Finding the right wedding celebrant

An hour before every ceremony I stop talking, I stop reading, I do not rehearse. I sit. It is the only ritual that belongs to me. Without this hour, even a well-prepared speech does not land.

I mention this because finding a wedding celebrant is about exactly this difference. Almost anyone can write a beautiful speech. The question is who is truly present in that moment.

What a wedding celebrant does

A wedding celebrant, also called a ceremony leader or officiant, accompanies you from the first idea to the yes. This includes conversations, writing the speech, the flow, coordination with music and photography and leading the ceremony. Legally, the celebrant does not marry you. The civil registry office does that.

Seven questions for the first conversation

Getting to know each other is free and without obligation. Use it. These questions quickly show whether it fits:

1. How do you get to know us? Pay attention to how much time is set aside for your story.
2. Do you write every speech from scratch? Ask for examples and whether you see the text beforehand.
3. How much say do we have? Some want to read everything, others prefer to be surprised. Both should be possible.
4. How do you handle humour and depth? Read or listen to something. Does the tone suit you?
5. Which languages do you speak? For international families this is crucial.
6. What happens if you get ill? A good answer names a replacement.
7. What is included in the price? Conversations, travel, sound system, rehearsal. Ask specifically.

What to look for in the conversation

Do not only ask yourselves whether the person is likeable. Ask whether you would dare to tell them something you would tell no one else. A ceremony will be as good as the conversation before it.

Also notice who talks more. If after an hour you have mainly heard references and been asked little, that is an answer.

Wedding celebrants in Bern and Switzerland

Start in your region, but do not get stuck there. Chemistry counts more than the postcode, and many celebrants are happy to travel. In networks like Traumich you can see at a glance who is free on your date. I live in Bern and work in German, English, Spanish, Dutch and Italian.

Why the hour before matters

On the day itself, almost nothing goes exactly to plan. The dress gets caught, the uncle is late, it starts to rain. A good celebrant does not bring a solution for everything. They bring calm. The guests feel it before the first word is spoken.

So do not look for the perfect speech. Look for someone who listens to you before they speak. If you want to know more about my way of working, read about me or write to me. Answers are free.