Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I carry Public Liability Insurance. As a member of several Celebrant Associations, CMC where I am on the executive committee and AFCC, I carry professional indemnity insurance. I take great care to stay up to date with current legislation by attending Ongoing Professional Development courses.

Question 2

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

I have a strong background in customer service including tour guide and nursing. After being employed by others for many years I decided to become self-employed as a full time civil marriage celebrant that is happy to marry anybody! My wife and I are a great team, with Desiree working quietly in the background to ensure that we are producing current, quality products and services for our clientele.

Question 3

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

Accepted Answer

I was approached by a bride whose father was dying and had been admitted to hospital. Because it was late at night, and at very short notice, I was unable to perform a legal wedding, so we organised a commitment service by the bedside.   I collected the future son-in-law from the airport at 10 pm at night. At 11pm at the hospital bed-side, the father saw his daughter and son-in-law commit to each other in front of close family that was gathered, with the nursing staff! The ceremony was videotaped. Dad was able to sign a Commemorative Certificate using his thumb print, before passing away shortly after.   Later the couple married properly in Geelong, and I was privileged to be asked to fly to Geelong to perform the ceremony. The video was replayed just at the moment where the father usually gives away his daughter. It certainly brought a few tears to the eyes of the family and friends watching.   It was a great privilege. This for me is a memorable service that will remain with me for a very long time!

Question 4

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

It is a great honour being asked to participate in the marriage of two people in love. Whilst I am only with you for a short time, out of the whole wedding day celebration and festivities; my joy comes from seeing two peoples love expressed in a story/ceremony, in front of the family that mean the most to them!

Question 5

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

How many meetings will we have? Although I seem to average three meetings with my clients, I’m happy to meet as required or take as many phone calls or answer as many E-Mails as we need to ensure the ceremony is just the way you want it. It also allows us to get to know you and you me!   Are you the cheapest Celebrant? No, I’m not. I believe I offer a sense of humour, dignity, punctuality, my undivided attention, and a wealth of experience. How many times have you asked for three quotes, and have still gone for a more expensive option just because you liked the company and its ethics? Don’t settle for cheap – it’s a special day and you don’t want it to be a disaster.  What do you provide? I provide a PA system, signing table, two chairs and basic white linen. I have a range of resources that I will provide you. I supply all the necessary legal documentation you will need to get married, but you will need to pick up the formal Marriage Certificate from the BDM if you’re wanting to change your ID later.  Also ask how many services they have completed, what training they have done, what costs are involved, and will there be any additional fees.

Question 6

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

"Are there any hidden costs?"  The only extra costs: • Travel costs, if more than 100km from Perth, • Accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary, • The presentation book $75.00 and wedding scrolls $75.00 are also optional. • The official marriage certificate may incur a charge, $49 at present, and will have to be collected from the Department of Births, Death and Marriages, or your local Court House.   "Do you provide a Public Address System?"  Yes - it is a quality system that complies with recent changes to the Governments frequency laws. I also have a separate microphone for the couple.   “Do I have indemnity insurance?”  Yes, and I am also a member and Office Bearer of several Professional Organisational Bodies.

Question 7

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I have been a celebrant since 2009. I have officiated at over 300 hundred weddings and other ceremonies, and I am still adding to that list. The couples I have married have come from all walks of life, and nationalities. I take great pride in tailoring each service to the needs of the couple! I'm a Justice of the Peace so I am indeed trustworthy!

Question 8

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

I qualified as a marriage celebrant in 2009, so I have a wealth of experience. I'm not just a weekend warrior - I work full-time as a celebrant so I'm not restricted with the hours we can get together, and I'm more than happy to meet you for a coffee close to home. I believe that I have an easy-going and helpful nature, a dry sense of humour and am fastidious in my punctuality. I firmly believe that the wedding ceremony is about you both as a couple, and not about me grandstanding at the front of the ceremony and drawing attention to myself.  Meet with me, lets have a chat, and you can decide, obligation-free, if I'm the right person to perform this incredibly important ceremony for your special day.

Question 9

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

The Wedding Season can be very busy, and wedding venues book months or even years ahead. I need to know;  • the date and time of the proposed service, as you are obliged by law, to submit your Nomination of Intention to Marry (NOIM) a minimum of no later than one month before the wedding date.  • That you will be able to provide ID documents such as Birth certificate, or Passport, Drivers licenses or some photographic ID, such as a proof of age card, • If ID documents are in a foreign language they must be translated by an approved Translator such as NAATI in Australia. • If married before, that you have a Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate proving how the marriage ended.

Question 10

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

I quote on the information provided but am willing to negotiate once I have a clearer picture on what the Bride and Groom want. Getting married is a very personal service, the price shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing a celebrant! Three tips I would suggest couples consider would be to;  a. book early and get to know your celebrant so you have plenty of time to exchange different ideas   b. ask many questions and check that they are flexible,  c. have a sense of humour and be willing to listen.

Question 11

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

Accepted Answer

I offer wedding services that begin at $385. (This includes weddings held in my home office/garden or covered veranda if weather is inclement!) For renewal of Vows, Baby Naming, commitment services I offer a service with a fee of $300.

Question 12

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

I take great pleasure in offering a legals only service for $350. This includes the legal paperwork and submission after the wedding service to the relevant authorities. This pricing is comparable to the BDM Registry office pricing but I believe I can help you, by personalising the service to make it memorable!  If you're wanting to personalise your service, have a larger service or even include the rituals that meant the most to you, then my fees will obviously increase accordingly. I am happy to incorporate various rituals that you may wish to be incorporated into your service. I have a PA system so the service can be heard and your music for the ceremony can be played through this!

Question 13

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

I ask for a Non-refundable booking fee of $200 on signing of the Nomination of Intention to Marry form. This ensures that the day is set aside for you. The remainder of the fees are to be paid in the week prior to the service, usually at the dress rehearsal. I accept cash with receipt or Direct Deposit into my Bank.

Question 14

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

I specialise in personalised marriage services that ensure your marriage sets the scene for a special day of celebration. I enjoy including family, friends and young children in whatever way I can, in all types of ceremonies.

Question 15

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I have been a celebrant since 2009, completed a Certificate IV in Marriage Celebrancy, as well as yearly on-going professional development. I am a member of Toastmasters, that aids my public speaking and have had a career in the hospitality industry. I am on the committee of the Marriage Celebrants Association, and I'm also a Justice of the Peace.

J.D. Celebrancy Marriage/Wedding Celebrant

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