The madness surrounding AI and separate meetings

I started writing this email in the Hobart Qantas lounge and finished in a Doncaster hotel lobby two days later, so I hope this jam-packed November edition of the Celebrant Institute monthly letter brings you immense value.

Sarah and I (Josh) are really proud of what we create at the Celebrant Institute. We've long believed that ideas kept to oneself help no one; success follows generosity.

So, please accept this contribution to your celebrancy practice. If it brings you joy, help, or improvement, I’d encourage you to become a member for $12 a month.

📻 Separate Meetings: Many of Us are Overthinking It

We’ve noticed some worrying conversations in the celebrant Facebook groups, especially around the new requirement for separate meetings. Sarah and I thought this was a great topic to podcast about, so we'd love you to join us on the Celebrant Talk Show, where we discuss some of the surprising misconceptions about these meetings.

📆 AI Workshops on November 21 and 28

We’ve heard you! You want to know how to use AI in your wedding business and ensure that when people search for wedding professionals like you, they find you in AI tools.

So, we’ve organised two workshops on AI for celebrants in November. The first focuses on using AI to streamline business tasks and enhance client experiences, and the second covers optimising your online presence for AI-powered search tools.

Find out more and get your tickets on the website.

🔐 Cybersecurity

One of our colleagues was recently hacked, and it appears the attackers gained access to all the data on their computer, including personal details on each client’s NOIM.

Being hacked or scammed isn’t difficult nowadays, even I’ve been had. If you’re reading this and haven’t yet audited your information security, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable.

I’ve been writing about information security for celebrants at the Celebrant Institute for six years:

Please make sure you’re doing everything possible to keep your data safe. Our industry's reputation depends on it.

📺 The Celebrant, the TV Show

Have you seen the trailer for the new TV show, The Celebrant, written and directed by our colleagues Kate Armon and Craig Smith?

I’m sure they’d appreciate an Instagram follow and a share.

Not to be confused with the other The Celebrant show.

🎙️ Call Recording in iOS 18.1

iPhone users now have an excellent way to record client meetings on their phone. When you’re in a call, there’s a new call recording button that plays an audio message to all participants, letting them know the call is being recorded. The resulting recording is transcribed and stored in Apple Notes.

I’ll be using this feature a lot, and I think you might enjoy it too.

🥇 Best Celebrant Brand Names

For over 15 years, I’ve had strong opinions on celebrant brand names. My favourite until recently was Lori People’s “The People’s Celebrant”, but Erin Gurry’s “Happily Erin After” has taken the top spot.

Please hit reply if you know of other brand names that are absolute standouts.

📉 A Shortage of Celebrants in NSW?

Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List offers a snapshot of which occupations in Australia are short on workers. The most recent list mentions celebrants...

🙁 Facing Tough Times?

It’s financially tough out there for many of us. We’re working hard on the coal face, but often not striking gold. Here’s some advice on actions to take during challenging times.

🧍🏼‍♂️ Where Do You Stand During the Ceremony?

Six years ago, Sarah was asked why she stood where she did in a ceremony. Last month, I was asked the same question and wrote about it here.

🤩 How to Be a Rockstar Celebrant

Speaking to a group of people who don’t have to listen to you is a privilege I don’t take lightly. As a celebrant, it’s a daily honour that carries immense responsibility every time I pick up the microphone. Whether you’re seasoned or just starting, my hope is that every celebrant learns to be a powerful speaker and meaningful communicator—a rockstar at the wedding.

Keep on reading...

🎤 My New Favourite Microphone

It’s the Rode Interview Pro, and it records directly on the microphone automatically!

💗 How to Perform a Legal Commitment Ceremony

A commitment ceremony can be a meaningful way to celebrate a marriage-like relationship when the legal formalities aren’t yet possible, as in a recent member’s case where her couple won’t have their divorce papers ready in time. Although not legally binding, these ceremonies can be just as special as a wedding, maintaining a fun, honest, and legal approach without encroaching on marriage solemnisation under Australian law.

🎓 OPD

If you haven’t done your OPD, do it now! Visit Marcel and complete it!

That’s another letter for the month. To view the back catalogue of previous issues, go to mail.celebrant.institute/archive. If you're a member, we’re here for your questions and support at celebrant.institute/ask, and if you’re not a member but would prefer to get solid answers without any BS, then join today.

– Josh Withers

You are enjoying another Celebrant Institute production and you're receiving this email because you're a celebrant. If you aren't a celebrant then I don't know how you ended up here. If you've been forwarded this update and you'd like to subscribe for free, you can do that here.

Nov. 3, 2024, 3:40 p.m.