YOUR CEREMONY
MEET THE REGISTRAR
WILLIAM ( BILL ) CHILCOTT IS A CELEBRATORY OFFICER AT OAKWOOD HOUSE , MAIDSTONE WHO ’ S BEEN CONDUCTING CEREMONIES FOR 10 YEARS . HERE ’ S WHAT HIS ROLE INVOLVES
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE : Being a Celebratory Officer means acting as either the Registrar or Celebrant at a wedding , and at every ceremony there will be both roles .
The Registrar is responsible for interviewing the bridal couple immediately before the ceremony , while the Celebrant is responsible for conducting the ceremony .
I thoroughly enjoy doing both ; my intention in both roles is to put the couple at ease to enable them to enjoy their important day .
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A REGISTRAR ? After leaving full-time employment , I was eager to find a role that allowed me to interact with people in joyous and happy situations . When I saw the advert for a wedding celebrant , I knew it was the perfect fit . Although Maidstone wasn ’ t recruiting that year , I was thrilled to be accepted as a Celebratory Officer based at Sevenoaks Library . For a year , I had the pleasure of attending weddings at various venues throughout the Sevenoaks District . The following year , I transferred to Maidstone , where I ’ ve been ever since , enjoying every moment of this fulfilling role .
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB ? I really enjoy seeing how happy the bridal couple are once they are married . It is quite common for them to be nervous , or anxious and perhaps stressed with all the planning they have made , so once they are married all their stress seems to disappear . I definitely get a buzz out of that .
ARE THERE ANY WEDDINGS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE TO YOU ? One particularly memorable wedding I conducted was at The Dreys , a beautiful rural location . The bride made a stunning entrance , riding across the field on a white horse alongside her father on a black horse . It was truly a unique way to arrive ! The ceremony itself was equally special , with their beloved dog , Zeus , serving as the ring bearer . After the vows , the couple walked through a charming “ guard of honour ” formed by about six dogs . The sun was shining , and everything went perfectly . It was a day filled with joy and unforgettable moments .
IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO COUPLES GETTING MARRIED , WHAT WOULD IT BE ? I think my advice would be : try not to overplan the ceremony . We will do everything to ensure the wedding goes smoothly . As part of that , we always contact a few days before the ceremony , so please answer the phone !
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