Ernest Rigby CMC
Celebrant in Melbourne
All Celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should a customer hire you over another Melbourne Wedding Celebrant?
A. All accredited Civil Celebrants have to adhere to the Marriage act and the guidelines that accompany it. They also have to comply with the Celebrants Code of Conduct, so there is a minimum standard you should expect from a Marriage Celebrant.
This leaves personal preference as your reason for selecting me over someone else. I will deliver the service to the requirements of my brides and grooms, and along the way they will find everything enjoyable.
Q. What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right Civil Marriage Celebrant for the job?
A. Trained by the Academy of Civil Celebrants.
Ongoing Personal Development means that I have to go to training school for at least one day every year.
My knowledge base is constantly being updated by the Attorney Generals Department as well as AFCC forum. I have also been separately trained in other aspects of Celebration, including Funeral and coping with Grief.
Q. Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?
A. Specializing in Marriage Ceremonies that include a component of introducing the couple to the guests during which I strive to create empathy between all parties.
Q. How do you normally charge for your service?
A. I have a flat fee that covers everything. Naturally, that fee is different depending on a number of factors that include date and time, location and any other special requirements. When I submit a quote, I have already taken these things into consideration.
Q. What makes your pricing competitive?
A. My prices represent value for money. The Marriage Celebrant fee is usually a tiny portion of the money that a bride and groom will spend on their wedding yet it is what the event is centred around. People will forgive and forget a lot of things, but your wedding ceremony has to be just right.
Value for money comes in many forms, and so I take great care to attend to the little things like ensuring the photographer has clear access to those all-important shots that will be treasured forever.
The ceremony is prepared and delivered from an album style bound book that is given to the bride and groom afterwards as a memento of the wedding ceremony. I interact with the audience, making them feel at ease and I have a strict policy of not being boring or long winded. Your Wedding guests will be as pleased as you.
Q. How can a Bride and Groom save money before you start the work? Please give three tips?
A. I would say if they haven’t decided on a venue yet, then speak to me about what you want. I can't favour one over the other, but I can tell you that if they are thinking of a Park, Beach, Garden, or other public area, they will need approval and generally, they will have to pay. Some are more expensive than others and some councils and government departments don't charge at all. Knowing there are cost effective alternatives will help.
The day of the week you choose can be a determining factor as well as the time of day. Providers charge more for weekends and this is understandable, but if you can be flexible, you can save. When it comes to the time of day be aware that everyone wants to be married at 3pm on Saturday. If you can be married at 11am or 7pm you can negotiate better prices and you and your guests won't be struggling with the hottest part of the day.
Q. What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?
A. I need to know the date and time as well as the general location. I need to know of any special requirements that you may be thinking of and of course if you envisage any particular challenges you should let me know in advance.
Q. Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?
A. I am fully insured for public liability and professional indemnity, and I am licensed by the Federal Attorney General.
Your Melbourne wedding will be registered online and all paperwork will be submitted within the time-frame required. I can’t guarantee my brides and grooms will always be happily married, but I can guide them to appropriate consultants who are equipped to counsel and advise how to cope when things become difficult.
Q. What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?
A. All Celebrants are subject to personal checks by the Federal Government. They must also support their application by obtaining references from people in their local community, and they have to abide by a code of conduct as well as attend at least one day each year, ongoing training.
My brides and grooms recommend me to their friends and all the testimonials I have received have been positive reinforcements.
Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you and what is your answer?
A. My clients want to know if they can write their own vows, and my answer is always a resounding yes. They also ask for samples of vows, poetry, readings and I have these at the ready to hand over and discuss.
They ask me about giving away and other aspects, including Rose Ceremonies, candle and sand ceremonies as well as hand fasting and more, and I have this information on hand as well.
Q. What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?
A. Clients should always enquire about experience. Everyone has to start somewhere though, and I did too so I won't dwell on the experience aspect too much apart from saying it’s how the bride and groom feel when they interact with a prospective celebrant. They have to be comfortable and I am the first to say that sometimes the best of us just don't fit with what is required. No-one can be all things to all people.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I am helping people on their life changing journey.
I enjoy meeting people, listening to their stories and hearing about their hopes and aspirations.
Seeing people take this step with open hearts and eyes that reflect their hopes and dreams are wonderful experiences and these moments do wonders for my outlook.
Q. Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?
A. A couple of times now I have met couples who were boyfriend and girlfriend when they were young only to drift apart and be re-united many years later where they have then fallen in love all over again.
I have met brides and grooms who are dealing with life-threatening medical conditions, and I am humbled and amazed at the power of a single emotion that we celebrate at wedding ceremonies.
Not everything is written in Hollywood but wherever there is love, there is happiness and hope.
Q. How did you decide to get into your line of work?
A. The celebrant who married my wife and I did a great job, and I was filled with admiration for the smooth and professional way in which he conducted himself.
I aspired to be a civil celebrant from that day, and I learned from him and many other professionals.
Q. What other services do you conduct and how they fit in with weddings?
A. I conduct all services relating to Civil Celebrancy in Melbourne and elsewhere. These include Naming Days, Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal Ceremonies and Funerals.
The role of a funeral celebrant is an extension of work I do as a Marriage Celebrant. It is really important to discover and tell the actual story of the person who has died.
They all fit in with the circle of life and it is fitting that I be on hand to help people with every aspect of them.
Q. How can prospective clients contact you?
A. I can be telephoned on 03 9887-8331 or 0422 140-145 or you can email me at ernest@ernestrigby.com.
My address is 6 Newton Grove, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM
Sat: 10AM - 5PM
Sun: Closed