Question 1

My partner and I aren't religious. We want a fun, music-led ceremony, what are our choices?

Accepted Answer

Celebrating your love in a non-religious, fun, and music-led ceremony opens up a world of exciting possibilities. As a celebrant, my goal is to create a personalised and memorable experience that reflects your love story. Here are some choices and ideas to make your ceremony truly special: 1. Customised Vows: Crafting your own vows allows you to express your feelings in a personal and meaningful way. Whether you want to be poetic, humorous, or deeply sentimental, your vows can set the tone for a joyous and love-filled celebration. 2. Music as a Focal Point: Since you want a music-led ceremony, consider incorporating your favourite songs into different parts of the ceremony. From the processional to the recessional, music can enhance the emotional atmosphere and create a soundtrack to your love story. 3. Unity Ceremonies: Instead of traditional religious rituals, you can opt for unique unity ceremonies that symbolize the joining of your lives. This could include a sand ceremony, a unity candle ceremony, or even a 'unity playlist' where you and your partner add songs to a playlist during the ceremony. 4. Guest Involvement: Encourage your guests to participate in the celebration. This could include having a guest MC, organising a flash mob, a group sing-a-long, or incorporating a surprise performance. The more involved your loved ones are, the more memorable and enjoyable the ceremony will be. Remember, the key is to make your ceremony authentically yours.

Question 2

How can a celebrant help us make the ceremony extra special?

Accepted Answer

A celebrant plays a crucial role in making a wedding special and unforgettable. A celebrant is a professional who is trained to perform wedding ceremonies and can help couples personalise their wedding ceremony to reflect their personalities, beliefs, and values. Celebrants offer a personalised and inclusive approach to weddings. They'll take the time to get to know the couple, learn about their love story and what makes them unique. They'll work with the couple to create a ceremony that reflects their relationship and values. Celebrants can also offer a variety of styles and themes to weddings. Whether it's a traditional ceremony or a modern and creative one, celebrants can accommodate the couple's request and create something special that the couple and their guests will cherish forever. Another advantage of having a celebrant is that they can offer guidance and support during the planning process. They can also offer advice on readings, vows, and other wedding elements that will make the ceremony memorable. In conclusion, a wedding celebrant can make your wedding special by offering a personalised approach, creating a memorable ceremony, and providing support and guidance throughout the planning process. A celebrant can help couples create a wedding ceremony that truly represents the love and commitment between the two individuals and make the day unforgettable for all.

Question 3

We've just started wedding planning and I'm slightly confused  about what a celebrant actually does! Can you help?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding that's totally about you and your partner, then a celebrant-led wedding may be for you. For a start, you can get married where you like – in a venue, in the garden or woods, on a boat, at home; let your imagination flow. Although not legally binding in the UK at present, this is currently with the Law Commission, and going to government for consideration this year. In the meantime, the legal part of the marriage still needs to be signed and witnessed by a registrar or authorised religious dignitary, which can be done before or after your wedding. That being said, celebrant-led ceremonies are becoming more popular in modern couples wanting to do-away with stuffy traditions that don't mean much to them. I only perform one ceremony a day, so I can concentrate fully on you as a couple. I can help choose poems and readings that best represent you and that are suited to the vibe of your wedding. I can even get your fur-baby involved in your ceremony if you wish – why not have them as your ring bearer? Anything is possible if you choose to use a celebrant.

Question 4

How have couples changed their approach to wedding planning for 2022 and beyond?

Accepted Answer

The post-Covid period is a challenge for many in the wedding industry, but more especially for couples in love, waiting to make their commitment ‒ many of us have shared the journey and the frustrations. Listening to stories, are couples doing things differently as we head into 2022? Cost is often one of the first questions couples ask, but I also encourage couples to think about finding the celebrant who is the right fit for them, who will help and advise them while listening to their dreams for their big day. Couples are beginning to understand the alternative way to plan their wedding that exists beyond the registrar at a venue, registry office or church. Celebrants bring experience, flexibility, value and much more to weddings. Established wedding venues are beginning to realise that a celebrant adds some exciting options for couples, creating totally individualised ceremonies incorporating different religious beliefs and secular ideas and traditions. Over the latter part of this year, many weddings are being arranged at relatively short notice, and that's a trend that seems to be continuing. I've found there is much excitement about all of the options available including: a sand ceremony, hand-fasting or jumping the broom, using candles and writing their own vows, coloured smoke bombs, unrestricted musical choices rather than having to stick to the more traditional options. Couples can opt for that unusual venue they love, on a beach, in some woodland, or in their garden, the list is never-ending and doesn't bring the usual restrictions.

FAQs and expert advice about celebrant