Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

I provide a Standard of Service Guarantee in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Attorney General's Department. Personally, I go above and beyond for my couples to ensure everything is perfect :)

Question 2

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

Have always enjoyed helping people and planning events, so studying Celebrancy was ideal for me professionally when I was returning to the workforce. My previous experience, both in life and business, have helped me so much to deliver far more than I thought the job would originally entail. Love it!

Question 3

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

Accepted Answer

A bride from the Western Suburbs of Melbourne contacted me to perform her ceremony down at Philip Island. They had booked a luxury holiday house for the ceremony and celebrations afterwards, there would be about 15 - 20 people. I drove to the Western Suburbs to meet them both and had a great chat about what they hoped for, for this 'elopement' that had gradually grown to include close family. On the day, the weather on the Peninsula was shocking, rain, sleet and strong winds but it did start to clear as I approached the Island and I took that as a good sign,  However before I arrived at the property, I received a tearful phone call from the bride advising that even though the house they booked was ok inside, the outdoor area was nothing like the photos had depicted. Bare concrete, broken fence and a dead palm tree in a pot, not exactly a luxurious tropical garden!  I told her not to stress, we would do it in the house, we would set up something nice as I had brought some decorations with me.  Pulling up at the address I wondered why she was stressing, there was a beautiful, cottage style garden, but any confusion was quickly cleared up when the lady gardening knew nothing about a wedding happening there that day. Checking the text again, with my glasses on, I realised it should be number 48 not 43! Arriving at the house a few doors up, I shared her disappointment immediately. Three luxury villas down a large concrete driveway. The two rear units had courtyards but this one just had the car park area. Going inside, I went into the master bedroom to see the bride and she looked gorgeous! She had ended up getting her hair and makeup done after all. Her daughter was dressed in the same colour and had also had her hair done. I was just devastated for them all, when suddenly I had an idea. I asked her if she would trust me to find somewhere lovely to perform the ceremony and then popped out to ask the groom to be who responded with the correct answer "Whatever it takes to make her happy!" So I RAN down the street, asked the gardening lady if she would consider holding a wedding in her delightful garden. She agreed and asked when was I thinking? I think my reply of "10 minutes?" threw her but only for a moment, God love her. So I RAN back up the street, told everyone to follow me, except the bride and her daughter, We paraded down the street, set up the PA, got the music started and everyone in place. The Bride and her daughter then walked down the street, a little apprehensively, towards the music and came in through the gates to see us all ready for her in a magical garden! She then walked down the little winding path to where her groom and I were waiting under a stunning magnolia tree, with a very curious kookaburra watching over the entire proceedings.  It was just such a serendipitous occasion and we were all overwhelmed by the magic of the day as the sun come out to bless them both. She couldn't thank me enough afterwards and I thanked her for trusting me when I got a crazy idea!

Question 4

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

Highlight of most days is seeing the groom's face when he sees his bride for the first time! I love meeting my couples and helping them bring their dreams to fruition, using my extensive contact list to get an awesome car, prop or performer. The hugs and photos afterwards are pretty special too.

Question 5

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

Are they a flexible, experienced professional Celebrant. They need to be confident as often small issues can arise and you need to be able to think on your feet! Mainly it is about someone who is empathetic to your needs, easy to get on with who can plan an amazing day!

Question 6

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

Usually the first question is "How much?" My reply: I really need to ask a couple of questions to determine my quote: Date - to make sure I am not already booked out Location - to ascertain style of wedding and how much work will be involved Size of wedding - completely different requirements for a small elopement style wedding to a large formal extravaganza! Fortunately when I receive a request for a quote through OneFlare, most of these questions have already been answered, allowing me to quote and reply quickly.

Question 7

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I am completely committed and focussed on ensuring that your day goes as well as possible and better than hoped. No matter how many weddings I do or couples I meet, each one is still special and unique to me and most of all, important! You cannot get complacent in this job and do it well :)

Question 8

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

I am a full-time, professional Marriage Celebrant, totally committed to making your day amazing, fun,  meaningful and very personal. Being very experienced and hands on, I can guide you through the whole process and ensure your day unfolds just as you imagined!

Question 9

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

To give an accurate quote I need to know the date, location and number of guests. A small elopement style ceremony is a bit easier to plan and organise than a full formal service, with extra components at a high end venue some distance away. Regardless every bride receives same level of service.

Question 10

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

Consider holding your ceremony on Sunday to Friday, Off Season or earlier in the day? Look at venues that do cocktail style receptions or allow you to provide your own alcohol.

Question 11

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

Accepted Answer

$100 fee reduction for ceremonies held during May - September 2016 & 2017. This is technically the 'Off Season' but I often do weddings then and find it much more pleasant temperature wise and not so hectic. Better pricing from most suppliers too :)

Question 12

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

I am not the cheapest Celebrant around but I do provide value for money! Not only does my experience save you a lot of stress and money but I have a range of props and decoration that I provide at no extra cost. Plus a PA System so that everyone actually gets to hear your ceremony and music.

Question 13

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

I charge a flat fee depending on the complexity of the ceremony, time of year and distance required to travel.  Regardless of the fee level, I include use of a professional, portable PA System, I purchase any music required, that I don't already have, legally through iTunes to ensure good quality reproduction on the day. Any props I have, you are welcome to use for no extra. All meetings, onsite rehearsal etc are also included.

Question 14

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

I am fully trained and experienced in all types of marriage ceremonies, so my speciality would be making sure that you get exactly the type of ceremony that you want! Regardless of whether it is 4 people in your backyard or 200 guests at a high end venue, it will be perfect!

Question 15

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I am fully qualified under the changes to the Act in 2011, requiring Celebrants to have obtained at least Cert IV in Celebrancy, be confirmed as a person of standing in the community and complete the external law exams as set down by the Commonwealth Attorney General's Department. This formal training allowed me to undertake a professional that I have founds suits me perfectly. I love to help people, make life easier for them, take away the stressful bits and deliver the fun parts! I still get excited by every wedding I am involved with :)

Gail Cremen

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