I was re-reading an article from Before & After (Design magazine) and it got me thinking about the client – service provider relationship and the articles relevance to the wedding business. The article was entitled- “Don’t do what I say, do what I want”.
The most obvious commonalities is the fact that many couples give a brief as to what they are after in regards to their ceremony and that is often as vague as “Short – No Fuss”, when what they really mean, upon further investigation is “Not Boring”.
The inexperienced and / or lazy celebrant hears only the description and not their meaning. The danger in this, for the couple, is that the celebrant then delivers a short-perfunctory, hopefully legal, but dull ceremony.
The more experienced and or creative celebrant reads between the lines and opens up a dialogue, listens attentively to the couple and works with them to establish more precisely what they mean, what they truly want and then shows them the means of achieving that in a way that suits their personalities, delivers on their requirements and goes beyond the ordinary by use of creative processes of writing, consultation, collaboration and presentation.
Doing so in a manner that delivers not only what the clients asked for, but what they actually wanted. The rub comes in doing so respectfully and always with the best interest of the couple in mind.
Too often I hear from couples that have been told “This is how it must be done” when in reality it is purely the opinion of the celebrant and their lack of imagination or ability to think outside the box; that is really the root of the problem.
Couples owe it to themselves, family and their friends to search-out those that will not only deliver what they have been asked for, but deliver what is wanted at a deeper level. When this is done three things happen –
1/ The couple get what they “Want” not just what they asked for (articulated).
2/ The celebrant becomes more creative, not less and over time raises the overall standard of ceremony they deliver and therefore creates an expectation amongst the wedding going public of excellence.
3/ A cycle of expectation and delivery is created that allows the reputation of the celebrant to be raised, furthermore creating demand for his services.
But it all starts with one simple realisation – “Don’t do what I say – do what I want!”
When the service provider (whatever service they are providing) fully understands the difference then you can start to trust that they are going to deliver all you asked for and more !
I welcome your views on the above.
Want to know more? Check out my other posts about all things wedding related. And visit my website at http://www.yourcelebrant.com.au for contact details and I will be happy to discuss your ceremony, obligation free.
