Who is my Advisor

Christine Haddrick is trained to advise and assist in preparing and conducting ceremonies for life’s events and stages. She is a poet, writer and public speaker. Christine is also a qualified nurse, parent educator and counsellor and has studied management and theology. She maintains her CPR qualification in case of any emergency at ceremonies. She is a proud mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.

What kind of services are you authorized to provide ?
Christine ‘s authorization includes Weddings, which is the only ceremony governed by law. She is also experienced in other ceremonies where you would like a Celebrant , such as – Baby Naming, Funerals, Commitments, Renewal of Vows, Retirements and Special Birthdays, House Warming and believes fervently in the need for a Ceremony to Begin Again after Divorce.
She can guide you in regard to the requirements of the Marriage Act and the requirements of the Department of Births, Deaths & Marriages and the documentation.

How will I pay for the Service?
You will be asked for a deposit of $50-$100 to secure Christine’s service for your selected date and so that there is plenty of time for her to work on your individual ceremony. The balance of payment will be payable before the ceremony, usually at the final meeting. This is paid by cash, cheque or directly into a bank account.

Do you receive any benefits from anyone else in relation to my ceremony?
Should any association with an allied provider ever occur it will be disclosed at the first interview

Are there any Associations I can inspect in relation to Celebrant Services?
The Attorney Generals Department provides comprehensive information on the training, role and expectations of Civil Celebrants including The Act, the Code of Practice and Regulations. ..www.ag.gov.au /celebrants. “Celebrants Australia Incorporated” is a useful website for general information – www.celebrantsaustalia.asn.au

Will you give me advice?
Generally no, unless you request it. Christine’s brief is to plan, prepare and conduct your service, and to prepare and dispatch documentation in the case of a wedding. She is, however obliged to inform you of the Departments directive to advise about pre-marriage preparation. She does not use her qualification as a Counsellor in this regard since it is considered to be a “conflict of interest” although often “counselling’ wends its way into our discussions as a side effect of discussing the ceremony. She is sensitive to the need s of each client.

What should I bring when I meet you?
Just yourself and your loved one and your deposit. In the case of a Naming, a birth certificate is useful , in the case of a wedding an original birth certificate is ESSENTIAL, as is a divorce certificate and death certificate as the case may be. Notice of Marriage (Government Form)_-

How important is my ceremony in the scheme of things?
Christine does not do more than one ceremony a day so that she can devote all her energy to that event. She never use a ceremony designed for someone else, she writes your ceremony specifically for you .

What information do you keep on file?
Christine is commited to the Privacy Policy and ensures the security of your personal information. The Application Form and any notes resulting from discussions are filed securely until after the occasion and then destroyed. She adheres to the Attorney Generals Departments regulations regarding the security of documents.

Will you show me a sample ceremony, vows etc.
Definitely. Everything about getting married will be discussed at the first interview should you indicate that Christine will be employed. She will allay any anxieties you have about the ceremony.

What about rituals within the ceremony?
Definitely. The choice will be yours. One of the positive things about civil ceremonies is that you have freedom to incorporate mini ceremonies within the ceremony to make it more meaningful and individual.

Will I know the exact wording of the ceremony before the event?
Christine believes in complete transparency and openness and that the client is completely happy with the ceremony. There are no surprises.. She sends you by email the entire ceremony in order to achieve your complete satisfaction. She is happy to write as many drafts as necessary until this is achieved.

May I give suggestions and requests.?
Of course. Christine works with you for the type of ceremony that will give you warm and happy memories. She welcomes your ideas and input.

May I write my own ceremony?
Yes. Christine will advise you of the legal elements in the case of a wedding.

What if I have a complaint?
Speak directly to the Celebrant so that things can be corrected and resolved quickly . If you do not get satisfaction you can contact the Attorney General’s Department on.....

What is expected of me?
To provide the necessary documents, to respond the email messages as they occur, to realize the importance and value of the occasion, to provide equipment agreed upon, to respond to the evaluation form.

What happens after the Ceremony? Part of her brief is to request an evaluation. These come in different forms – she may call or write for your assessment of her work so that she can constantly improve. It is very helpful if you can find the time to respond to this.

Phone: 03 5435 3285  Mobile: 0408 731 821
Email me

Website: Melbourne-celebrant.com