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Add the Fun Factor to Your Wedding

From the moment of our first phone call.  Your planning the best wedding possible, Ideas to Add the Fun Factor to Your Wedding. I know it will be a fantastic wedding day, as your Celebrant can’t wait to enjoy it with your family and friends; I always arrive early, so I can help add some magic. What are the fun factors you can add to your day?

These are some of the creative ideas that can add more to your magical day. We all want you to have the best day possible.

The Dance.

We’ve all heard of couples who have secretly practised a carefully-choreographed first dance, and that’s great. I never knew my own son could dance.

We have all seen Strictly Come Dancing; what if you do away with a formal First Dance altogether? Why not get all your guests involved right from the start? What better way to do that than by hiring a professional ceilidh band or barn dance? This will take away some of the pressure on you and no struggle of getting everyone on the dance floor and a great way to start the evening and get everyone mixing and trying something new and fun.

The Good Old Photo Booth

The photo booth is ever-popular and with good reason. First is the DIY way. You can download an app to a phone or tablet from the app store or  Google. You also need a tripod and cheap flash ring, and a few props. These can all be downloaded and shared via Google. Or Secondly, get a professional Photo Booth. There is something enjoyable about squeezing into a little booth to take silly photos with friends or even people you didn’t know before the wedding. This is especially true if props are involved! The bonus of a photo booth is that most of them offer immediate printouts. In other words, your guests can leave with a little souvenir.

Garden Games Giant Jenga, chess or croquet can be a fun way for your guests to pass the time between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. Even more, they can be fun as the evening wears on!

Jenga bricks can even be used as a guest book instead of/as well.  Your guests can be invited to write messages on. The bricks for you to keep as a fun memory of the day every time you play!

The Good Old Photo Booth. The photo booth is ever-popular and with good reason. First is the DIY way. You can download an app to a phone or tablet, a tripod and cheap flash ring, and a few props. These can all be downloaded and shared via Google. Or Secondly, get a professional Photo Booth. There is something enjoyable about squeezing into a little booth to take silly photos with friends or even people you didn’t know before the wedding. This is especially true if props are involved! The bonus of a photo booth is that most of them offer immediate printouts. So your guests can leave with a little souvenir.

Think of the Children!  For a Fun Factor Wedding

If you’re inviting smaller guests (Children), it can be a long day. Instead, consider hiring a team of professional entertainers to look after them during the day and the evening! It’s always great to include a ring bear or bridesmaids. Furthermore, it adds the Fun Factor to Your Wedding.

It’s always a beautiful moment when small flower girls/bridesmaids/page boys walk down the aisle. But once the ceremony is over, what then? It is standard for couples and their friends to have children. However, it can be a long (and, dare I say, boring! From their little perspective) day for them. This means that your guests can’t always focus on the essential parts of the day. I’ve often felt for the poor parent who has to take their crying child out of the ceremony and misses the all-important “I do”. Or who doesn’t get to enjoy the wedding breakfast because they are making sure that their children are ok.

Finding a company that specialises in childcare at weddings might be the answer! In fact, this can be a win-win if ever there was one!

Ceremony Bingo adds to the Fun Factor Wedding.

This works best if you are having a Celebrant-led ceremony, as your Celebrant will be in on the whole thing and can explain it to your guests before the ceremony begins. https://www.pinterest.com/littlehammergames/wedding-bingo/

You would have cards printed with particular words or phrases. At a certain point in the ceremony, the Celebrant can announce that this is where the bingo cards are to be used. Usually it is during the part where they tell your unique story. In this scenario, the two of you could join in, too. Although, be prepared for cries of “Fix” if one of you wins! This can also work well during Speeches.

Hire a Mixologist (What’s that)

Cocktail bars are becoming increasingly popular with or without alcohol, and if you’ve seen a great mixologist at work. https://www.brides.com/bartenders-best-wedding-cocktail-recipes-6746838, you’ll know they can get a crowd cheering their fancy moves. Sometimes they’ll even use visually stunning techniques involving fire and smoke! In short, it all adds the Fun Factor to Your Wedding

You could also ask them to create something entirely original for you, drawing on your personal story, or recreate a favourite drink with special significance.

Chocolate Fountain is Fun Factor

It does not need much explaining. But so much fun and messy.

There are so many aspects that can be included in your magical day and symbols within the ceremony. In fact, I love to chat over ideas you both might like.

