How do you train to be a celebrant?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Hey there, future superstar celebrant! So you’ve caught the bug and want to know how to train to be a celebrant, huh? Well, you’re in the perfect place to get all the details! Becoming a celebrant is sort of like becoming a superhero for people’s big life moments. It’s not just about saying a few lines and making it official; you get to craft experiences that people will remember forever, be it weddings, renewals, baby blessings, or even funerals.. So, let’s dive in and find out what you’ve got to do to wear that celebrant cape. 

    Key Qualities of a Successful Celebrant

    A Passion for Life’s Moments

    Becoming a celebrant is way more than just a 9-to-5 grind; it’s like your soul’s true calling. If you’re all about jumping headfirst into life’s biggest moments and making them special for people, you’re definitely onto something awesome.

    Perseverance 

    It’s not all champagne and confetti from the get-go. You’ve got to get through the hard moments and persevere. Whether you’re getting through celebrant training or trying to make a name for yourself, sticking with it is key, especially when the going gets a little rocky.

    Strong Communication Skills

    So, you’re a chatterbox, eh? Perfect! You’ll be doing loads of talking, listening, and even writing. So those top-notch communication skills of yours are going to come in super handy.

    Professionalism 

    Now let’s talk about being a pro. This isn’t just about wearing a smart suit or having a snazzy business card. It’s about respecting everyone’s love story or life journey and adhering to the high standards of our awesome profession. Do it right, and you’ll be the one everyone’s raving about!

    Creativity 

    Got a creative bone in your body? Fabulous! You’re not just a parrot repeating lines; you’re the artist painting the canvas of someone’s milestone day. A little dash of creativity can take a ceremony from “meh” to “magical.”

    Emotional Intelligence 

    You’ll be diving into the deep end of people’s feelings, my friend. Weddings, funerals, you name it—emotions run high. Being able to empathise and read the room? That’s your superpower.

    Public Speaking 

    You’re gonna be the life of the party—or ceremony, to be exact. So, get comfy with that mic. Don’t sweat it if public speaking isn’t your thing yet. Loads of celebrant training programs out there can help you become the best speaker of ceremonies.

    Organisational Skills 

    This role involves a ton of behind-the-scenes stuff. Writing scripts, syncing with florists or DJs, you know the drill. So, a knack for organisation is a godsend, trust me.

    Business Savvy

    Oh, and don’t forget, this isn’t just about the warm and fuzzies; you’re running a business too! So understanding stuff like marketing and client relationships is really crucial.

    Your Celebrant Training Options 

    Online Training 

    If you’re juggling a job, family, or just love the freedom to set your own schedule, online courses are the ultimate convenience. You can learn in your comfy clothes while sipping coffee, and nobody would judge!

    The flexibility is insane—you can pause, rewind, and revisit any part of the course whenever you want. Ever have those “Aha!” moments in the shower? Just hop back into the course later and cement that newfound knowledge.

    And here’s the kicker: online courses often come with online communities. You get to join forums and social media groups where you can chit-chat, ask questions, and get advice from celebrants all over the world, not just from your neck of the woods. It’s like a global classroom that never sleeps!

    Oh, and one more thing I have to mention: online mentors. Just because you’re learning from the comfort of your home doesn’t mean you’re going it alone. A lot of online courses offer mentorship programs where you can have one-on-one video calls, emails, or even chat sessions with an experienced celebrant. It’s like having a wise guru in your pocket. 

    We’d highly recommend online courses, like the ones from Jennifer Claire [link].  These courses are like the Netflix series of celebrant training — they’ve got all the episodes you need to binge on, from crafting the perfect ceremony script, to understanding all the legal stuff that goes along with the role.

    And let’s talk about Jennifer Claire herself. Learning from someone who knows their stuff? That’s like getting a backstage pass to all the industry secrets. Investing in this kind of expert-led training is like putting premium fuel in your career tank. You’re not just learning; you’re setting yourself up for some big wins down the road.

    How much does online celebrant training cost?

    Courses can range between £500 and £2,000, depending on the duration and depth of the training program. 

    In-Person Courses

    If you’re the type who loves that to be in-the-moment, in-person celebrant training courses could be your thing. Imagine this: you get to actually stand at a mock altar and run the show, just like you would in a real ceremony. And the best part? You get instant, real-time feedback from people who know what they’re talking about. It’s like having a safety net while you practise your high-flying celebrant moves. 

    And don’t get me started on networking. When you’re all in the same room, magic happens. You make friends, trade stories, share tips, and who knows? That person sitting next to you could be your ticket to your next big ceremony. 

