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Nov
08

Remembering Loved Ones

The 11th of November is coming up this Friday which is Remembrance Day.  The day we pay our respects to those soldiers who died in the First World War.
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May
05

Mother's Day Musings

Mothers Day is approaching, and with it, a flurry of hand written cards, hasty trips to the shops by dads, husbands, sons, daughters and partners, a myriad of school and pre school stalls, the busying of florists, jewellers, beauticians,  and the stacking of installations of cards in post offices, shops, corner stores, and petrol stations. These are the Mother's Day Musings of The Celebrant's Network's guest blogger Lisa Philipsen....

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Apr
27

Anniversary Symbols

Are you one of those people who can never remember what you're meant to buy your partner or your wife or your husband or your spouse for your anniversary each year?  Is it paper?  Is it wood?  Which year do I give roses?  Here's a handy guide for you..... you're welcome!
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Jan
09

Getting Married Legally in Australia

On the 9th December 2017 the Australian Government changed the marriage laws to allow same sex couples to legally marry.  This has been a long time coming for the LGBTQI community, their families, friends and supporters and it's finally here.  After waiting the required month after lodging the Notice of Intended Marriage form, those couples can, as of the 9th of January 2018, marry the person they love, regardless of their gender.
 
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Nov
04

Being a Celebrant in the Digital World

We've come a long way since filling out forms with old fashioned paper and pen.  There are new rules, new technologies and a new way of doing things.  Celebrant Shell Brown takes us through what we, as celebrants, can and can not do electronically.

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Apr
19

How to add Ceremony to any Celebration

If you think about it, there is always an element of formality to most events.  When you think of formal events  you think weddings, funerals and naming days, but there are many events in our lives where we can add ceremony.  Celebrant Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA shares some ideas as how to add a bit of ceremony to your celebration.
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Apr
13

How The World Mourns...

When we're faced with inevitable life transitions, such as death, we look to tradition to guide us through the difficult time and help us mourn our loved ones...
 
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Apr
06

We Need to Talk About Relationship Counselling

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 Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA.
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Mar
24

Cultural Diversity

Australian people come from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds – 270 ancestries to give some idea. Canberra Celebrant Susanna Jose shares what we can do to promote and model cultural diversity...

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Mar
21

Harmony Day

 
Harmony Day - bringing everyone together, celebrating our differences and acknowledging our similarities in humanity...
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Mar
10

Including your pets in your ceremony

When you have a pet, a fur baby, or a four legged best buddy, they become a very important part of your life, so why wouldn't you include them into your life celebrations?  Celebrant Shell Brown talks to us about including your pet in your marriage ceremony.
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Feb
24

Now that we have marriage equality, what are we still fighting for?

At this time of year we enjoy watching the news reports from the world famous Sydney Mardi Gras festivities particularly the Fair Day and the Parade as well as scenes from other Pride Events across the country.  Celebrant Sonia Collins reminds us that marriage equality did not end the struggles for the  LGTBIQA+ community.

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Feb
17

Turning 18 is a really big deal!

Turning 21 and celebrating your 21st is seen as the big celebration and the year that you become an adult, but turning 18 is actually more of a big deal - especially here in Australia.  It not only marks your transition into adulthood, but there are quite a few responsibilities that go along with it. 

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Feb
11

Valentine's Day

Have you ever wondered about the legend of St Valentine's Day? February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and in particular, the 14th - St Valentine’s Day, but who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this special day?  Celebrant Shell Brown tells us the story...

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Feb
01

Year of the Tiger

The 1st of February marks another Lunar New Year and it's many festivities - 2022, the Year of the Tiger.  Mike Perry gives us an insight in to what Chinese New Year is al about...

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Jan
26

Australia Day 2022

The Australia Day public holiday falls at the end of our busy holiday season.  As we think about getting back into the swing of work, school and the year ahead it is also a good day to reflect on how Australia Day means different things to different people,  In today’s blog celebrant Sonia Collins looks at some of the issues surrounding our national day.

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Jan
12

We got engaged over Christmas – what should we do next? 

Christmas can be a time for family togetherness, happiness and love.  Combined with good cheer and optimism about the year ahead, the festive season can prompt many loved-up couples to get engaged.  If this is you, congratulations!  Celebrant Melanie Lawson takes us through what to do next...

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Jan
06

2020 New Year's Resolutions

Every year people around the world make New Year’s resolutions.  They might want to eat better, quit drinking and do more exercise. While many people are successful at keeping their resolutions, according to studies - 46%, others are destined to fail citing a number of reasons... one being that they made too many.  Here are few tips on how to make successful choices in your resolutions.
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Dec
23

Estranged Family and the Marriage Ceremony

This time of year can bring about some awkward family dynamics... today Celebrant Susanna Jose shares some stories and tips about dealing with estraged family around your marriage ceremony.

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Dec
16

Dealing with grief around the holidays

The feelings that we experience when a loved one dies are never easy to deal with, but they can be even more difficult during the significant dates in your life and the holidays.  Celebrant Roslyn McFarlane walks us through dealing with grief at this time of the year...

