Okay so here at Ready Steady Wed, we want to be real with you. And one of our realities is that we get a LOT of enquiries from people who aren’t totally sold on the idea of a celebrant led service when they first make contact with us.
Sometimes they are still weighing up the pros and cons of registrar vs celebrant. And sometimes, couples don’t even know what a celebrant is – we meet a lot of couples, particularly at wedding fayres, who tell us they’ve never even heard of a celebrant.
We also have people enquiring who don’t realise that a celebrant led wedding isn’t legally binding in England and Wales, and that makes them hesitate. So, we thought we’d tell you why you definitely don’t want one of us to lead your ceremony on your big day after all.
Why a celebrant-led wedding sounds like the worst idea ever. I mean, why would anyone want a unique, heartfelt, personalised ceremony when you could just settle for a copy and paste event where your names might get mispronounced? Here’s why you should absolutely avoid a celebrant at all costs:
1. Your Love Story Is Just Too Boring
Do you really want someone to take the time to learn about your relationship, your journey, and your quirks? Gross. It’s much easier to let someone recite the same speech they’ve used at 100 other weddings this year. Why waste time being the stars of your own ceremony when you could blend into the background?
2. Personalisation Is Overrated
Who needs a ceremony that reflects your values, beliefs, and personalities? Isn’t it better to follow a one-size-fits-all script? Imagine the horror of your guests actually laughing at, crying at, or – heaven forbid – enjoying the ceremony because it feels like you.
3. Freedom of Choice Is Exhausting
Celebrants give you the freedom to get married anywhere and anyhow. The beach at sunrise? A forest clearing? Your living room? Sounds like too much work. It’s much easier to stick with the venue’s “function room B” or the local registry office. Nothing says romance like beige walls and fluorescent lighting.
4. Too Much Fun Is a Bad Thing
Celebrants often bring warmth, humour, and creativity to ceremonies. Who wants that? Weddings are supposed to be solemn, stiff, and slightly awkward. Fun is for the reception, not the vows.
5. No One Wants Happy Tears
A celebrant-led ceremony is likely to be so heartfelt that your guests might actually cry. And not just any tears – happy ones. Are you prepared for mascara smudges, runny noses, and grown men subtly wiping their eyes? Didn’t think so.
6. Your Guests Might Actually Stay Awake
A celebrant will create a ceremony so engaging that your guests won’t be able to sneak a nap. This is unacceptable. Wedding ceremonies are the perfect time for your aunt to nod off after her second glass of Prosecco.
7. You’ll Remember It Forever (Ugh)
With a celebrant, you’ll have a ceremony so memorable you’ll be replaying it in your head for years to come. Why have lasting memories when you could instead barely recall the generic vows you mumbled while hoping the officiant would wrap it up quickly?
8. You’ll Have to Have TWO Wedding Days
Let’s not forget the technicality. A celebrant can’t make your marriage legal so you’ll need a quick trip to the registry office for that. Which means you’ll have to have a second day to celebrate your love. Nightmare!
Conclusion: Stick to the Script (Or Don’t)
If you want a wedding that’s predictable, forgettable, and indistinguishable from everyone else’s, by all means, steer clear of celebrant-led ceremonies. But if you’re into love stories, laughter, and a day that’s unapologetically you, well… you might just be making the biggest “mistake” of your life.
(Disclaimer: This blog post is 100% tongue-in-cheek. Celebrants are magical beings who turn
weddings into unforgettable celebrations of love. Choose wisely.)
Rebecca xx
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