For a Free discovery Call, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Clive.

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How to Hold Your Wedding CerenibyMy focus is on couples celebrating their love in their own style, reflecting their love story. We need to remember, “Your wedding is the start of a new chapter of your life. So a ceremony that tells your unique love story is sure to be memorable, wonderful and downright brilliant.”

The fact that Celebrant-led ceremonies can take place in any location, at any time. They can take any format or style you want with content that’s special and meaningful to you. You don’t have to follow any traditional outline or include any legal words; it’s just about creating your own vows (I can help with those or write them) and promises to each other in a location of your choosing. Pretty lovely, right…? Including any elements of your beliefs or elements you want.

If this sounds like your kind of ceremony, then we need to chat.

How to Hold your Wedding Ceremony at an Unlicensed Venue

As I’m an independent wedding celebrant and family Celebrant, This means not only do I have the best job in the world. I also get to visit lots of fantastic wedding venues and meet amazing couples

If you’re wondering what a wedding celebrant

Let me explain – we’re here to conduct your personal and ceremonies celebrations for couples and families. We’re not tied to any religion or faith group. Any location, and we don’t have to include any specific words or rituals in the ceremonies that we write. So, in short, whatever, whenever and wherever you want to get married will be just fine with me! I sadly can’t legally marry you, though there is a movement to change UK legislation. I can give you a wedding ceremony, vow renewal or wedding celebration that’s entirely yours, and for that reason, celebrant-led ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular. A simple statutory paperwork Ceremony costs only £57.

Working with a wedding celebrant, there are no rules.

You can involve anyone in the ceremony; you can say what you like, you can include (or exclude) any of the traditional wedding elements, and, importantly, you can hold your ceremony absolutely anywhere. We don’t need a venue to hold a wedding licence.

Yes, you read that right – wedding celebrants can (and do!) conduct ceremonies anywhere. So, if you thought that a particular venue, glorious garden, or meaningful spot was off the wedding venue shortlist, think again.

Just imagine the wedding possibilities!

That wonderful outdoor ceremony that you always dreamed about can actually happen! You can create your own wedding venue and hold your ceremony there too. This summer, I’m conducting ceremonies in a walled garden, on an island, in woodland, and someone’s home and inside a venue that’s very special to the couple in question but doesn’t hold a licence for civil ceremonies. I can’t wait, and I just know that each wedding will be a genuinely individual affair, always for a little bit of Clive Magic.

Included are pictures of some of the venues. I am always there at the end of the phone or email to make your day unique.

Do not hesitate to contact me for a free chat and happy wedding planning.

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When considering your options, it is worth noting that my price is about the same as: or sometimes less than, booking a registrar to come to your venue for your wedding. A Celebrant is a  lot more personal (than whatever registers say).

What your investment will buy you:

• Not ‘slots’. A guaranteed booking of your wedding day. I book out the whole day for you in my diary. So you get to say when and where you want me.
• As a Trained Professional Celebrant with over 25 years of conducting all types of Ceremonies and fully insured.
• A first meeting, where we discuss early ideas, get the ‘big picture of the wedding and get to know each other a little bit.
• A questionnaire for you to fill in together. (I’ve had so much feedback from couples about how much they love doing this, despite initial reticence!) all about you two and your relationship.
• If needed, A second meeting ( which may be via Zoom) where I read you the first draft of your script, and we firm up the details of what the ceremony will include.

• A unique wedding ceremony script, written by me, to reflect your love story and all of the things you have told me about yourselves. This can be tweaked and added. I can help write your vows if you wish.

• Guidance on readings or your ceremonies and other aspects of the wedding itself.
• Access to me throughout the whole process – I’m on the other end of the phone or an email if you have any questions, ideas or worries about your ceremony.
• Wedding Reversal’s, since Covid has usually been done via Zoom a few days before a wedding rehearsal and answers those last-minute questions.
• My delivery of your ceremony on your big day.
• On the day, I always arrive early.
• A personalised Special Moments wedding certificate.
• Check out the blog post for further details. (coming soon.)
• Further travel or equipment (e.g. Sand Ceremony kits, hand fastening etc.). Will incur further reasonable costs. This will be discussed and agreed on early in our conversations it’s important you don’t incur any sudden unexpected expenses.

All this form only £475.

 As a Celebrant, I also offer a payment plan to help spread the costs.