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Dec
09

Happy 4th Anniversary to Marriage Equality in Australia

5 years ago today Australia spoke out loud and proud about their want for Marriage Equality.  Celebrant, Leslie Ridgeway takes us through some stats since that historical day...

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Dec
02

International Day of People with Disability

Each year, December 3 marks the International Day of People with Disability.  This day aims to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. Celebrant Melanie Lawson spoke with her friend, Carolyn about how we, as celebrants, can be more inclusive in our work.

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Nov
11

Your wedding is not a competition

It is very easy to get overwhelmed during your wedding planning, so the first thing you need to decide is are you having a wedding or are you gettng married?  Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW explains why your wedding isn't a competition.

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Jan
27

The Importance of Ceremony

When a baby is born, when somebody dies, ANZAC Day, and most Saturdays at 3pm there are ceremonies taking place all over Australia... Celebrant, Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA takes us through the importance of ceremony in our communities.

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Nov
29

How to involve blended families into your ceremony

 
Ceremonies have been used for thousands of years to help us manage change and build stronger bonds with our families and friends. In the modern blended family a ceremony can reinforce how much each member is valued, and the importance of their role in the family.

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May
29

Not everyone from the LGBTIQ+ community wants a big gay wedding

Remember back to when marriage equality was introduced, one of the stereotyped expectations within the general community was that everyone in the LGBTIQ+ community would rush out and have a big gay wedding.  Celebrant Bronte Price shares with us why this didn't happen...

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Oct
07

What makes it legal?

Planning a wedding can be an exciting time, but before you dive in, there are some important legal requirements that you should be aware of before you set about making your love legal.
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Sep
30

Getting Married at Sea

Thinking about getting married at sea?  Today, on World Maritime Day, Celebrant Shell Brown from Geraldton, WA guides you through the ebbs and flows of doing so…

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Sep
21

Should you write your own Vows?

Should you write your own wedding vows?  For so many couples, this is not an easy question to answer... but never fear, Celebrant Melissa Jones from Goulburn, NSW is helping us to navigate through.

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Sep
16

Pet Ceremonies

The human and animal relationship has existed for millennia and the way they have been regarded has varied greatly between cultures over time.  The ancient Egyptians and some Asian religions regard some animals as Gods, while in other societies they were simply food or beast of burden.

The keeping of animals as pets has been practiced for thousands of years.  In today’s society we celebrate our animals in many different ways... Celebrant Ros McFarlane is talking to us today about pet ceremones...

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Sep
02

Getting Married – The Basics

Well... Congratulations! You have just got engaged, you might be wearing shiny new rings, and you have a wedding to plan. Celebrant Leslie Ridgeway is going to take you through the basics of getting married.

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Aug
24

Questions to ask your Funeral Celebrant

When the time comes that you need to engage a Funeral Celebrant, you may not be in the mindset to think of all the questions you'd like to ask... in this blog Celebrant Melanie Lawson has tried to make that as easy as possible for you...

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Aug
12

11 Reasons why you should join The Celebrants Network

The Celebrants Network is a not-for-profit association for professional civil celebrants with a focus on promoting our celebrant members and also a range of ceremonies and celebrations to the public. 

Our members are marriage celebrants, religious celebrants, memorial and funeral celebrants, family and naming celebrants, student celebrants and celebrants for all occasions. 

In this post, Celebrant Susie Roberts takes us through 11 of the reasons why you should join us...

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Jul
22

Choosing your Music for Funerals and Memorials

Not sure how to navigate choosing music for a funeral or memorial?  Celebrant Leslie Ridgeway has got you covered...

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Jun
17

Adventure wedding ceremonies

Who's up for an adventure?  In today's blog Celebrant Melanie Lawson takes us through a rollercoaster of  adventurous ideas for your ceremony...

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Jun
03

Consent when getting married

In Australia, any two people over the age of 18 can marry provided they are not already married, not in a prohibited relationship and they give real consent.  They do not need to be citizens or residents of Australia and they can choose any time and place for their marriage ceremony.  Celebrant and member of The Celebrants Network Sonia Collins from Batemans Bay NSW discusses how celebrants are legally required to be sure that both parties consent to the marriage.

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Apr
17

Baby Naming

As a celebrant, it is a great honour and pleasure to be asked to conduct a baby naming ceremony for a couple I have married.  It gives me a chance to see the couple again and hear of their activities and achievements since their wedding day. In addition, it means that I enter into a new relationship with them as their “family celebrant”...
 
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May
10

What is a family?

This week is National Families Week, coinciding with the International Day of Families on May 15.  These events are about highlighting and celebrating the vital role that families play in our communities. Celebrant Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW takes a look at the many different family groups that make up our society.

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Apr
23

Anzac Day 2021

ANZAC Day holds a very special place in the psyche of Australians. 106 years after the initial landing of the ANZACS at Gallipoli, the significance of the event and the subsequent wars and conflicts around the world remain with us. Celebrant Mel Lawson shares her thoughts...

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Mar
25

Planning a sustainable environmentally friendly wedding

Along with all the excitement of planning a wedding, many couples like to consider the impact of their event on the environment as well as on their budget.

Recently, The Celebrants Network Inc received a copy of an article from 77 Diamonds, a London based jeweller, with a request to share their ideas about sustainable weddings with our readers.

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