Hi Ruby! Your job is such an interesting one! I was wondering, how did you get into being a marriage celebrant and why?Well about five years ago some friends asked if I would be their Celebrant. I didn’t know much about it so looked into it and was fascinated. In fact I gave up my job as an HR Director and trained as a Celebrant – for Weddings, Vow Renewals, Naming Ceremonies and Funerals – plus occasionally helping people mark other milestone moments.
Wow sounds like you keep busy! How long have you been a celebrant for?
Almost five years.
What is your favourite part of the job / the most rewarding?
Helping people to see what could be possible as part of their ceremony and always ensuring that it is unique, personal and meaningful for them.
What is the importance of choosing the right celebrant? / Any advice to give couples looking into finding the right celebrant?
I always try to have a chat with couples before they make a commitment to me as their Celebrant. Often that is by Skype or FaceTime. They need to feel that I:
* understand what is important to them
* hear what they are looking for in their ceremony
* have expertise to offer but without imposing my views
* will ensure that planning their ceremony is stress free
* can help them to have a ceremony that is personal for them and fits with their wishes and values and that I am
* approachable and willing to answer their questions on any aspect of the ceremony.
How far in advance do couples usually book you?
That really varies a lot. I am still getting enquiries for 2018 (sadly I am already booked for most dates now and am having to turn down requests) but I have also had a couple of enquiries for 2020.
What would be your one piece of advice for newly engaged couples?
Don’t forget to enjoy being engaged. Decide roughly when you are likely to get married so you have an answer (e.g. not for at least 3 years) when people ask. Then, unless you have decided you will get married really quickly don’t find that your life is taken over with wedding planning. Remember what you love about each other.
How can couples find you?
Website: https://www.rubybceremonies.co.uk
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RubyBCeremonies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubybceremonies_celebrant
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me Ruby, I really enjoy learning more about your work!
It was great working alongside you for an outdoor wedding in 2016, and I hope in the future we do some more weddings together! x