How far can our wedding celebrant travel?

As a wedding celebrant, I am based in Wigton, and Live in Northern Lake District price 20 miles is included. So most of the wedding ceremonies I conduct happen in and around Wigton and anywhere in the UK. I’m more than happy to travel further afield if your wedding is happening elsewhere. If you’re prepared to pay for my travel expenses, accommodation if needed.

Do you have a question that isn’t listed above,  I’ll get back to you quickly.

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I am Clive. I class myself as a Happy Wedding Ceremony and Dreams Enabler. My goal is to be friendly and inclusive for all wedding ceremonies and a compassionate funeral Celebrant. Having over 20 years experience of in creating and delivering hundreds of ceremonies. I realise every wedding is individual to each couple. Each ceremony is unique to each couple. Your location, style, content and format, from low key and very intermate and casual to very High end in Mayfair Wigton,  your wedding will excite me.

 Dream Wedding Trends

I used to work with film and media companies, so I enjoy creative weddings. However, I see many new trends emerging, from colours and styles of dress and grooms attire. I always look forward to hearing what you are looking for; whatever your budget, it’s possible to create your dream ceremony.

Free of any restrictions

A wedding with a Celebrant does allow for the ceremony to be free of any restrictions. It encourages lots of creativity, innovation, inspiration, and new ways of expressing this wonderful, meaningful moment in a couple’s lives. I have always been a champion for those who want to do things their way, so I struggle with traditional institutions. I love individualism, especially when it comes to storytelling and creating a ceremony for all couples that contains deep meaning, joy, and emotion. Always with little fun and love.

Communication

I always look for ways to keep in touch with couples, help and support. Covid has made life difficult, and I am conducting ceremonies at sorter notice is quite a standard tread. However, I am always happy to have advanced bookings to avoid disappointing couples. I also stay optimistic about weddings and all of life’s celebrations.

Changing Wedding Trends

Trends continue to develop. I want to make sure that my couples, and potential couples, have something that might inspire them too! Usually, they may have ideas, but they want. There are so many ways in which a Celebrant led wedding can be personalised, and I wanted to share my own experiences – all my wedding couples have been amazing, unique, and so different. Still, there have been elements and changes which have become more evident over time.

I want to share these with my couples– you may find that some things chime with you regarding how you want to plan your wedding, from hand fastening to wine ceremony. It may be that specific ideas could be adapted and personalised to be unique to you. I am sharing phone calls or zoom chats, all about sharing ideas as a Celebrant to help you. Freedom to express yourself in a way that truly reflects and represents you is so much of what makes a Celebrant wedding so beautiful and memorable. I love what I do and want to share that passion with you.

Dream Wedding planning

Take a short break from your wedding planning, grab a coffee, and share dreams, hopes, and desires; it is always good to remember your love story. I hope this inspires you too!  My thanks go to all the coffee locations that I find myself in, reflecting, preparing a ceremony or meeting couples or even making a booking from a third party.

Don’t forget I am always here to listen, help you, sort out your plans and reassure you that you will have the most beautiful Wedding Day; whatever you decide to do, your wedding your way. don’t hesitate to get in touch with me 

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Wedding  the ideas on a budget

A major element and frequently the principal obstacle while arranging a wedding is the spending plan. (Wedding on a budget). Before couples can begin diving into the exciting subtleties of arranging, cash can rule what is sensibly reachable. Individuals need to rethink their unique plans. There are such countless vital things to be calculated into the expense of a wedding and becoming mixed up in astounding thoughts and set cost aside for later so natural. Several believe a day should bear in mind and who maintains that it should be administered by cost? 

Considerations on arranging wedding ideas on a budget to a limited spending plan!

What do you really want to think about while doing the number?

Records are your main companion in the early arranging stage! A few couples will utilise an accounting sheet, while others will utilise a customised spending plan organiser.Pick the one that suits you best and get reasonable

You could begin by asking yourself, what does a typical wedding cost? Furthermore, you  need to contemplated the small additional items you might settle on? Maybe sprinkling out blossoms is genuinely vital to you, and you could set aside some money somewhere else. Preferably, you ought to make a plan of the absolute necessities for your big day and insignificant things.

What are your thoughts on the wedding you have?

