Sarah O’Grady found her first whilst be in, what some might some, a vulnerable position:
Karen from 2BeeWed
Karen Balbi from 2BeeWed also was asked to become a Celebrant by a couple.
Roxy Celebrant
Hitched by Fabs
Fabion at Hitched by Fabs learnt about stage management at his first.
“My first wedding was on the 3rd August 2019 and I met the couple at a 2yr olds birthday party in Feb that same year. I wasn’t registered until June so had a friend complete the NOIM in case I didn’t have my registration in time. Turned out I did and it was all systems go. I was fairly confident leading up and my biggest fear was about the speaker and microphone not working as I hired it.
The main thing I would have done differently is move out of the centre more often during the ceremony but something I always do now. It was a perfect start to my celebrant career with a very relaxed couple who had their new born bub strapped to mum.”
Alanna from Aisle be There
Alanna from Aisle be There had some great advice around rituals.
“First wedding was in August 2020, the bride was a friend of a friend of my Mums. They’d planned a full ceremony several times times throughout 2020 and had each plan ruined with Covid lockdowns 
the bride was at her wits end when she contacted me just looking to get it done.
Beforehand I was so nervous I wanted to vomit but I also didn’t disclose to her that they were my first ever couple as I wanted them to have a complete experience. I used a full PA system for a ceremony of only 20 people- in retrospect that was maybe unnecessary. I also offered them a sand ceremony as ‘rituals’ had been a big emphasis of my training organization- a huge regret on my part to later realise this is not in fact a standard in wedding ceremonies and didn’t add much value to their day really, while I spent maybe $50 stocking up on coloured sand from ebay. I wish I’d just kept it simple.”
Melissa Price
- Easter 2021
- Celebrant friend of B&G lived in Darwin
- Lockdown called
- No travel in/out
- 5 days out from the wedding
- Needed a Celebrant asap to take over
- Darwin Celebrant posted in a local Facebook group looking for a Celebrant
Angela Lloyd
Angela Lloyd shared her story with us:
“My first was 1 year ago! A Celebrant friend wasn’t able to do the Wedding so I stepped in that week. It was over a 2 hr drive away (Newcastle to the southern side of Sydney).
It poured rain most of the day so the wet weather back up venue came into play after I had carefully done the certificate 
. I felt excited beforehand but worried about the paperwork (using the right forms etc etc) & the drive. I arrived a couple of hours beforehand and the lovely waterfront Club had a bride preparation area which I was able to use. No one knew it was my first ceremony (hard enough for the couple having to change Celebrants the week of; I thought that wouldn’t be something they’d want to hear).
I really enjoyed everything and I got lots of praise following the ceremony. One lady asked how many Weddings I was doing that day… “Oh just the one today as I’ve travelled from Newcastle”. 
I was on a high but halfway home I suddenly felt so exhausted.”
Bree Amer
Bree Amer had a really interesting first couple!
Well, I completed my celebrant training and after submitting my final assignments, booked my first wedding (allowing for the max timeframe to be qualified) which was for AN EX BOYFRIEND! He approached me obviously. We are good friends… but lol.
Nek minute the RTO i studied through was sold and the new trainer wouldn’t honour my qualification. So insert months of tears and stress, but a new qualification came through 2 days before the wedding. It was not a nice lead up for a first timer. The fabulous Stephanie Bardsley Celebrant was introduced to me to be a back up for the legal parts, if it didn’t come through, and she ended up being such a gift, wealth of knowledge and friend. So lucky me!
I knew a LOT of people at the wedding, which I think added so much pressure, but it was great! The couple are super chilled and loved the ceremony so much- so what more could I want?
The day was so windy, and I had hair blowing in my face the entire time. So first hard lesson was to pack a hair tie.
We can help you with your first (or second, or three-hundredth)
We know that being a celebrant can feel a lonely business, and one thing you’re guaranteed is that joining The Celebrant Society will provide you with virtual and in-person support from our wonderful members.
Join us today by clicking here
