Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance as per attached Certificate of Currency valid to 1/12/21

Question 2

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

Being a singer, entertainer, lawyer (yes it helps with the legal paperwork) with a love of writing ceremonies that reflect my couples and a passion for connecting and inspiring people it was a natural fit to want to unite people in marriage and give them a day they will treasure for life! I went to weddings where the celebrant or priest mispronounced names and didn't get to know the couple and the ceremony didn't match their personalities or values and I thought 'couples deserve better than that!!'

Question 3

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

The joy of seeing the groom's face when his bride walks down the aisle; the sense of pride in a job beautifully done that makes everyone feel at ease and able to relax and enjoy the wedding process as well as the day itself; being able to put my heart and soul into my work to connect people and families in the best possible way!

Question 4

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

Ask what is included in the price and check celebrant availability on your preferred date so as not to waste your time and to be able to compare apples with apples rather than pears! You want to be sure a celebrant includes all meetings, witnessing of documents, writing and performing the ceremony, provision of the Form 15 to you and that they include a PA and microphone if needed as this can add a lot of money to the cost if you have to hire one.

Question 5

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

Q: What do you include in your price? A: 2 Meetings with you, drafting and witnessing your Notice of Intended Marriage, creating a unique marriage ceremony for you both according to your wishes, performing the ceremony and providing the paperwork necessary to have the marriage registered at Births' Deaths & Marriages (BDM); providing a PA and microphone for any readers and submitting all forms to BDM after the marriage including your application for a Registration marriage certificate (this is currently $60 which you pay in addition); free travel to 50 km return trip. Q: How much is a rehearsal? A: I provide a free rehearsal of the main choreography at my home office but I can attend a rehearsal at the venue @ $75 hour (allow 2 hours usually). Q:What do you charge? A: I charge $250 non refundable fee for lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage plus my celebrant fee which is: Weekdays: $75 an hour capped at $350 for Monday-Thursday weddings. Weekends: $80 an hour capped at $560 for a weekend wedding ceremony including all the above (some weddings can be 12-15 hours of preparation, drafting forms and writing the ceremony, meetings, performance, travel and paperwork- so this is a cheaper option). Garden wedding ceremony in my lovely private bamboo garden in Newtown for up to 6 guests: $250 (BYO champagne) plus above celebrant fee.

Question 6

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I am organised, punctual, professional and with 15 years experience as a celebrant I am able to anticipate any on the day contingencies and plan for them! I pride myself on my honesty, reliability and trustworthiness. I have your back (and your front!)

Question 7

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

I was born to help you marry and celebrate your precious love: I love it so much I have been teaching it to other celebrants and training them for over 12 years! I have been a celebrant for almost 15 years and I promise to listen to exactly what you want and need and help translate this into magic & happy memories for your wedding day! Just read all my testimonials from happy couples that repeatedly tell me how grateful they are I have worked with them, encouraged creativity and creating a unique ceremony just for them, taken the stress out of the day, remained professional and poised under pressure and delivered their ceremony with warmth, honesty and attention to detail. Inclusive same sex weddings are also my specialty. Member of Gay Rights Lobby.

Question 8

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

Date, time, & place of wedding to check availability and my travel quote, if over 50 km return trip. If they will need a letter for immigration to support a visa application. If they have any unique or unusual requests or will be requiring a rehearsal or extra time in excess of 2 visits to see me.

Question 9

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

1) Find your original birth certificates (certified copies not accepted) and if previously married then your most recent divorce certificate. 2) Email scanned copies of these documents along with copies of your drivers licenses so I can draft the Notice of Intended Marriage to save you time and money before we meet. You will also need to provide your occupations and address/es and the date, time and address of the marriage (and checked my availability for that day) 3) Think about what you DON'T want done or said at your wedding (eg no religious wording) and think about who you DO WANT to be your witnesses (including middle names) and readers of any poetry or people you want in your bridal party and write this down and email me or bring to our meeting so you don't have to repeat yourself when we meet. Think about the music you want for entry, Signing & recessional/exit.

Question 10

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

Accepted Answer

A lovely Signing pen free with every wedding.

Question 11

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

I can offer more affordable rates for mid week weddings and am happy to charge by the hour so options are available. I have done this for so long and am experienced and reliable so you are getting a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I know some celebrants are cheap but exclude items so you end up paying more than you thought! I am transparent with pricing and will work to meet your needs and then exceed them!

Question 12

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

By the hour or capped per wedding or funeral once we discuss what is required.

Question 13

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

Marriage including same sex marriage and on the other side I am also a funeral celebrant & Naming celebrant. Happy to travel.

Question 14

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

Diploma & Cert IV in Celebrancy (International College of Celebrancy, Lifeskills & Qualtrain); BA (Hons) LLB (Sydney University) so as an ex-solicitor I am all over the legal stuff! First Aid & CPR certificate; jazz singer and entertainer for many years so I know how to manage a crowd and I often sing during the signing of the certificates if couples wish me to- it can add a unique flavour to the proceedings to have a singing celebrant!

Halliday, Melissa

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Halliday, Melissa Verified Business

Business contact details

Opening hours

Business description

Accepted payment methods

Browse celebrant experts by suburb

Services

Qualifications

Add your review

Reviews (6)

Frequently asked questions

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Unique selling points

Need an expert?

Customer

Businesses

Popular Cities

Popular Categories

About Oneflare

Download our apps

Halliday, Melissa