Including humour when telling a couple’s love story during a ceremony, for example, how they met, the proposal, or some of the quirky things they love about each other, is a fun and lighthearted way to engage a couple’s family and friends during the ceremony.  As a celebrant, I’ve noticed that I always get surprised laughter when listing a couple’s serious achievements such as “travelling the world together, buying a home together” and then throwing in something a little less serious, such as “getting a puppy together”.  Couples who include a little humour in their personal vows make those vows memorable for themselves and their guests. 

But humour, used well, can also be a great way for a celebrant to ease tense or nervous moments for the bride and groom.  When we came to the exchange of rings during a marriage ceremony last year, the groom was very nervous and flustered and took his bride’s right hand.  I gently said to him, “try her OTHER left hand”.  The bride thought this was hilarious and the groom, seeing his bride laughing, relaxed too.  Not all brides and grooms would have found this funny.  It all hinges on the celebrant getting to know a couple well enough to be able to decide when and how to inject ad lib humour that will be appreciated by the couple and their guests.

Photo credit: Morgan Roberts www.morganrobertsphotography.com

In any ceremony though, never risk disrespecting, offending or irritating a couple or their families and friends.  Keep it tasteful and lighthearted and leave the stand up routine to the best man at the reception.

Humour can of course also be used in a similar way in a range of other ceremonies such as vow renewals and children’s naming day ceremonies, but using humour when remembering loved ones in a funeral service, when done appropriately, can really touch hearts.  Like Dolly Parton’s character in the movie Steel Magnolias, laughter through tears is my favourite emotion.  Sharing a funny story about the person, calling them by one of their tongue-in-cheek funny nicknames or recalling something funny the person said are all good ways to encourage those grieving their loss to smile through their tears.  It’s certainly not disrespectful to smile when remembering a loved one and it may just bring some comfort to those closest to the person.

For more insight into using humour in your ceremonies - click here

If you'd like to contact TCN Celebrant and guest blogger, Kim Waddington - here are her contact details:

Cover photo credit: Rochelle James - www.rochellejamesphotography.zenfolio.com

We kiss people every day, and we generally know what's appropriate for each situation... but you know, the first kiss after the celebrant declares you married? The one with everyone watching as you lip lock in public with the cameras and videos working overtime. Yes, that kiss. That's not an everyday kiss that you will automatically know what to do. Today we're looking at what type of kiss is appropriate...

What is your background in celebrancy?

I was appointed a Commonwealth Civil Marriage Celebrant at the age of 42, after working in schools and the health department in a range of roles. I was looking for a career that used my skills and talents, as well as give me the flexibility to work when I chose.

The goal was probably achievable given that a substantial number of celebrants were making a wage from the work - the statistics in 1995 indicated that celebrants averaged 64 weddings per celebrant per year, nothing like the 10-11 average now.

Although I had extensive experience from my previous careers, I had no training in business knowledge and skills.  Also, as a government appointee, one could not ‘tout for business’. One could not advertise in any way that made you stand out from another celebrant, a simple White or Yellow pages line was permissible as was a single line in the Public Notices of a local paper, Nothing more.

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

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

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...

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...

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.

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.

Each year since 2009, the 31st of March has been the day when people around the globe celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. It’s a day when we pause and reflect on the efforts and achievements of trans activists and culture changers, both past and present who have fought and continue to fight for equal human rights enjoyed by the rest of the general community.

Celebrant Bronte Price, the writer of today's blog, is a gay cis male. He’s aware that it’s preferable for trans people, rather than cis people, to write about trans issues. He apologises for any information in this blog that is inaccurate – that was not deliberate. 

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...

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...

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.

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...

Everyone has a story to tell, but all too often it is not one that is known to everyone who is closest to you. We all want to be remembered, for more than the money and possessions that we leave behind... today's blog is written by: Celebrant Roslyn McFarlane from Pakenham, Victoria.

Who's up for an adventure?  In today's blog Celebrant Melanie Lawson takes us through a rollercoaster of  adventurous ideas for your ceremony...

