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      • Getting married in Australia - the legals
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    • For Celebrants
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      • The Celebrants Network Inc for funeral celebrants
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The Celebrants Network Inc - BLOG

This blog is updated by passionate celebrants. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss the latest from The Celebrants Network

More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
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Melanie Lawson
Aug
08

Record your life story - before it's too late

The 8th of August is Dying to Know Day - a day to start a conversation about death and dying.  We tend to avoid talking about death, grief and loss despite this being something that affects all of us.  Dying to Know Day encourages us to talk with our loved ones about death and to learn how to support others who are bereaved. Today's blog has been written by TCN Member, Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW.

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Dying to know day
Melanie Lawson
Jul
21

Wedding Myth-busting

As celebrants we hear some common misconceptions about weddings, so today Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon in NSW is going to bust some myths!

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Weddings
Sonia Collins
Jul
06

Kissing during your wedding ceremony – what do you think?

It’s the stuff of dreams and movie moments.  The traditional kiss during the wedding ceremony is preceded by the celebrant saying to the groom “You may kiss your bride” and the big kiss is recorded by photographers and videographers as the guests cheer and applaud.   In today’s blog we look at this sometimes tricky situation with Celebrant Sonia Collins.

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Sonia Collins
Ceremonies and Celebrations Weddings
Leslie Ridgeway
Jun
29

Telling your story

There are so many very good reasons to tell or record your life story, and a great way to express this is in a photo book. A beautiful book that tells the story of your life in words and photos. Written by Celebrant, Leslie Ridgeway from Ocean Grove, Victoria

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Leslie Ridgeway
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants
Shell Brown
Jun
22

What happens to our digital footprint when we die?

 
Have you ever thought about what happens to your online presence after you die?  Who is supposed to look after your Facebook page?  What will happen to all your Instagram photos?
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Shell Brown
Pre-Funeral Planning Memorials Dying to know day
  Shell Brown
Jun
18

Oh no... I'm too sick to get to my ceremony, now what?

Have you ever found yourself on the day of a ceremony and you've come down with the flu, been struck down by the Spicey Cough or had a car accident?  You know you can't make the ceremony... but what do you do?  Never fear, Celebrant Shell Brown is going to walk you through it step by step.

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Shell Brown
Civil Celebrants Weddings
Shell Brown
Jun
02

Why use a translator or an interpreter in Australia?

Are you getting married in Australia?  Do you or your partner have limited English language skills?  Are you or your partner hearing impaired?  What about the two people you've chosen to be your official witnesses?  Perhaps you have guests coming to your ceremony who don't understand English or are hearing impaired?  There are a number of reasons why you might need to engage an interpreter or a translator when you are getting married....

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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Marriage Weddings
Melanie Lawson
May
25

Being more accessible - Global Access Awareness Day

The 16th of May was Global Access Awareness Day – the focus of this day is for the technology experts to think about how to ensure that the digital world is inclusive and accessible to all... Today, Celebrant Melanie Lawson is taking us through what we as celebrants can do to be more inclusive.

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants
Shell Brown
May
19

Shortening the one month notice period

When you get married in Australia the law is that you must give notice in writing by way of lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form with your celebrant/registry office/clergy at least one (1) month prior to your ceremony date.  You can lodge your NOIM up to 18 months beforehand... but why the one month wait?  Celebrant Shell Brown takes us through the ins and outs of a Shortening of Time.

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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Marriage
Shell Brown
May
12

I just got engaged - now what do I do?

I just got engaged.... what do I do now? This is a common question asked by many a couple getting married for the first time, and in fact, it is still asked by people on their second and third time around.  Getting married is not an everyday occurrence, so it's not a natural thing where people simply 'know' what to do.  Celebrant Shell Brown walks us through the process...
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Marriage Weddings Commitments
Lisa Philipsen
May
05

Mother's Day Musings

Mothers Day is approaching, and with it, a flurry of hand written cards, hasty trips to the shops by dads, husbands, sons, daughters and partners, a myriad of school and pre school stalls, the busying of florists, jewellers, beauticians,  and the stacking of installations of cards in post offices, shops, corner stores, and petrol stations. These are the Mother's Day Musings of The Celebrant's Network's guest blogger Lisa Philipsen....

