The Age of Celebrancy

By Veronika Robinson

 

There are so many changes happening within the world of celebrancy, and one of those is the increase of younger people joining the profession. I can understand this. It is an enchanting and varied vocation and career path. I was in my mid twenties when I trained to be a celebrant more than thirty years ago.

As celebrant trainers, Paul and I have enjoyed training people in their twenties right through to those in their seventies. Some people come to this profession at the end of a long career when they’re looking to semi retire.

You might wonder: is there a right age to become a celebrant? I believe each age and stage of our adult life brings something of merit. Our qualities and ability to develop skills is what determines our celebrancy more so than our age. One of our certified celebrants is in her late seventies, and I can tell you that her energy, beauty, grace and wisdom would have me choosing her as a celebrant every single time. 

 

 

Age can be to our advantage (especially if we have lots of celebrant experience behind us) but what is more important than a number is our energy, vitality and passion. I’ve seen some young(er) wedding celebrants promote themselves as ‘do you want a celebrant who’ll look good in your wedding photos?’. And, to be fair, they will attract clients who do want someone with a fancy dress and hairstyle. Other clients aren’t focused on something so shallow as looks but would rather be held by certainty, experience and authenticity.

 

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When you understand this, as a celebrant, it liberates you to let your true self shine. Your light will not be dimmed by your age, body shape, experience or other status. In the same way that you are accepting and inclusive of others, you’ll attract people who also hold such values.

There are so many wonderful things about celebrant life and one of those is that there is no retirement age. You could, assuming your voice, brain and body were up to it, still be working in your nineties if you were so inclined. Why would you still want to be working at that age? Passion. Purpose. Service. Creativity. Not everyone is motivated by money.

Age is a number. I’m more inclined to think of us reaching ‘levels’. I’m at level 58.

The other thing we can face as we near societal retirement age is this: “I have all these skills and qualities, and I’m making a difference. Do I just stop and not use them in this way again?”

Let your age, whichever level you’re at, be to your advantage.