There genuinely are no restrictions on the kind of service you can have 

nowadays

When you have a celebrant-driven wedding, time, area and style limitations are tossed with force right through the window; that’s the reason for guess what? Everything revolves around both of you! You can plan the day of your fantasies. Next up for your overview, conceptualize the considerations you have. Could you say you are contemplating a themed wedding that could be valued in nature? Large weddings are staggering, and it’s an opportunity to bring all your friends and family together. 

You would  maybe lean toward a smaller wedding with not so much quarrel but rather more chance to zero in on one another.

What’s the typical wedding expense?

Wedding Ideas on a Budget are trendy. The typical expense for a wedding is roughly £30,000 or more, presumably past the spending limit for many people. How, in all actuality, do individuals spend to such an extent? I hear you cry! In reality, quite effectively without a straightforward strategy. It is possible to do a wedding for a lot more or a lot less.

At this point, you have presumably worked out your wedding financial plan, and ideally, you’re not in the strife! Generally, a few couples will more often than not go to their folks, yet by and large, this is absurd all the time. How precisely do you get the cash to pay for all the wedding fundamentals without confining your everyday life? There are many strategies for getting around. That’s just the beginning; more couples, especially after the Pandemic, are quitting devastating spending plans and going for the other option, more loosened up choices. ( one money-saving is some did not keep in touch during the Pandemic. Do they need to come to the wedding? harsh but a reality

We should discuss the other options.

The more individuals associated with helping with the subsidising of your wedding, the more individuals will need to have something to do with how cash gets spent. If this is the kind of thing that fills you with fear, you might require another option. Anything you conclude, look at the tips beneath that could be helpful:

When would it be a good idea for you to get married?

You don’t need to get married at the end of the week, workdays are becoming extremely famous. It’s accounted for, couples can save a monstrous £5,000 if not more. So date and time can have a significant effect on the spending plan.

What number of visitors would it be advisable for me to have at the wedding?

To set aside cash, cut down on your list of attendees. Do you genuinely have to have that cousin or auntie that you don’t actually continue ahead with or scarcely see? Compose your rundown, then twofold; look at it and be consistent with yourself! Attempt to shut out others while choosing; it is your day!

What amount would it be advisable for you to spend on the dress? My wife looked like a princess and found her dream dress on a sale rail, and no one knew ( they do now ). Your wedding dress doesn’t need to be a creator! What’s more, assuming you are truly pushing the boat out with having a forward-thinking day, you can totally have a modern wedding dress! Pinterest is an incredible spot to get everything rolling for motivation.

What would it be advisable for me to spend on Bridesmaids and Groomsmen?

Get imaginative with your wedding spending plan! Assuming that you are getting married around the ocean, the wedding party could wear matching swimming ensembles! Keep an eye out for the deals when you seek purchases for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Solicitations in the Wedding Budget?

Wedding Invites and place setting and thank you cards

Make your own solicitations, place cards, and table names. There are countless plans around. Simply permit yourself sufficient opportunity to mess about until you observe the plan you are content with. Assuming that you are eco-cognizant, consider sending e-welcomes. This will reduce postage expenses.

Do you have to recruit individuals?

Do you know any individual who can be your DJ or a companion that can make the most fantastic flower bundles? What might be said about an artificial bouquet? You might even know somebody who can make the bridesmaids’ dresses. Do you know somebody who is splendid at making cakes? Continuously search inside your circle first! They can add value, like a professional wedding photographer and Celebrant, because they can add that little bit of magic for your big day and offer advice.

Could I at any point have the wedding and gathering at a similar spot?

Totally! There are many choices regarding your ceremony, and assuming that your visitors are, as of now, across the board place, it makes for a much smoother day if nobody needs to go to the party! This will likewise reduce expenses.

What might be said about food choices?

Consider choices, for formal dinners, for example, recruiting a food truck or even an outside caterer; if using a non-regular venue, there’s a food choice to coordinate. If you quit having a full, formal dinner, this sets aside cash and means less food goes to waste!

Here it is totally about you! You can spend your wedding financial plan in any way you like!. Small weddings and contemporary settings are turning out to be progressively famous and give vast choices that suit you best. I know people hire country barns for a long weekend and outside caters. Wow was amazing to assist you with arranging your unforgettable day. Likewise, follow me on Instagram to stay aware of our most recent news and service inspiration!

