Weddings

FAQs

Questions

There are many questions you may have about having a celebrant led ceremony… if you don’t find the answer to your burning question below, please do get in touch so that I can put your mind at ease.

GENERAL – CELEBRANT

WE VALUE OUR PRIVACY AND THAT OF OUR FAMILY AND WOULD REQUIRE YOU TO SIGN A NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT? NDA.

I am more than willing to sign an NDA and fully respect your concerns for privacy. I have an opt – out clause in my general terms and conditions.

DO YOU OFFER CEREMONIES IN OTHER LANGUAGES?

No. I speak only the Queen’s English! I would be pleased to offer a bilingual wedding ceremony, and permit an interpreter to stand alongside me or to have parts of the ceremony repeated in the foreign language.

DO YOU PERFORM SAME-SEX MARRIAGES?

Absolutely! I have no issues where these are concerned and would be more than happy to conduct a ceremony for any couple in love.

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED IN THE FEE?

My fee covers my initial indepth consultation, followed by the creation of your personalized ceremony.

My fee includes unlimited planning time. Everything we do together to create your ceremony, unlimited phone and e-mail support, time and travel to the venue on your special day.

My fee includes a Commemorative Certificate for witnesses to sign during the ceremony. I Include a full verbal run-through prior to the wedding. In other words, pretty much everything!

DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS?

Generally no! My quoted prices have been carefully considered. However I could be persuaded to offer discounts if you give me a good enough reason!

Local residents would get a discount for using my services and supporting me!

WILL YOU WORK WITH MY WEDDING PLANNER?

I will make contact with your wedding planner whether they are your own independent wedding planner or the planner from a hotel or venue. Liaising and communication between what they do for you and my role in the actual delivery of your ceremony will be a vital part of the ‘flow’ of your day.

DO I NEED A WEDDING PLANNER?

This is very much a personal choice. A wedding planner will handle everything—from hair and makeup to flowers, cake, and music. They have the local contacts and expertise to help tailor your wedding to your style and budget and arrange services for guests with or without children or with special needs.

WHAT TYPES OF CEREMONIES HAVE YOU CONDUCTED?

I have conducted many types of ceremonies over the last decade including renewal of vows, same sex, civil partnerships, beach ceremonies, baby naming, including twins, and Handfastings in all their different forms. I have also conducted funerals and memorials.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SAY OUR WEDDING VOWS IN THE GROUNDS OF OUR PARENTS’ GARDEN… IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Yes you can hold your ceremony anywhere you like. A celebrant led ceremony is not restricted by location.

WILL YOU DICTATE THE TIME OF OUR CEREMONY?

Absolutely not! You are free to have your ceremony at whatever time you feel most suitable. I will be there. Deciding factors may be the time of year, the venue chosen, the distance friends and family have to travel. You may also need to consider the ages of those attending.ie young children or elderly relatives.

WHEN IS A DECISION MADE TO MOVE THE CEREMONY INSIDE IF THE WEATHER LOOKS INCLEMENT?

It is always ideal to have a plan B. Having a second option is almost essential when planning a wedding outdoors in England in the summer time. It is ultimately up to the celebrant and bridegroom to decide. There will be many contributing factors, not least the number of people and items requiring moving. Other key factors will relate to the electronics if live musicians are playing!

CAN WE WRITE OUR OWN WEDDING VOWS?

Yes of course! This is something I encourage all my couples to do, ensuring the vows are truly personal and poignant to you both and they are created and said with meaning and sincerity. I will encourage you to personalize your ceremony as much as possible.

WE PLAN TO MARRY OVERSEAS BUT WOULD LIKE A CEREMONY ON OUR RETURN FOR OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO COULD NOT JOIN US. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Using an independent Celebrant in these circumstances is ideal. I will plan a very special ceremony where you can renew the vows you made overseas whether that was one week or one year previously

RELIGIOUS CONTENT

ARE YOU ABLE TO INCLUDE ELEMENTS OF OUR OWN RELIGION INTO THE SERVICE?

