 The Role of Technological Literacy in a Changing Celebrant World
By Nancy Battenburg
Civil Marriage Celebrant Darwin NT
Just recently I was in discussion with a celebrant friend about my use of celebrant software, and how my computer and laptop were almost constant companions as I developed my celebrant business. I was explaining about my recent ‘find’ of a font called ‘Amezone BT’ for certificates, and the joys of my new colour laser printer for printing my certificates without a smudge or inconsistent calligraphy.
You can be friends with someone for a very long time and not know some pertinent facts about them, something that lies at the heart of their psyche, something that defines them as a person. This friend, someone I have known for some eighteen years, turned to me in astonishment, and said that she not have a computer (printer, modem, and assorted software) in her house. She still refuses to use an ATM unless it is absolutely necessary. She has reluctantly purchased a mobile phone, but uses it for emergency purposes only (she does not advertise her phone number).
It was my turn to be astonished.
- How do couples contact her? On her landline.
- Does she have an answering machine? Only the one on her landline service.
- Does she get calls on her mobile from couples? No.
- Does she get contacted by email by interested couples? No.
- Does she have a website ? No.
- How do they pay her? Cash or cheque.
- How does she plan their ceremonies? All by hand written notes that she takes in interview with the couple.
- What does she have as her copy of the ceremony for presentation? She writes it out for herself.
- Does she give them a copy of their ceremony after the big event? Yes, she does, all written on beautiful linen paper by calligraphy.
You get the picture. As much as possible, this celebrant is a techno-phobe, one who hates and refuses to use technology as much as possible, and this is reflected in her marriage ceremonies. When I asked if her business was down, she admitted that her clientele had changed. She was not getting a lot of the younger couples, but was getting a lot of older couples on their second and third weddings who loved the personal service that she was giving them.
 However, I have to admit that I love my mobile phone. I love my computer, laser printer, multi-function centre for scanning and faxes, my modem and internet. I love email contact, Skype and my website. I love being listed on several electronic celebrant services, and I love giving people options for contacting me. I love the immediacy of my celebrant software (and the fact that it checks to see if I have everything that I need to fulfil legal requirements). I love the consistency of the certificates as printed with my new favourite font.
However, some lingering doubts about my wonderful technological tools remains. I envy her the simplicity of the services that she offers her clients and their awe that what she is giving them is a tangible memory, created with painstaking care and attention to detail. I envy the close personal relationship she develops with each of her clients, as initial interviews, all recorded by hand, take considerably longer than the details provided to me as I type on my laptop or computer.
I think there is a place for both approaches … What do you think ?
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