Marriage Celebrants - Matt Finch
- Business: Matt Finch Celebrant
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Experience: 14 Years
- Profile: Matt Finch Celebrant
- Website: www.mattfinchcelebrant.com.au
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, Matt Finch here. I've loved being a celebrant increasingly since 2011, when I just assumed this would be a fun thing to do on the side. Now I live and breathe weddings and couldn't be happier.
I love the idea that I've prevented lots of people from having crappy weddings haha. No cut n’ paste here!
I've learned that if I keep it all about the couple, so that it's actually relevant and suits them, then it's a success.
Rather than use generic lines (or the same jokes on repeat), the humour and fun and ‘heart’ is directly from what the couple have done and said, which people seem to love.
It's definitely a process that couples can overthink. So I try to keep it super easy, clear and organised, so that my relaxed methods can hopefully rub off on each couple.
I provide a full plan/script so that people can feel safe and secure going into their ceremony – knowing I have all the details correct (and that I’m not saying anything weird or boring).
Rather than stress, they can actually exhale and enjoy their ceremony, knowing they can trust me to guide them through.
I really fell into the right career; I love that it’s so varied, I meet people of all walks of life.
I love travelling, and this job takes me all over the shop: constantly exploring Victoria, and the likes of Sydney Harbour, the beaches of Queensland, even abroad to Europe and the US.
And I’ve been public speaking across the planet for years, so that doesn’t bother me. (I was the one at the front of the coach telling you all about the sights and delights of Europe, or the voice on the plane explaining your nearest exits!)
But the best part is hearing people’s stories. It’s so great to be able to dig in and have great conversations with people I would never normally have the chance to know.
Plus I love that I learn a lot in the process. Sometimes I get a bit side tracked from wedding chat when music comes up, (I do love my vinyl), or travel stories! (I'm about see the last of the 7 modern wonders of the world to complete my list).
And on the day, there’s nothing better than my up close view of people saying the personalised, heartfelt vows we’ve crafted together, magic!
I feel very lucky.
2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?
Ooh, good question, it's definitely over 800 by now. Having that many people trust me for their big day does blow my mind, I know it's a big deal.
My history definitely helps me guide my couples into the ceremony elements that I feel might suit them, or alternative ideas to 'tick their boxes'.
A lot of people don't realise the options that are out there, so it's fun to throw ideas around to see what sticks.
I've learned some random facts, like:
- it's always Dad who leaves their phone on loud, (and your Aunty who brings their old iPad)
- you definitely need a plan B for outdoor weddings, (you don't want your guests to hate you),
- rain and extreme temps are tough, but wind is a wedding's true nemesis,
- and the best man is the most likely to pass out.
These days couples are feeling less like they have to copy what has always been done in the past, which is such a relief!
Some people still do things just because they think they 'should', without really asking themselves what would be best, what will make them happy.
So I try to confirm that the motives make sense and that we're doing the ideas that suit them best.
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
The sooner the better! I only do one ceremony per day, so once that date is snapped up, it's gone.
If you have a Saturday in peak season, you need to book your fave suppliers wayyy ahead. (A Wednesday in winter is not such a problem).
Just remember that the best suppliers book out first, so don't wait too long if you have someone particular in mind.
4. How would you describe your ceremony style?
In my humble opinion, I feel the best ceremony is super personalised with a mix of styles:
you need a bit of heart, people want to feel something, but you need some fun too, people enjoy a chuckle.
Too formal puts people to sleep, too casual can feel disrespectful to the big thing you are doing.
Although I do think it's important to keep it relaxed.
You already have enough emotions zooming through you, you don't need a ceremony that raises any stresses.
The more relaxed we can keep you, the more likely you are to enjoy it (and remember it!).
At the end of the day, I'm guided by the tone of my couples, and try to match their 'vibe' as best I can.
5. What are your fees for a wedding?
That all depends. The where/when/what/how all contributes.
I’m happy to do weddings any day of the week!
And I’ll only add travel fees if it’s super far from Melbourne.
(I would ask you to cover any required flights and a little accom if needed).
Just let me know a few details and I’d love to fire you through a quote and set up a chat to discuss more.
6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?
Great question! I think this is really important.
I always ask what the couple want and what everyone else is wearing. I try to match in the palette/vibe best I can.
I do love a tailored suit, and the collection is getting a bit out of hand, but that does mean I can say "yes" to most couple's requests.
Some couples want me to match the groom, some hate the idea of matching the groom, so I always ask to be sure.
By far my favourite colour is green, so that does pop up occasionally haha.
7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?
I'm open! I find most people only want a few.
Usually we have initially a relaxed chat to ensure we have a match, not just of services, but personalities too.
The most important (and fun) one is usually about 3-4 months before the big day.
We go deep on ceremony logistics and unpack all the answers they've given me in my 'Squeeze the Juice' questionnaire, which is a fun set of questions to find out a bit about what's been going on in the couple's world/relationship, so it's a good laugh.
This meeting is brilliant for ensuring the ceremony is fully personalised with reality and fun and heart.
(Plus people love being able to talk about all the good stuff in their lives!)
It surprised some couples that I'm anti-rehearsal. I find they make things worse rather than better, they raise unnecessary stress.
I make a thorough plan with my couples so that I'm fully informed to be able to guide couples through their ceremony with ease.
Rather than thinking about logistics, I just want couples to be comfy and at ease, enjoy their ceremony, soaking in all the goodness!
8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?
That's my speciality! I'm all about it.
To keep your guests engaged, feeling the feels and giggling, it needs to be all about the couple.
The minute we do too much generic 'love & marriage' chat, people begin to switch off, so we want to avoid that!
I always share my plans with the couple so that if anything doesn't work we can modify, so there's no chance of awkward shocks on the day.
The more real and relevant it is, the more it makes sense, and the more everyone loves it.
If people want to include extra traditions, that's awesome, but I try to do it in a more modern, personalised way so that everyone understands why we're doing it, and it can still be interesting and 'connect'.
9. Are you available to travel if needed?
Absolutely! As a travel addict I love a journey.
I've been doing a few QLD & NSW weddings lately which have been incredible, so hopefully that continues.
If I'm not already too booked up, I try to bring my partner and make a weekend out of it.
Internationally, I can marry legally people in the US, and for other countries I usually do a mini legal ceremony on Aussie soil and then a personalised, non-legal, friends & family ceremony abroad, which is a boatload of fun. Let's do it!
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
Yes, I am well aware that anything can happen when it comes to weddings, and I try to be as adaptable and helpful as I can.
We chat to uncover our options, and if a refund is due, it's usually based on the percentage of time that has been spent so that it's kept fair.
I will try to assist however I can.
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