What type of celebrant are you?

I was asked a really interesting question this week, and it wasn’t one I’d really considered before.

What type of celebrant are you? Did I want to take a quiz to find out? Absolutely!

I’ve been told by families and couples I’ve worked with that I’m calm and thoughtful, but that I also weave a lot of warmth and humour into my ceremonies. And possibly the most powerful bit of feedback I’ve ever been given is that I am a good storyteller.

I’ve been privileged to tell some pretty incredible stories about some unique individuals and couples.

One of the things we do as humanist celebrants is reflect on our work, as a way of constantly learning and improving. Peer review (which sounds way too clinical for what it actually is) forms a big part of that.

Another celebrant who came to observe me recently also told me that I ‘weave a good tale’. I was chuffed to bits with that.

As a celebrant that’s really what we do - tell people’s stories. It’s what I enjoy most about being a celebrant, and it’s why the tagline for this web site is ‘creative ceremonies that tell stories of life, love and loss’.

But you can’t tell the stories without the people!

Humanism is all about people. Connecting with people. Learning from people. Having faith in people.

Well, I did take the quiz, and it turns out I am ‘the People’s Celebrant’. Not ‘the Consummate Professional’ (although I am professional, I promise) or ‘the Solitary Celebrant’ (although I like my own space, I thrive on connection and community too much for that).

The People’s Celebrant. Pretty pleased with that.

According to my results, my approach to my role as a celebrant combines a fun style with a professional outlook. I’m good at making connections. I love my job (and oh, how much I love it) but still make time for myself, my family and friends. I’d say that’s a pretty fair assessment.

Of course, quizzes like this are mainly for fun. They’re not scientific - and of course, as a humanist, I’m all about the science - but they are designed to get you thinking.

And so, this morning, I’ve been thinking about all the people I’ve met so far as a celebrant, and all the people I have yet to meet. And thinking how lucky I am to have made those connections, to have told those stories. Because, when it comes down to it, this work really is about people.

Because, as a very wise man once said …

Want to take the quiz? Check out the Celebrant Collective here. Enjoy!