Have you just become a celebrant or are thinking about embarking on that journey?  Registered Celebrant and member of The Celebrants Network, Leslie Ridgeway gives us some insights into what you need at the business end of Celebrancy.

It takes a very special type of person to work with grieving families; to show empathy and care at such a trying time; to be able to talk about a person, that they probably never met, in a way that shows respect, dignity and professionalism.  One such Funeral Celebrant is Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay in NSW and today shares with us the special skills that it takes to be a Funeral Celebrant.

The 3rd of December is the International Day of People with Disabilities and as a progressive association of celebrants, we aim to be inclusive not only with our members, but with the couples and families we serve in our communities as well.  Today we have a guest blog writer, Marriage and Funeral Celebrant Roslyn McFarlane from Pakenham in Victoria to talk about ways we can make sure everybody is included in our ceremonies...

More people are opting for Memorials for their loved ones instead of a funeral service, so it begs the question - What is a Memorial Service and how does it differ from a traditional Funeral Ceremony? Celebrant Leslie Ridgeway from Ocean Grove in Victoria is going to take is through the details....

The short answer is NO and Celebrant Susie Roberts is going to tell us why.....

Celebrant and regular blogger Sonia Collins shares the importance of recording your life story while you still can....... “Why would I want to tell my life story?  I’m not rich or famous, no one is interested in my life”...... This is often the first response from people at workshops on recording life stories.  Before I start to give them ideas why they might want to record their life stories I always ask one question – “Who in this world knows the most about your life?”

The Australian government has set strict limits on numbers at funerals as part of the effort to contain the Coronavirus - COVID19.  There is currently a limit of 10 people at any funeral – and that includes the celebrant and the Funeral Director’s staff. (Note:  since this article was written in early April, the number has increased to 10 mourners plus celebrant and FD staff - these rules are likely to continue to change over the coming months) 

Social distancing must be in place so offering comfort is difficult.  We all understand the reasons for these limitations but they can be very hard for families, friends and colleagues to come to terms with.  

Sonia Collins - Marriage and Funeral Celebrant, regular blogger and Chairperson of The Celebrants Network, takes a look at new ways to say our last goodbyes during this current pandemic.

This month’s topic is about marketing ideas.  There are a range of ways in which you can let people know of your services, and this blog will cover some of these ideas.  However the current COVID-19 restrictions have drastically affected our work.  So what should you be doing in the current climate?  Celebrant and regular blogger Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW takes us through a few ideas...

So, there you are smack bang in the middle of a ceremony and something goes wrong….what do you do.  I'm sure that there are many, many more, but let’s look at just a few things that could go wrong.

Today's Blog is written by Celebrant Susie Roberts from Grafton

It's pretty hot out there at the moment and it's very important that we look after ourselves when working in the heat.  Celebrant, valued member of The Celebrants Network and regular blogger, Susie Roberts is taking us through all the tips and tricks for what to do when you have an outdoor ceremony in the heat.

Many of us feel anxious about public speaking or being the centre of attention.  Added to this, if you are getting married to taking a central part in an important ceremony such as funeral or baby naming, you may have the added anxiety of getting your part ‘right’.  The Celebrants Network's resident guest blogger, Mel Lawson is here to let us in on some ways to calm those nerves...

Be prepared!  That was the motto of the scouts and it is also the mantra that celebrants live by.  Our blogger today is TCN Celebrant Sonia Collins and she is talking about the ins and outs of ceremony presentation...

Writing your own marriage vows?  Not sure where to begin? Today's blog is the first of two parts - written by TCN Celebrant, author and today's guest blogger, Susanna Jose from Canberra, ACT.

"Love; it will not betray you

Dismay or enslave you,

it will set you free"

Mumford and Sons

Each of these celebrants is offering you a credit for any ceremony if you call today to make a booking.

So, check out these amazing celebrants and get on the phone and start booking ………we are sharing the LOVE.