YOUR CEREMONY
Meet The Registrar
Carol Harper Is A Registrar For The District Of Folkestone And Hythe . Here She Tells Us All About Her Role And What Makes Weddings Memorable For Her
Tell Us About Your Role : Each ceremony involves both a registrar and a celebrant . Whilst we both have a legal obligation and responsibility for all aspects of the ceremony , it is the registrar who is responsible for the documentation , and the celebrant who conducts the ceremony . Once trained we are allocated a specific role for each ceremony , which , together with the range of venues in each district , makes for a very varied and interesting job .
What Inspired You To Become A Registrar ? I was inspired to consider the role of registrar by a former work colleague who left teaching to become a registrar and celebrant . We both held a pastoral role in a secondary school for many years , which required good communication skills to work with a wide range of students and professionals . When I took early retirement , I wanted to continue using these skills in a role that I saw as both joyful and fulfilling .
What ’ s Your Favourite Part Of The Job ? The best part of the job is working as a team , not only with my registration colleagues , but with venue staff , photographers , musicians , invited guests , the bridal party , and the couple themselves . Together , we ensure that each couple ’ s special day meets all their wishes and expectations .
Are There Any Weddings That Are Particularly Memorable To You ? As a celebrant , we always try and connect with the couple before their ceremony , typically through a phone call , to introduce ourselves and answer any last minute questions they may have . However , the real connection and support comes on the special day itself . Being a celebrant allows me to guide and
reassure the couple throughout the entire ceremony , answering any questions and calmly leading them through each part of their special moment . It ’ s incredibly memorable to witness couples who may start the day feeling nervous and unsure , gradually relax and truly enjoy the experience , knowing they have our support every step of the way .
On occasions , if I know a couple personally , I may be given permission to conduct their ceremony as a celebrant request . I consider this a particular honour . Recently , I was able to be the celebrant at my niece ’ s wedding , which will always be a memorable experience for me .
If You Could Offer One Piece Of Advice To Couples Getting Married , What Would It Be ? My best advice to couples getting married is to take time with the small details during the planning stages . Make sure you have the correct spellings for parents ’ full names and know their job titles when you first give notice . For the ceremony itself , be prepared to provide their full name and job titles . This attention to detail will help you feel more prepared for the day and will also help to avoid any anxious moments as you check through the marriage schedule with the registrar on the day .
For the special day itself , having a ceremony seating plan prepared for the key guests can be helpful . Ensuring that seats are available for key members of the ceremony , such as father of the bride or bridesmaids , helps everything flow smoothly . The registrar and celebrant will do everything they can to keep the ceremony on track but thoughtful preparation with even the smallest details can make a big difference on the day .
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