Ceremony Mentoring: From Writing to the Word

1. The Concept

The Art of Celebrating Those We Love

Being chosen to officiate the wedding of friends or family is one of the greatest forms of emotional validation. However, the moment they decide to get married in your presence requires more than love and goodwill. It demands the ability to occupy a symbolic space.


The "From Writing to Word" Mentorship is an intensive one-on-one workshop designed to transform your anxiety into competence and your intention into a memorable ceremony.


It's not just about reading a text; it's about conducting a rite of passage with the legitimacy of a professional and the heart of a friend.


2. The Program

In this mentorship program, we cover the entire celebration, from understanding the role to the performance on the wedding day.

I. The Context and Role of the Celebrant

  • The Role of the Celebrant in Contemporary Society.
  • The difference between religious, civil, and symbolic ceremonies.
  • The symbolic, emotional, and social role of the celebrant.
  • The impact of presence and active listening.

II. Structure and Creation

  • Meeting with the couple or family: Active listening and reading between the lines.
  • Structure of a Symbolic Ceremony.
  • Screenwriting: Narrative and storytelling techniques.
  • Integration of Symbolic Rituals and Personalized Vows:
  • The meaning and examples of rituals.
  • How to create a personalized ritual.
  • Votes with meaning.

III. Performance and Delivery

  • Presence and Oratory: The art of conscious oratory.
  • Body Language and Space Management.
  • Inclusive Language and Representation.
  • Rehearsal and adaptation: Celebration with presence.
  • Inspirational readings and closing remarks.


3. The Methodology: Creative Know-How

Without ready-made formulas or standardized scripts, our pedagogical approach is immersive and focused on practice: learning by doing.

In this mentorship program, we use active methods that stimulate creativity and provide technical tools to build the ceremony with autonomy and confidence.


Our Work Techniques:

  • The Art of Questioning and Creative Unlocking: We use strategic questions to help "give birth" to stories that already exist but are hidden. We transform scattered facts into vivid memories and raw material for storytelling.
  • Writing and Storytelling Workshop: We apply creative writing techniques to structure the script. We teach how to create emotional "hooks," manage the rhythm of the text, and use the right word at the right time (editing and curation).
  • Performance Lab: The text only comes alive when it is spoken. We use exercises in reading aloud, breathing techniques, and simulations to work on your posture, eye contact, and silence management.


Your Toolkit (Support Tools): To help you focus on creativity, we provide the structural foundation that organizes the process:

  • Diagnostic Questionnaire: The essential information-gathering tool, designed to thoroughly understand the couple's story and reveal the details that make their itinerary unique.
  • Celebrant's Checklist: The essential technical step-by-step guide to structuring the line-up and organizing the ceremony, ensuring that no moment or detail is forgotten.
  • Template Script: An editable basic structure to get you started.


4. Practical Information


Format: One-to-One Session (Individual).

  • In-person: Lisbon (Saldanha) — Recommended for stage work/posture.
  • Online: Via Zoom.


Duration: 3 Hours (Intensive).

Investment: €200 (VAT included).

Trainer: Anabela Lança (Sociologist, Trainer, Celebrant, Project Manager and founder of Elope in Portugal and Celebrantes® - Bespoke Ceremonies).

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