Fiona Garrivan is a rare gem. Her personality and that gorgeous, soft Irish accent will put you immediately at ease. It is no wonder she is booked out up to 18 months in advance. I mean, who can resist an Irish accent?
Having started her working life in the travel industry, Fiona progressed to being a celebrant just over 12 years ago. She is a wealth of knowledge in her area and has mentored many new celebrants along the way.
We sat down with her to find out all about her process.
How long have you been a celebrant for?
I have been lucky enough to be doing this job for over 11 years. I am still as passionate about delivering beautiful wedding ceremonies as I was the day I conducted my first wedding. In that time I have seen all different styles of weddings. From small and intimate elopements, to large and formal and informal and legals only weddings. Regardless of the style, every one of them has been incredibly special and I feel very lucky to have been involved.
How many weddings have you done? Over 300
How much do you cost? $1190. You may find a big variation in costs of a celebrant, but it is worth noting that there is a big difference in prices, because there can be a big difference in styles and experience of celebrants. For some celebrants this is a part time hobby and for others, it is a full time business.
Will you help us write our own vows?
Absolutely, for many couples, the prospect of writing and saying their own vows can be the most daunting part of the day. However I can help and guide this to be an enjoyable process.
What do you need from the couple to get the ball rolling?
We just need to meet up to sign the legal paperwork. We then sign the documents and I will need to see your birth certificate or passport and divorce certificate if applicable. I take a $400 deposit will secure the booking. The balance is paid in 2 instalments prior to the wedding.
Do you have your own PA?
Yes, I do. It is battery operated so I don’t need electricity for it to operate. If you are using a playlist for the music in the ceremony, I can control it on the day through the pa system. (I won't ask ask a guest to do this because it can be very stressful for a guest to try and work out how to operate the system).
Why is a good celebrant important? A great celebrant can make or break the day.
Not only is it important that they carry out all the legal requirements, but you will want the person marrying you, to be memorable for all the right reasons. A good celebrant will fill you with confidence that you can relax, be in the moment and enjoy the ceremony. They know what they are doing. They are experienced and professional and their equipment works! They need to be able to engage your guests, make you feel comfortable and be create a vibe that will carry on into the evening.
Do you have a Photographer, videographer that you normally work with?
Over the years, I have worked with many photographers and videographers. I work with a range of different photographers and videographers, depending on the clients budgets and styles.
Do you have a few venues that you frequent?
Yes there are a number of venues that I do frequent often but I am happy to go anywhere
How would you describe your celebrant style?
My style is sincere, relaxed and lighthearted. I am friendly and outgoing, I don't make the ceremony about me. I am a celebrant who isn't trying too hard to be a comedian but who isn't too serious, who is able to command a crowd’s attention without being demanding and is able to break the ice without making you cringe.
Can couples customise a package to fit their needs?
(short answer no lol – I don’t offer them choices sorry)
Do you charge a travel fee?
The quote you will receive includes a travel fee. So you won’t be hit by any unexpected surprises.
How will you be dressed on the wedding day?
I tend to wear clothing that is appropriate for a wedding. Unless requested otherwise.
Tell us your most memorable wedding?
There are many memorable moments from over the last 11 years, one of the most memorable has to be a wedding for a beautiful couple who got married in a hospital. Tom, the groom was incredibly ill. After 42 years together, he married the love of his life before passing away 3 days later. It was a beautiful occasion filled with love and family.
Where is the coolest place you have ever done a wedding?
I have been involved in weddings in many cool locations including a cliff top on the Great Ocean Road, a sunrise ceremony on the beach, the base of a waterfall and a boat on the Yarra.
Have you ever had anything crazy happen at a wedding, tell us all about it?
I have had a few groomsmen collapse and a musician had a heart attack mid ceremony. The secret to a being a celebrant is to be always prepared for the unexpected.
How do you make couples feel comfortable?
I spent the time getting to know my couples. I have a number of face to face meetings including the rehearsal so by the wedding day, you will feel very comfortable.
We know you are awesome, but what are your unique selling points?
Many couples tell me that my voice is perfect for storytelling (I have a very soft Irish Accent)
What is your favourite past time—where can we find you on a day off?
On my day off you can find me running with my running group “the dawn-breakers”, or planning my next holiday. I am always researching my next trip away.
Go on, tell us your favourite naughty word or guilty pleasure
It is no secret that I am addicted to chocolate! I would easily sacrifice real food for chocolate at any time day or night. Please don’t judge! And my chocolate addiction is the only reason I run.
Fiona Garrivan can be found on The Best Wedding App under Celebrants
