As celebrants, we pour our hearts into crafting beautiful ceremonies that honour life’s most significant moments. Yet, when it comes to talking about our work and promoting our services, many of us suddenly feel uneasy. We were raised to believe that modesty is a virtue, and the idea of ‘showing off’ can feel deeply uncomfortable. But in today’s world, self-promotion isn’t just necessary—it’s essential for growing a thriving celebrant business. The good news? You can do it in a way that feels authentic, comfortable, and completely ‘ick’-free.
Reframing Self-Promotion
The first step to overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion is to reframe it. Instead of seeing it as bragging, think of it as sharing. You’re not boasting; you’re helping people understand how you can make their special day truly meaningful. Your skills and experience are valuable—why wouldn’t you want to let people know about them?
Think about it this way: when a couple or a grieving family is searching for a celebrant, they’re looking for someone who resonates with them, someone whose style, approach, and personality feel like the perfect fit. If you don’t put yourself out there, how will they ever find you?
Find Your Comfort Zone
Self-promotion doesn’t have to mean shouting about your business from the rooftops (unless you want to!). There are many ways to market yourself that align with your personality and values. Here are some ideas:
- Tell Stories – Instead of simply stating, “I create beautiful ceremonies,” share a heartwarming story about a couple whose wedding you officiated or a family you supported during a funeral. Stories connect with people on an emotional level and showcase your work naturally.
- Use Testimonials – Let your clients do the talking for you! Genuine testimonials and reviews from happy couples and families are powerful social proof.
- Share Behind-the-Scenes Content – Show snippets of your process, from writing a personalised ceremony to setting up on the big day. This builds trust and gives potential clients insight into your dedication and expertise.
- Educate Your Audience – Write blogs or social media posts about different types of ceremonies, unique traditions, or tips for couples planning a wedding. When you provide value, you position yourself as an expert without feeling salesy.
- Network with Other Suppliers – Building relationships with wedding planners, funeral directors, photographers, and venues can lead to referrals and collaborations that promote your services organically.
Speak with Confidence
Many celebrants worry that they’ll come across as too pushy or self-important in their efforts with self-promotion. The trick is to speak about your work with confidence, not arrogance. Remember, people are looking for someone who is passionate about what they do. When you talk about your business with genuine enthusiasm, it’s engaging, not off-putting.
One way to boost your confidence is to practise an elevator pitch—a short, natural-sounding way to introduce what you do. Instead of saying, “I’m a celebrant,” try something like:
“I help couples create heartfelt, personalised wedding ceremonies that reflect their unique love story.” Or ‘I help families at a time of loss, to create a celebration of their loved one’s life.’
This not only explains what you do but also highlights why it matters.
Embrace Visibility
Being visible online and offline is key to success. If you’re not already, make sure you:
- Have a professional website that showcases your services, testimonials, and personality. And make it SEO friendly.
- Maintain an active presence on social media, even if it’s just posting once a week.
- Attend networking events, wedding fairs, and community gatherings where potential clients and industry contacts can meet you in person.
- Consider offering short video introductions—people love to see and hear the person behind the service.
Give Yourself Permission to Shine
Ultimately, self-promotion is about helping the right people find you. You’re not just selling a service; you’re offering something truly special—memorable, heartfelt ceremonies that mark the most important moments in people’s lives. If you’re holding back because you don’t want to ‘show off,’ you might be preventing someone from having the perfect celebrant for their occasion: you.
When I’m training celebrants, I tell them this is a role where we are standing next to the people who are in the spotlight; and if we’re helping with a life celebration, then they would rather be anywhere than in this particular spotlight. However, when it comes to getting found, by the very people we train to support, then stepping into that spotlight is essential.
So, step into the spotlight with confidence. Be proud of what you do. And most importantly, let people know how you can make their special day extraordinary.