Yes most definitely. I will work with you to ensure those elements of prayers or hymns that you would like to include are placed at the appropriate part of your ceremony. Including elements of faith is perfectly within the remit of an independent celebrant who is not bound by rules and decree. You want it you have it!

DOES IT MATTER WHAT RELIGION WE PRACTICE?

No it does not matter to me what your faith or belief is. I will conduct a ceremony befitting your wishes and that reflects your own spiritual beliefs. Under your in instructions anything can be included.

WOULD YOU ALLOW ANOTHER CELEBRANT OR MINISTER, POSSIBLY OF A DIFFERENT RELIGION, OR A FRIEND OR RELATIVE TO TAKE PART IN THE CEREMONY?

Absolutely. Your Ceremony Your Way! I have no rule book remember. I would welcome collaboration with anyone you choose if this is what you wished for. I would work with you both to ensure a seamless fusion within the ceremony. Different people’s voices always make a ceremony more interesting.

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO WORK WITH A RELIGIOUS MINISTER?

YES. I would be delighted to share your ceremony. I could create a ceremony from start to finish, and be the ‘celebrant’ for all proceedings. I could start with the traditional western style of marriage ceremony and introduce the minister of your choice to step up and provide the spiritual blessing or traditions of your faith.

I AM ATHEIST, HOW CAN OUR CEREMONY BE MADE PERSONAL TO US BOTH?

I will be very comfortable conducting a ceremony to reflect your own personal wishes and in a manner that helps bring both of you joy and happiness. Almost all the ceremonies I create are free of ‘holy’ words!

ARE YOU WILLING TO INCORPORATE ELEMENTS FROM ANOTHER CULTURE OR RELIGION INTO THE BESPOKE CEREMONY?

Of course! I find the wedding customs and traditions of other cultures and religions fascinating, and would be happy to learn about them, and incorporate, appropriate elements into your wedding ceremony

CEREMONY CONTENT

HOW WILL WE KNOW WHAT TO CHOOSE FOR OUR CEREMONY

It is very likely you will be overwhelmed by all the choices and different styles and options available to you. I will be on hand to offer my support all the way to the aisle! I have a vast experience of what ceremony components would suit you and your family best. It will be fun and will not cost you extra!!

WILL YOU MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CEREMONY STARTS DIRECTING PEOPLE ON WHAT TO DO AT THE END OF THE CEREMONY?

Of course. Prior to my announcing you as the newly wed Mr.Mrs. everyone will know what is happening next. I will take a moment to tell the guests what is occurring following your exit from the room! My “Putting it All Together” form has a section for what can be said at this time. Alternatively.

My pre-wedding interviews with you both will also give you the opportunity to address any pre or post wedding announcements!

I AM NOT CHANGING MY SURNAME AFTER I MARRY. DO YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS US AS MR & MRS XXXX?

I will announce you both in whatever way you feel most comfortable, such as using your first names.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MUSIC, READINGS, PHOTOGRAPHY?

There are no restrictions of any kind. Not from me anyway. As long as it’s legal, bring it on!

ON THE DAY OF THE CEREMONY

HOW EARLY DO YOU ARRIVE ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING?

I usually arrive at least an hour before the start of the ceremony. If I have travelled far I may we be around in the morning having arrived the night before. I will of course discuss the options with you both.

WHAT DO YO DO IN THE TIME PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY?

I will firstly coordinate with other professions such as musicians and photographers, etc. I will introduce myself to the key figures participating in your ceremony and instruct them on all they are required to do! During the lead up to your ceremony, I will send out confirmation of my arrival time. At the same time any other issues will be clarified.

WHEN WILL YOU MEET THE BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM?

I will expect to meet the bridegroom 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony and with the bride at a convenient time for her, bearing in mind she will be going through beauty treatments and getting ready. I strongly advise that you are BOTH READY 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO MEET WITH US BEFORE THE CEREMONY?

Basically to establish you still want to go ahead! Seriously, the main reason will be to settle your nerves and to reassure you both that you will be in my safe competent hands and do not have to concern yourselves about what to say, when to say it and when to stand or sit! Just follow my lead…you will do nothing wrong!