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Lisa Philipsen
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Shell Brown
Apr
26

Anniversary Symbols

Are you one of those people who can never remember what you're meant to buy your partner or your wife or your husband or your spouse for your anniversary each year?  Is it paper?  Is it wood?  Which year do I give roses?  Here's a handy guide for you..... you're welcome!
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Anniversaries
Shell Brown
Apr
19

How to add Ceremony to any Celebration

If you think about it, there is always an element of formality to most events.  When you think of formal events  you think weddings, funerals and naming days, but there are many events in our lives where we can add ceremony.  Celebrant Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA shares some ideas as how to add a bit of ceremony to your celebration.
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Anniversaries Birthdays
Shell Brown
Apr
06

We Need to Talk About Relationship Counselling

When you meet with your celebrant before your marriage ceremony, they will hand you a brochure called "Happily Ever Before and After" which gives you information about what happens after you're married and also includes information about relationship counselling and marriage education.  Have you considered seeking relationship assistance?  If so, great.... if not, why not?  Today's blog has been written by Celebrant Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA.
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Marriage
Susanna Jose
Mar
24

Cultural Diversity

Australian people come from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds – 270 ancestries to give some idea. Canberra Celebrant Susanna Jose shares what we can do to promote and model cultural diversity...

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Susanna Jose
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants
Shell Brown
Mar
21

Harmony Day

 
Harmony Day - bringing everyone together, celebrating our differences and acknowledging our similarities in humanity...
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Shell Brown
Mar
10

Including your pets in your ceremony

When you have a pet, a fur baby, or a four legged best buddy, they become a very important part of your life, so why wouldn't you include them into your life celebrations?  Celebrant Shell Brown talks to us about including your pet in your marriage ceremony.
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Companion animal ceremonies Weddings
Sonia Collins
Feb
24

Now that we have marriage equality, what are we still fighting for?

At this time of year we enjoy watching the news reports from the world famous Sydney Mardi Gras festivities particularly the Fair Day and the Parade as well as scenes from other Pride Events across the country.  Celebrant Sonia Collins reminds us that marriage equality did not end the struggles for the  LGTBIQA+ community.

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Sonia Collins
Ceremonies and Celebrations LGBTIQ+
Shell Brown
Feb
11

Valentine's Day

Have you ever wondered about the legend of St Valentine's Day? February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and in particular, the 14th - St Valentine’s Day, but who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this special day?  Celebrant Shell Brown tells us the story...

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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Betrothals - Engagements
Mike Perry
Feb
01

Year of the Tiger

The 1st of February marks another Lunar New Year and it's many festivities - 2022, the Year of the Tiger.  Mike Perry gives us an insight in to what Chinese New Year is al about...

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Mike Perry
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Sonia Collins
Jan
26

Australia Day 2022

The Australia Day public holiday falls at the end of our busy holiday season.  As we think about getting back into the swing of work, school and the year ahead it is also a good day to reflect on how Australia Day means different things to different people,  In today’s blog celebrant Sonia Collins looks at some of the issues surrounding our national day.

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Sonia Collins
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Mike Perry
Jan
20

Living with COVID - an opinion piece

We’ve been gearing up to ‘live with COVID’ for almost 2 years now and it doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon.  In this opinion piece, one of our members, Mike Perry is sharing his thoughts on how you can deal with events that bring uncertainty…

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Mike Perry
Civil Celebrants
Melanie Lawson
Jan
12

We got engaged over Christmas – what should we do next? 

Christmas can be a time for family togetherness, happiness and love.  Combined with good cheer and optimism about the year ahead, the festive season can prompt many loved-up couples to get engaged.  If this is you, congratulations!  Celebrant Melanie Lawson takes us through what to do next...

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Weddings LGBTIQ+
Sonia Collins
Dec
31

And that was 2021...

Goodbye 2021 – this time last year we hoped you would behave far better than 2020 and you really let us down.  We can only hope that you will tell 2022 that we are ready for improvements.  Our esteemed Association Chairperson, Sonia Collins reminisces about this past year...

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Sonia Collins
Civil Celebrants TCN Professional Celebrant Association
Susanna Jose
Dec
23

Estranged Family and the Marriage Ceremony

This time of year can bring about some awkward family dynamics... today Celebrant Susanna Jose shares some stories and tips about dealing with estraged family around your marriage ceremony.

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Susanna Jose
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Roslyn McFarlane
Dec
16

Dealing with grief around the holidays

The feelings that we experience when a loved one dies are never easy to deal with, but they can be even more difficult during the significant dates in your life and the holidays.  Celebrant Roslyn McFarlane walks us through dealing with grief at this time of the year...

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Roslyn McFarlane
Ceremonies and Celebrations Funerals Memorials
Leslie Ridgeway
Dec
09

Happy 4th Anniversary to Marriage Equality in Australia

5 years ago today Australia spoke out loud and proud about their want for Marriage Equality.  Celebrant, Leslie Ridgeway takes us through some stats since that historical day...

