One thing we’ve noticed about one of our amazing directory members, Dee Wild from Custom Celebrations by Dee, was that she was an active member in her local community of celebrants. As the perfect example of celebrating community over competition, we thought we’d ask her how she found her community and how you can too.
Firstly, how did you build/find your local celebrant community?
Thankfully, by following (ok, yes, insta-stalking) a load of local and inspiring celebrants, I noticed that many of them were part of the same group. The Celebrant Society (TCS). With its logo of a flamingo and a pineapple* and a very modern and upbeat vibe, I knew that this was the Celebrant association for me.
With my Celebrant Registration due to come through any day, I took the plunge and joined this illustrious group.
I often say that when I joined TCS I had a qualification to be a celebrant, but a very limited view of how to actually BE a celebrant!
When I joined TCS, I found a group of inspiring, cheeky, experienced and community minded group of celebrants. A group that was generous in sharing their ideas and knowledge. I spent days pouring over posts in the TCS Members Forum and it was here that I figured out what the ‘job’ or role of celebrant could truly be.
Being a celebrant is very much a sole trader role, however with TCS, I found a whole group of like-minded people to bounce ideas off, share the wins and lament the disappointments with.
The Celebrant Society group lunch at the Post Office Hotel – Photo by Nikki McCrone Photography
What do you all do together?
Well, we are a group that do enjoy a gathering!
As I said we have a very robust TCS Members Forum on Facebook which is constantly active. Members are asking questions, posting dates that they are unavailable for and sharing ideas and advice for each other.
We also gather in person! As the Local Leader in Victoria, I love hosting TCS events. It might be a mid-week coffee, drinks or a lavish lunch event. Or, even a Cake Decorating Workshop.
It’s not all social though as we also host Celebrant Conversations, Newbie Zoom Chats, and workshops both online and in-person.
Being spread out all across the country, and even internationally, many of our events take place online.
Pre-Covid, our TCS Conferences were growing and growing…! Now, together with The Work Wives, members can gather for some reflection, restoration and rejuvenation at one of The Work Wives / TCS Retreats in Bali!
How do you build a community without competition?
Good question! I think it comes down to acknowledging that there is a celebrant for everyone. As a group, we all have a wide range of beliefs, values, locations, lived experiences, outfits and approaches to ceremonies!
When Anna and Sarah established TCS, they set out to create a space where celebrants could gather, share and learn from each other.
By supporting each other as a collective, they believed that we could raise the bar of how celebrants are perceived. Both with the industry and amongst celebrants.
TCS attracts celebrants who are PASSIONATELY celebrants and strive to give their couples the best possible ceremony. One that is not the ‘boring bit to get through’ but a meaningful and memorable moment that captures the couple and the mood of their celebration.
Kindness, collaboration and being able to share a laugh are key values of TCS which enable ‘Community over Competition’ to thrive.
Celebrating together at The Celebrant Society lunch – Mindfully Wed Ambassadors; Safe Hands Celebrancy, Custom Celebrations by Dee and Megan Jordan Celebrant.
What’s the benefit of building a vendor community?
Being surrounded by people, online daily and sometimes in-person who ‘get it’ is invaluable!
As much as our partners, families and friends, are supportive of our work… their eyes may glaze over as we wax lyrical about the latest couple we’ve just met with. Or they not fully grasp the elation that is a post-ceremony high. Deciding which Hand Fasting ritual to use may not be scintillating dinner time conversation for your kids, but it WILL be for your TCS friends!
I’ve booked some of my favourite couples from referrals from fellow TCS Members.
I’ve never missed an annual Celebrant Registration Fee payment thanks to the reminders that TCS post.
My social calendar and messages are full of TCS members who have become close friends.
What groups are you part of?
Officially, in a paid-up member way, only The Celebrant Society, However, my inboxes are full of ‘Group Chats’ with Wedding Vendors and celebrants…!
There are also the lovely overlaps of like-minded celebrant community members who have become friends.
Like, sharing ideas and a glass of wine, with my fellow Mindfully Wed Members and friends, Brigitte and Megan.
What would you suggest to new celebrants wanting to find their community
I mean…don’t look any further, just join TCS!
In all seriousness, I cannot recommend enough finding and joining the right celebrant association for you. It is an invaluable resource and you will meet fellow celebrants as well.
Research the different associations via their websites and social media. Do you see yourself in their groups? Do they have online and in-person meet ups? What do other celebrants say about their association.
Much like when couples research and then book us as celebrants, find the association that best resonates with you.
Alongside joining an association, it’s a great idea to also develop your own network.
My advice – be social on the socials!
Follow (ok, yes, insta-stalk!) celebrants who look and sound like ‘your people’. Reach out to them, politely and accepting that celebrants are busy people,
introduce yourself. Especially if they are new to celebrancy like yourself. A fellow celebrant buddy or buddies can be an invaluable source of reassurance and friendship.
If you message ME, I’ll likely invite you along to my next Coffee or Drinks Catch Up.
Dee Wild at The Celebrant Society Bali Retreat – Photo by Wild Flower Weddings
Tell us a story/memory of when being part of a community paid off/was awesome!
Oh! We could be here a while….
From absorbing so much information and tips when I first started, to now being in a position where I can welcome in our Newbies and share that knowledge with them.
During Covid, it was my fellow celebrants, especially those in Melbourne, who were to there to keep me motivated, but also give me space to lament just how difficult everything had become.
Now, as a TCS Local Leader, I have the absolute pleasure of hosting events and gathering celebrants together. There is nothing quite like the buzz in a room when a group of celebrants gather…!
It’s knowing that if I don’t know the answer or am unsure of a question, or aspect of the paperwork, no matter what time of the day, I can ask the question and be reassured almost instantly!
It’s knowing that I have made friends for life through a role that I love!
*Dee can often be seen at TCS events wearing said flamingo and pineapples in her handmade outfits.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
Follow and connect with these wonderful people on socials!
Dee Wild from Custom Celebrations by Dee
The Celebrant Society
The Work Wives
