Tradition can be good too

Amongst the celebrant profession we often celebrate how we do things differently. Whether supporting a joyful wedding couple or a family in grief, we speak proudly of our unique selling points, the fresh ideas we bring, the new or unusual rituals we offer, and, for weddings especially, the fun and personality we weave into the moment. We usually begin with a blank sheet of paper and welcome clients who arrive with their own imaginative visions. But what matters just as much is that we don’t lose sight of the value of tradition, because for many people, tradition is exactly what they seek and genuinely need.

How do we define tradition? Perhaps it’s something passed down through generations, becoming familiar practice  and often for good reason. Traditional elements simply work: they land well, they feel right, and they offer a sense of emotional steadiness. There is comfort in knowing what to expect as we take our seats in the ceremony room. Those predictable rhythms can act as anchors, soothing anxieties and grounding us in the moment. We honour our elders by doing as they once did, and we feel connected to our ancestry and cultural roots by continuing that thread. Traditions help bridge the gaps between generations, sharing wisdom and shaping memory. Repeating rituals marks milestones with intention, and afterwards there is a quiet reassurance in feeling that we have “done things properly.”

Wearing traditional black attire at a funeral shows a powerful unity of respect. Choosing traditional wedding vows can resonate deeply with the significance of the occasion.

None of this suggests that fresh approaches are wrong — far from it. Celebrants thrive on creativity, and we are skilled at blending the modern with the traditional. But at the heart of every ceremony is the person or people it belongs to. And so, whether their vision leans towards the timeless or the unconventional, our role is to listen, to honour their story, and to shape a ceremony that feels authentically right for them. So for me, yes i celebrate  the creative, the uniqueness, the difference but I also embrace the traditional, and comfortingly familiar.