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Leslie Ridgeway
Ceremonies and Celebrations LGBTIQ+
Melanie Lawson
Dec
02

International Day of People with Disability

Each year, December 3 marks the International Day of People with Disability.  This day aims to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. Celebrant Melanie Lawson spoke with her friend, Carolyn about how we, as celebrants, can be more inclusive in our work.

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants
Sonia Collins
Nov
18

The Rise and Rise of Civil Celebrancy in Australia

In 2023 we will be celebrating 50 years of a civil celebrant program in Australia.  In today’s blog celebrant Sonia Collins gives a brief history of the program as part of our celebrations for World Celebrants Week 2021.

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Sonia Collins
Civil Celebrants
Melanie Lawson
Nov
11

Your wedding is not a competition

It is very easy to get overwhelmed during your wedding planning, so the first thing you need to decide is are you having a wedding or are you gettng married?  Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW explains why your wedding isn't a competition.

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Marriage Weddings
Shell Brown
Nov
04

Being a Celebrant in the Digital World

We've come a long way since filling out forms with old fashioned paper and pen.  There are new rules, new technologies and a new way of doing things.  Celebrant Shell Brown takes us through what we, as celebrants, can and can not do electronically.

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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants
Bronte Price
Oct
28

Pronouns – Why They’re Important And Why You Should Use Them Correctly

She, he, them, they... pronouns and the way we use them are changing and it's time we all got onboard. Melbourne Celebrant Bronte Price has written today's blog to help us understand how pronouns are being used today.

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Bronte Price
Civil Celebrants LGBTIQ+
Shell Brown
Oct
07

What makes it legal?

Planning a wedding can be an exciting time, but before you dive in, there are some important legal requirements that you should be aware of before you set about making your love legal.
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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Marriage
Shell Brown
Sep
30

Getting Married at Sea

Thinking about getting married at sea?  Today, on World Maritime Day, Celebrant Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA guides you through the ebbs and flows of doing so…

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Shell Brown
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Weddings
Melissa Jones
Sep
21

Should you write your own Vows?

Should you write your own wedding vows?  For so many couples, this is not an easy question to answer... but never fear, Celebrant Melissa Jones from Goulburn, NSW is helping us to navigate through.

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Melissa Jones
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Marriage Weddings
Roslyn McFarlane
Sep
16

Pet Ceremonies

The human and animal relationship has existed for millennia and the way they have been regarded has varied greatly between cultures over time.  The ancient Egyptians and some Asian religions regard some animals as Gods, while in other societies they were simply food or beast of burden.

The keeping of animals as pets has been practiced for thousands of years.  In today’s society we celebrate our animals in many different ways... Celebrant Ros McFarlane is talking to us today about pet ceremones...

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Roslyn McFarlane
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Companion animal ceremonies
Leslie Ridgeway
Sep
09

When things go wrong - Help!

As a Celebrant, what would be your biggest nightmare? The mind boggles at the thought of something going wrong, yet alone something nightmarish.... Celebrants Leslie Ridgeway from Ocean Grove, Victoria and Susie Roberts from Grafton, NSW take us through a list of potential catastrophies that you should have a plan for...

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Leslie Ridgeway
Civil Celebrants
Leslie Ridgeway
Sep
02

Getting Married – The Basics

Well... Congratulations! You have just got engaged, you might be wearing shiny new rings, and you have a wedding to plan. Celebrant Leslie Ridgeway is going to take you through the basics of getting married.

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Leslie Ridgeway
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Marriage Weddings
Melanie Lawson
Aug
24

Questions to ask your Funeral Celebrant

When the time comes that you need to engage a Funeral Celebrant, you may not be in the mindset to think of all the questions you'd like to ask... in this blog Celebrant Melanie Lawson has tried to make that as easy as possible for you...

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Melanie Lawson
Ceremonies and Celebrations Civil Celebrants Funerals Pre-Funeral Planning Memorials
Bronte Price
Aug
19

ABS Census 2021 – Why Are LGBTIQ+ People Being Omitted?

On the 10th August, 2021 Australia took part in the Census. Gay Celebrant and Member of The Celebrants Network, Bronte Price is asking why the LGBTIQ+ Community was left out. Bronte's blog can also be found on Bronte's own website and he has given us permission to recreate it here.

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Bronte Price
Marriage Equality and Celebrants Equality LGBTIQ+
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