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What to do – have a back-up plan, have a back-up plan, have a back-up plan. Doing a ceremony in this sort of weather is a trial for everyone involved, so don’t put yourselves, your friends and family (and your celebrant) through it just because that is your dream site. It won’t be enjoyable and people will be enduring it rather than enjoying it. In the case of a marriage, list an alternative venue on your marriage license application, just in case. Think of it as insurance against the nasties that the weather can throw at us. In my experience, [&hellip

Recently I met with Jane Thomas John ‘Now You’re Talking’ to discuss helping people move beyond their fear of public speaking to being confident and relaxed.  As Jane pointed out, every speech tells a story, so needs to have a beginning, middle and end. Ask your celebrant or Jane for help to get your presentation right so that you actually enjoy the occasion, as will your listeners.  The advice and training you get to help you do one event is training for life. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, it is as easy as a phone call or email and [&hellip

At a recent meeting of the Celebrants Association of NZ, held in Auckland, we had a discussion about the problems that can arise at a ceremony. These included equipment failures, power outages, injury to a guest, drunkenness, need to change the venue, celebrant or one of the parties being unwell, and so on.  The list was endless. It was helpful to pool our skills and experiences about potential problems, to learn what others have done in these situations, and to realise that we have the knowledge and resources to cover these situations. Additionally, we have the network of a fine [&hellip

All of us need to take every opportunity to celebrate our lives, our connections, the ups and downs we all experience. As we age, and particularly as Alzheimer’s or other aging diseases loom it really does make sense to have a meaningful celebration while the guest of honour can enjoy it. A gathering can be as simple as an afternoon tea or supper, with guests invited from different connections the person has had over the years. Guests can be asked to bring something written or a photo to recall a past connection with the one celebrating, and these can be [&hellip

Marriage Recommitment Paul and Catherine came from Germany to celebrate their marriage that had taken place in Germany in October. Their NZ family and friends were delighted to share their celebration and Pauanui turned on the sun. The ceremony was held under the pohutukawas at the Southern end of the picturesque beach