This Insights podcast episode is with Josh and Sarah-Louise Anderson, who is planning her wedding on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland for the 1st of October. They discuss the process of choosing a wedding date around her partner’s FIFO work schedule, her brother’s availability, ensuring her preferred photographer – Luke Middlemiss – was available, and then booking Jay Flood as her celebrant.

Sarah emphasises the importance of selecting a venue that fits her micro wedding size and budget. She shares her experience with venue costs, noting that a venue she liked was too expensive at $18,000 for 30 guests, leading her to choose a different venue for $3,000. She also talks about her experience at the Hinterland Wedding Trail, where she was able to shortlist vendors and see venues set up for a wedding.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of vendors not taking no for an answer and the importance of finding vendors who are easy to work with. Sarah found her photographer, cake maker, invitations, and lighting at the wedding trail. She later hired a wedding planner specialising in micro weddings and a celebrant recommended by several people, Jay Flood.

Based on the conversation with Sarah, here are three action points for wedding celebrants looking for business development tips inspired by her journey:

  1. Understand and Respect Client Boundaries: Sarah emphasised the importance of vendors recognising when a potential client is not interested in their services and not pushing further. Celebrants should practice reading the room and respecting boundaries. If a couple seems uninterested, it’s better to gracefully exit the conversation and allow them to explore other options. This not only saves time for both parties but also leaves a positive impression that could lead to future referrals.
  2. Be Direct and Transparent: Sarah appreciated vendors who were straightforward about their pricing and services. Celebrants should ensure that their communication is clear, especially regarding costs and what is included in their packages. Being upfront can build trust with couples and help them make informed decisions without feeling pressured or misled.
  3. Personalise the Experience: Sarah’s choice of celebrant was heavily influenced by recommendations and the celebrant’s ability to understand her unique situation with her FIFO (fly-in fly-out) partner. Celebrants should strive to personalize their approach to each couple, showing genuine interest in their specific circumstances and preferences. This can involve being flexible with communication methods, understanding scheduling challenges, and offering tailored advice that aligns with the couple’s vision for their wedding day.