Hold on to your bridal veils and gentlemanly bow-ties, my lovelies, because we're about to toast to an era filled with fairy-tales and confetti! On July 19, 2023, we're celebrating the golden jubilee of civil celebrancy in Australia - that's 50 fabulous years of love stories, heartfelt goodbyes, and joyful welcomes that have made this profession as cherished as Grandma's secret recipe for the perfect wedding cake!
Photo of Mrs Lois D'Arcy from Queensland Museum Twitter
Picture this: It's July 19, 1973, and Lois D’Arcy is appointed as the very first civil celebrant thanks to the Attorney-General at the time, Lionel Murphy. And here we are today, a magnificent army of celebrants following in Lois's footsteps, sprinkling our own mix of sparkle on countless weddings while adding tender touches to funerals and naming ceremonies. Oh, how far we've come!
Cuddle up, as I take you on a charming stroll down memory lane. Together, let's retrace our journey but also peek into the future of Australian celebrancy. And because everything's better with a cuppa and a chat, let's dish about what sets Australian celebrants apart from the rest. So, buckle up, and let's toast to the past, present, and future of this magical profession I adore! After all, what's a party without a good toast to the past, hmm?
How Celebrancy works in Australia
Our beloved Australian celebrant program isn't just a whimsical creation; it's a thoughtful blend of rich culture and heartfelt emotion. We're in a league of our own, and here's why:
First, let's chat registration fees. We shell out a yearly fee to keep those love bells ringing, plus there's a cheeky $600 (as of June 23) non-refundable deposit for anyone hoping to step into our love-soaked shoes.
The registration fee was introduced in 2011, I remember this change had a few celebrants darting for the exit, only to be replaced by more love aficionados as our numbers have now swelled to over 10,000 in July 2022! (Thank you, AGD Celebrant Statistics)
Second, our professional development game is strong. Since 2003, we've been honing our skills through government-approved accredited training, ensuring we're the perfect guides for love birds embarking on their happily ever afters.
And last but not least, our ceremonies have evolved into scintillating affairs that tickle the senses and linger in the heart. We never forget to sprinkle a touch of the Monitum magic (the legal statement making your union official) even as we creatively blend tradition and contemporary trends into memorable ceremony.
One thing's for sure, we Aussie celebrants have truly carved our own path, crafting unique stories one magical ceremony at a time.
My Personal Experience as a Celebrant
With years of enchanting moments tucked under my belt, I've seen the evolution of ceremonies firsthand. From the charmingly outdated "Happily Ever Before and After" booklet filled with pearls of wisdom to, the powerful inclusion of same-sex marriage rights on December 9, 2017, we've come a long way.
My personal postal vote for the plebiscite back on 18 September 2017
A trend close to my heart is the heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, an increasingly popular addition to ceremonies that pays respect to First Nation people. Here's to walking hand-in-hand down the road of love, acceptance, and celebration for all.
Photo of me at my first wedding as a celebrant back in 2009
Peek into the Future: Australian Celebrants on the Road Ahead
Clutch your teacups, wine glass or puppy, because the future of Australian celebrants has my heart aflutter! I foresee exciting shifts that'll leave us breathless: tidal waves of community spirit, a wedding aisle showcasing a harmony of cultures, and perhaps even an Indigenous Celebrancy Program!
Watch out, world - our ceremonies will be woven with the threads of inclusivity, love for our land, and respect for all. And as social media becomes our 'meet cute' and AI steps up for a twirl on the dance floor, we'll craft even more heartfelt moments with precision and sincerity.
For the coup de grace, let's welcome a whirlwind of vintage charm and rainbow flair to take the stage in the grand 2024 wedding trends! From coral cheeks to sunny faces, we're ready to embrace a vibrant symphony of colours and emotions.
So, raise your glasses and join me in toasting to our magnificent 50-year journey, as we pay tribute to those who have woven stories, evoked emotions, and truly transformed Australian celebrations. Here's to 50 years of joy, love, and lifelong memories, and to many more!
Until next time, continue to adore all things that sparkle, shimmer, and shine. May your days be filled with magical moments, and let's keep painting the world with love, one heartfelt ceremony at a time.
xoxo Laura
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