    How much does in-person celebrant training cost?

    Courses can range between £1,000 and 3,000, depending on the duration and depth of the training program. 

    How long is a celebrant training course? 

    Ah, the big question: how long does it take to become a fully-fledged celebrant? Well, that really depends on you and the celebrant course you pick. If you’re going the online route, you’re looking at a few weeks to months typically. It’s sort of a “choose your own adventure” situation—you can speed through it or take your sweet time to soak it all in.

    On the flip side, in-person courses are usually more of a “let’s dive in” experience. They’re often more intensive and structured, so you could find yourself wrapping up in less time. Think of it like a celebrant boot camp, where you’re in, you learn a ton, and you’re out, ready to conquer the world—or at least the weddings, vow renewals, and baby namings. 

    Setting Up Your Celebrant Business

    Legal Requirements 

    Alright, so you’re nearly at the end of training and it’s time to put practice into reality, high-five! But before you start handing out business cards, there’s some nitty-gritty stuff you’ve gotta sort out—like, you know, making sure you’re all good in the eyes of the law.

    If you’re based in the UK, you’ve got options for how to set up your celebrant business. You could go the easy route and register as a sole trader. It’s pretty straightforward and perfect if it’s just you running the show. But if you’ve got grand plans and maybe even some employees down the line, you might want to look into setting up a limited company. It’s a bit more paperwork and admin, but it could give you some extra perks and protections. 

    Online Presence 

    Ah, the art of getting noticed! Look, you could be the Shakespeare of celebrants, but if no one knows you exist, you’re not gonna be writing any sonnets—or ceremonies, for that matter.

    First off, you absolutely need a website. If your celebrant doesn’t include this in a module, you might want to find a new one. Think of it as your online HQ where people can find out who you are, what you do, and how to book you. It’s basically your digital business card, portfolio, and first impression all rolled into one.

    And let’s talk about social media. Get yourself on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter—the whole shebang. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, testimonials, and even your daily coffee if it’s fancy enough. This is where you can really let your personality shine and attract people who get your vibe. You’ll learn the ins and out of how to strategically do this in your celebrant training course. 

    Oh, and don’t forget to get listed in wedding or event directories. These are like the Yellow Pages for celebrants and a great way to get spotted by people who are actively looking for what you offer.

    Networking within in the industry 

    Networking – the lifeblood of any thriving business, and especially key for celebrants fresh out of UK celebrant training. You know, it’s not just about who you know, but who knows you’re a rockstar in the making. 

    First off, have you considered joining some celebrant associations? These are like your professional tribe—fellow celebrants who get what you’re doing because they’ve been through similar celebrant training courses in the UK. Being a part of one of these associations not only adds a feather to your cap but also opens doors you didn’t even know existed and the courses will introduce a number of companies to you. 

    And you can’t skip those industry events. Whether they’re face-to-face or zoom-to-zoom, these are golden opportunities to rub elbows with the who’s who in the celebrant world. If you’ve just wrapped up your celebrant training online in the UK, these events are your next big step. 

    Last but far from least, make friends with other vendors. Whether they’re photographers, florists, or DJs, these folks can become your biggest fans. It’s like a little ecosystem; you recommend them, they recommend you. Perfect, right? And these celebrant training courses will show you the techniques on how to confidently master your networking efforts. 

    The journey to becoming a celebrant is this incredible mix of finding yourself while helping others celebrate their milestones. Whether you go down the path of celebrant training online in the UK or decide to get your learn on with in-person celebrant training courses in the UK, you’ve got options galore to make your dream come to life.

    So go ahead, grab that pen, ignite that passion, and channel your inner superhero of perseverance. Because let’s be real, the world needs more amazing celebrants like you, and I can’t wait to see you light up the stage—or altar, gardens, beach, or wherever your celebrant journey takes you!

    Cheers to your fabulous journey ahead in the world of celebrants!

    Jennifer Claire

    Jennifer is the Director of the leading celebrant training company, The Academy of Modern Celebrancy as well as the Founder of The Celebrant Directory, supporting over 600 celebrants globally.

    Jennifer run a 2.5k community of celebrants who she dedicates her time to helping them grow their businesses and taking celebrancy from a hobby to a lifestyle.

    Jennifer heads up the global Celebrant Industry Awards and the global celebrant summit, Celebrantopia each year!

    A celebrant herself since 2010, she knows what it takes to make it in the industry and trains the best celebrants out there across the UK, Europe and the USA.

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