Why celebrants should enter industry awards

Here’s why celebrants should enter industry awards!

why celebrants should enter business awards

Have you ever thought about entering a wedding industry award but brushed it off, thinking, Nah, that’s not for me?

Or maybe you’ve secretly fancied the idea but wondered if it’s really worth the effort or been stopped by those nagging self doubts, am I worth it? (Gotta love imposter syndrome!) . Well, I’m here to tell you…yes, it absolutely is!

And how do I know?

Because I’m multi award winning myself, (Gotta blow my own trumpet as no one else will) and only last week, I added to my collection when I won Most Unique Celebrant and Quirkiest of Them All at the Quirky Wedding Awards in Brum. (Join me in a celebratory whoop, whoop here! 🥳)

Let me tell you, the benefits of throwing your hat, or flower crown into the awards ring go far beyond a shiny trophy or an excuse to pop open the prosecco.

So, let’s dive into why celebrants should embrace awards with gusto, what they can do for your business, and how to make the most of the experience.

Awards: More Than Just Glitter and Glory

First things first. What’s the big deal about awards? Aren’t they just a bit of fluff? Absolutely not! Here’s what winning (or even just entering the right awards) can do for you.

1. Get That “Ooh, They’re Fancy!” Factor

Awards give you serious clout. They tell the world you’re not just good at what you do—you’re outstanding. Couples want to know they’re hiring the best, and being an award-winning celebrant reassures them they’re in safe, creative, and downright fabulous hands.

When couples are scrolling through celebrants, your shiny accolade might just be the thing that stops them mid-scroll. It’s like having a neon sign that says, Pick me—I’m amazing!

2. Turbocharge Your Marketing Game

Awards are marketing gold dust. Whether you’re crowned a winner, make the finals, or even just get nominated, you’ve got a treasure trove of content to share.

Website Bling: That “Award-Winning Celebrant” badge looks oh-so-fancy on your homepage.
Social Media Buzz: From announcing your nomination to sharing the big win, you can create posts that spark engagement and show off your personality.
Press Opportunities: Awards make you newsworthy. Whether it’s a shoutout in a wedding blog or a feature in your local paper, it’s another way to get your name out there. The press love a good news story!

For me, winning at the Quirky Wedding Awards has been an absolute hoot. Sharing the news with my followers has hopefully reminded them why they love the quirky magic I bring to ceremonies. Plus, it’s a way to spark loads of lovely conversations with potential clients and collaborators.

3. Celebrate Your Celebrant Superpowers

Let’s be honest…we celebrants spend so much time making other people feel amazing that we often forget to celebrate ourselves.

Awards give you a moment to stop, reflect, and realise just how brilliant you are.

Winning Quirkiest of Them All wasn’t just a nod to my love of out-of-the-box ceremonies; it was a reminder that staying true to your brand and personality pays off. It’s easy to feel the pressure to conform in this industry, but awards like these celebrate individuality.

4. Be a Standout Star in Your Niche

Whether you specialise in handfastings, themed ceremonies, or beautifully bespoke love stories, awards help you shine in your chosen niche.

For me, quirky ceremonies are my jam. I thrive on creating magical, meaningful moments that are as unique as the couples I work with.

Winning these awards wasn’t just a personal victory, it was a celebration of the couples who embrace something a little different for their big day.

When you enter awards, you’re not just saying,

Look how amazing I am! You’re also telling the world, This is what I stand for. This is my vibe.

5. Connect with Your Wedding Tribe

Awards ceremonies aren’t just about the glitz and glamour, they’re a chance to mingle with other wedding pros, swap stories, and maybe even find your next collaboration partner.

At the Quirky Wedding Awards, I met some incredible people who share my passion for celebrating love in all its multicoloured and multifaceted glory. Building those connections is priceless, and it reminds you that you’re part of an amazing industry full of creativity and kindness.

6. A Confidence Boost Like No Other

Entering an award means sitting down and reflecting on your work…What makes you unique. What your couples love about you, and how you’ve grown. It’s like giving yourself a great big pat on the back.

Even if you don’t win, the process of putting yourself out there can be a massive confidence boost.

And if you do win? Well, it’s the ultimate reminder that you’re smashing it.

7. Doors, Doors, and More Doors

Winning an award can open up all sorts of opportunities. From getting featured in wedding magazines or your local paper, to landing on suppliers’ preferred lists, being an award winner makes people sit up and take notice.

It’s not just about the couples, it’s about building your reputation within the industry too. And trust me, when other pros get to hear about you, they’ll be sitting up, taking notice and spreading the word.

8. Have a Blast!

Let’s not forget one of the best parts—awards are FUN!

From dressing up for the ceremony to celebrating with a cheeky glass of bubbly, it’s a chance to let your hair down and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

The Quirky Wedding Awards ceremony was a night to remember, we were entertained and hosted by Maria Hurtz, an amazing drag artist celebrant and compere at Tonight Josephine in the heart of the city centre. And the Quirky Team were in attendance to celebrate their favourite suppliers. The atmosphere was electric and folk were set to party hard!

Winning was the cherry on top, but the whole experience—from being nominated to hearing my name called out—was magical and I may have sworn…just a little bit…especially when my name was called out as the Quirkiest of Them All.

Top Tips for Award Success – Your Funky, Fun Guide to Boosting Biz

Feeling inspired? Here’s how to tackle awards like the star you are:

Pick the Right Awards: Go for ones that align with you and your brand. Do your research, every award is different, with different criteria and price points. Some like Quirky will choose you from amongst the suppliers who have exhibited with them over the course of a year. And with others, you will have to apply ( and pay at application) to enter.
Show Your Personality: Let your true self shine in your application. Be bold, be you, and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn!
Lean on Your Couples: Include testimonials and stories that show how much your work means to your clients.
Celebrate the Journey: Whether you win or not, use the process to shout about your achievements and connect with your audience.

Why You Should Take the Leap

Entering wedding industry awards is about more than just winning. It’s about recognising your hard work, showcasing your talents, and connecting with others who love what they do as much as you do.

For me, winning Most Unique Celebrant and Quirkiest of Them All wasn’t just a career highlight—it was a celebration of everything I stand for as a celebrant. And if I can do it, so can you!

So, dust off your best shoes and most glittery outfit, pour yourself a cuppa (or something stronger), and get cracking on that application.

Who knows?

Next year, it could be your name lighting up the awards stage.

Go on, be bold… be daring… be you! It’s time to let the whole world know who you are!