Susie Figgis Celebrant : Crafting Love - Personalizing Ceremonies in an Ever-Changing Wedding World

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Wed.Co Podcast, where we find ourselves at Figtree Restaurant and Rooms in the stunning Byron Bay. Join us for an engaging chat with Susie Figgis, a seasoned celebrant, as she opens up about her path to becoming a celebrant and the vital role of customizing ceremonies for a truly personal touch. Susie delves into how an oversaturated wedding market affects the industry, emphasizing the ongoing need for skilled professionals, especially amidst the rise of DIY weddings. She offers valuable insights into the legalities of marriage, the transformative power of rehearsals and tailored vows, and the unique dynamic of first looks. The conversation also touches on the delicate art of balancing attention between the couple and the celebrant, and the importance of fostering a deep connection with couples to craft ceremonies that resonate with their unique stories. Susie wraps up by discussing current trends in ceremonies, including how to gracefully adapt to weather changes and other unforeseen circumstances. Susie explores various facets of designing a memorable wedding ceremony, discussing how to navigate shifting conditions, the influence of alcohol on the ceremony's energy, creating meaningful vows, breaking away from traditional norms, and finding a celebrant in Byron Bay.   You can find Susie at her instagram at @Susie_Figgis_Celebrant Or for more info jump onto her website at www.byronbayweddingceremonies.com.au   **Episode Takeaways**   - Understanding the legal requirements of marriage, including necessary paperwork and legal clearances, is crucial. - Rehearsals and personalized vows add depth and intimacy to the wedding ceremony. - Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for smoothly handling unexpected weather and other changes during a wedding. - Thoughtfully crafted vows that resonate with the couple's future aspirations can be a lasting symbol of their commitment.   **Episode Breakdown**   - 00:00 - Introduction to Susie Figgis and her background - 02:01 - The journey to becoming a celebrant and the art of personalizing ceremonies - 03:33 - Navigating a saturated wedding market and managing workloads - 06:19 - Striking a balance between workload and delivering value - 08:05 - The shift towards DIY weddings and the importance of professional input - 10:14 - Navigating the legal aspects of marriage - 12:19 - The significance of rehearsals and crafting personal vows - 13:44 - The dynamics of first looks in ceremonies - 16:26 - Building connections with couples to tailor ceremonies - 21:11 - The nuances of destination and local weddings - 25:07 - Further insights into personalizing ceremonies and connecting with couples - 28:13 - More on customizing ceremonies and establishing connections - 34:38 - Discussing current trends in wedding ceremonies - 35:11 - Bridal party seating arrangements and ceremony adjustments - 39:01 - Adapting ceremonies to weather and other conditions - 40:13 - The importance of adapting to changing circumstances during a ceremony - 42:08 - The impact of alcohol on ceremony energy - 42:54 - The art of crafting vows that hold future significance - 44:38 - Encouraging the breaking of traditions for personalized ceremonies - 45:36 - How to get in touch with Susie If you liked what you heard in this episode make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your other engaged friends or wedding professionals and drop us a review. By doing so, you're really helping us out in being able to continue to give epic advice for not only all engaged couples, but also to amazing wedding professionals as well. Keep up to date on Instagram at @wed.copodcast and catch all your favourite Wedding Professionals on our YouTube channel @wed.copodcast.  We are also available on all good Podcast players including Apple, Spotify, IheartRadio etc all at WedCo Podcast Thanks so much for stopping by Toga + Joel x