Summer can be a lovely time of year for a ceremony – long warm days, balmy twilights, lush green gardens and a holiday feel. However, in many parts of Australia summer can also be hot and insect ridden! The beginning of 2020 also reminded us of the threat of bushfire and smoke. Celebrant Mel Lawson from Oberon, NSW takes us through some ideas on how to have a fabulous summer ceremony.
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More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
Dec
10
Dec
03
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...
Nov
25
Wednesday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Celebrant Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay, NSW looks at Forced Marriages and why the issue of consent is so important in relation to marriage.
Nov
19
The current trend amongst savvy couples is to have a small wedding with lots of oomph! Today, Celebrant Susie Roberts from Grafton, NSW is sharing a few suggestions on how to get that OOMPH!
Nov
05
Memorialising people and events is an important part of grieving. When we mark our history through memorials we ensure that we will not forget and that there is something concrete for future generations to see, and learn about their past.
Nov
02
This week Mexicans will be gathering to pray, remember and celebrate those who have died. There are so many ways that many cultures remember their loved ones after they've died. Celebrant Mel Lawson from Oberon, NSW is sharing a few with us...
Oct
21
As celebrants we hear some common misconceptions about weddings, so today Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon in NSW is going to bust some myths!
Oct
07
In 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons. Celebrant Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay, NSW gives us a few ideas about celebrating the older people in our families and communities.
Sep
23
If you are planning a wedding in Australia you have probably given a beach wedding at least a passing thought. Celebrant Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay, NSW gives us a few things to consider to make sure your day is amazing....
Sep
17
COVID-19 has knocked all of us for six and it doesn’t appear that the situation will change anytime soon. Join celebrant Mel Lawson from Oberon in Victoria as she reflects on how Covid has affected our industry...
Sep
09
Our lives are constantly changing and evolving. This is inevitable. So why do we think that once we get married - that's it, we don't have to try to keep connecting with our partner? A marriage is a union of two separate people who will face personal challenges that may differ from their partners, so it's important that we continue to learn about each other....
Aug
31
Aug
27
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....
Aug
23
Are you one of the many couples finding that you need to change your wedding plans because of the coronavirus? The reality of travel restrictions as well as those on ceremonies and wedding receptions means making some decisions. Luckily we have Celebrant and Chairperson of The Celebrants Network - Sonia Collins at the ready to give some suggestions...
Aug
13
We are certainly living in a strange time where some of us at sometime this year have been or will be denied access to our loved ones when they are sick, dying or have passed away. Today we have Celebrant Susanna Jose from Canberra, ACT sharing her own personal story...
Aug
05
Are you like many people in Australia who find that talking about death is still a bit of an uncomfortable topic? Celebrant Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay, NSW talks to us about Dying to Know Day.
Jul
29
Usually when a celebrant is engaged by a family or a couple it will be first time that they've met and therefore they will need to get to know each other. They do this by asking each other questions..... but are we asking the right questions?
Jul
23
Jul
15
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?
Jul
03
Jun
26
Flowers are beautiful but….
Flowers play a part in so many of our rituals and ceremonies. From adorning a wedding aisle, laid as a wreath to remember those who died in war, or given as a gift to a bereaved family, flowers can enhance a ceremony and evoke memories and emotions. However, there are many alternatives to the traditional use of flowers. Celebrant and regular blogger, Mel Lawson shares some fabulous ideas......
Jun
17
Jun
11
Jun
04
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?”
May
27
So, your couple has asked you to incorporate something special in their ceremony to honour a deceased friend or family member………do you have a ceremony that will fit the bill?
Celebrant and regular blogger, Susie Roberts from Grafton, NSW shows us the way....
May
20
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 and regular blogger, Shell Brown takes us through the ins and outs of a Shortening of Time...
May
14
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 and regular blogger and Shell Brown from Mandurah, WA.
May
05
Mother’s day is approaching and although the COVID-19 restrictions are being eased in many areas, we still need to be very cautious about travelling and spending time with family. Celebrant and regular blog contributor, Mel Lawson shares some ideas on how we can connect with our Mums this year.
Apr
28
Online ceremonies cannot replace the face to face connection we often yearn for when someone we love dies. However, while the Covid-19 and travel restrictions are in place, this style of ceremony does allow us a means to connect and engage with family and friends, locally or overseas, in a meaningful way to share stories, laughter and tears together and to say farewell.
Today’s blog is written by Celebrant, trainer, author and all round lovely lady, Wendy Haynes.
Apr
21
Part of you membership with The Celebrants Network includes an entry into our Celebrant Directory. Have you kept yours up to date? What about your phone? Are you using it to its full potential? Celebrant Susie Roberts from Grafton, NSW is asking us 2 questions.....
Apr
18
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...
Apr
08
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.
Mar
19
Have you been wondering how you might reaffirm your love for your partner? What about a Vow Renewal Ceremony? Today's blog takes us through some great ideas to create a beautiful and personal ceremony - written by freelance writer and guest blogger - Harper Reid.
Mar
17
This special blog post is a little different to our regular program, however, it is full of much needed information about our current Coronavirus - Covid19 situation, how it affects us as celebrants and those who are holding or planning ceremonies in the near future. Today's blog is written by professional celebrant, author, trainer, and Network member, Wendy Haynes.
Mar
13
One of the big decisions you'll need to make for your wedding day and especially your marriage ceremony is the music. Celebrant Katherine Sessions of Adore Celebrancy Services and member of The Celebrants Network is taking us through the ins and outs of choosing live or recorded music...
Mar
05
Feb
27
Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day have come and gone but he didn’t propose. All is not lost!
Once every four years it is not only OK, it is actually expected that women will ask their partner to marry them. So what’s the story here? What makes this year and particularly Saturday 29 February 2020 so special? The Celebrants Network's Celebrant - Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay is going to tell us...
Feb
20
A person’s name is the greatest connection to their own identity and individuality. Some might say it is the most important word in the world to that person. Most of us may have had the experience where somebody has called us the wrong name... think about how that felt.... now imagine that people are calling you by a name you feel no identity with and perhaps feel negative emotions about, especially when you've specifically asked them not to use it.
Feb
13
NSW Seniors Festival is happening during the week of 12-23 February. The theme for this year’s festival is “Love to Celebrate”. What a great topic for all of us at The Celebrants Network to embrace!
In the spirit of this year’s festival, The Celebrants Network and Celebrant Mel Lawson bring you 5 things to celebrate about getting older...
Feb
05
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