I like an informal chat. DM me or call 

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Five reasons to Renew your vows

Why Renew your vows,A Reassurance of love can best be expressed when two people, who have been married for some time decide to renew your promises. Renewal of vows is beautiful because they help reaffirm how much your partner is invested in your relationship. The unique nature of every relationship, is what makes wedding renewal vows enchanting. And for every couple, it holds different meanings.

I have highlighted five reasons why couples may choose to renew their vows….

1. Milestone Anniversary

You may have been married for two years, ten years, and 20 years. Life might have had its rough periods in your relationships, so no matter how small it is you may want to reaffirm your commitments to one another, making a marriage works is no easy feat and this is why it’s perfectly fine to celebrate every win, challenges, love, and breakthrough with your partner, family, and friends. Celebrating every landmark can bring a burst of freshness and spark to your love life. Every milestone is indeed something to celebrate and Renew your vows.

2. You are survivors in this journey.  

No relationship is perfect, amid the imperfection are two individuals who are committed to making it work. Relationships come with their struggles; in fact, the road to serious friendships is filled with bumps, which is the same for marital relationships. Marriages come with their challenges, break ups, separation, and even divorce. The problems of life, these can create friction between them, reassessment and mutual understanding their issues can be resolved. And this is why renewing vows are important, that both parties, through words, choose to stand by each other again, setting new promises to one another. Renewing vows to them is a symbolic ceremony that represents the start of a new beginning.

3. Finally have the wedding you’ve always wished for.

You might have gotten married at a very difficult time, and everything didn’t go as you planned, this could be for several reasons, maybe your family and friends couldn’t make it, and it just didn’t feel like the dream wedding  that you’ve always wanted. You may have been in a tight spot financially at that time or had a serious crisis. I’m sure everyone would understand that this is a very valid reason to have a wedding again and renew your vows. Doing it a second time would be more stressful, and this time, you can ensure that your family and friends are all around to witness your union.

4. Reevaluate your vows

   

The many years of marriage come with its experience, understanding…. The ups and downs. of life. The old vows you made were made without understanding certain things, a shallow mindset perhaps. Since your relationship has taken a different path. You might want to “Renew your Vows” to make them more relevant to the reality of your relationship. Reevaluating your vows, with your priorities checked can be a way to reignite your love life. And reinforce the love you have for one another.

5. Renewal of Vows is -A romantic gesture

It doesn’t have to be a reason for you and your partner to have a wedding renewal vow, the only reason you need is love. I have conducted these personal ceremonies in all number of places and locations as a surprise, or some thing planned together. As long as the love you have for one another runs deep, and you wish to celebrate each other. Yes you can renew your vows repeatedly. Whether you pop the question during your partners’ birthday or on valentine’s day or at  another gathering, no one can control expressions of love towards your  life partner. So let it run will! Declare your vows again and again, and let the world understand how important you mean to one another.

Please contact me for a free chat about your Renew your vows.

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Celebrant Led Wedding Ceremony

Many couples have wondered this over the years: Is a Celebrant-led wedding ceremony legally binding? That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to set out the answer. Here are the simple steps you need to take when it comes to your wedding in the UK.

In England, there is a simple separate official ceremony that couples do before their Celebrant-led wedding. These are officiated separately and can happen before or after your ceremony with your Celebrant. All you have to do is register your intent to marry with the registry office and book an appointment to sign your legal documents. You show up with two witnesses, sign your marriage license and say a few contracting words before your witnesses and registrar. You’re done!

At this service, you are not required to exchange rings or say your vows at this appointment, to save that for your Celebrant-led ceremony. Please note that the legal process can differ slightly from one local authority to the next, so be sure to check in with your local registry office to know the instructions that pertain to you. After this, you are then free to think about your fantastic ceremony with a Celebrant.

In Scotland and Ireland, some Humanist Celebrants can hold the legal part of your wedding so everything can occur on your wedding day too. If you’ll be getting married and having a Celebrant-led wedding in the UK, here are the steps you need to take to ensure that your marriage’s legal part is complete.

• Step One

The first step is choosing a location and booking your dream wedding venue. It does not need to be licensed, by the way. This is one of the perks you get when it comes to having a Celebrant-led wedding. You have multiple options and can pick whatever location you fancy.

Did you know that one of the restrictions Registrars are under is the temperature? A Registrar is legally required to move your ceremony indoors if the temperature drops below 16 degrees. So, what happens if you want to have a winter wonderland wedding?

Luckily for you, such restrictions do not apply to a Celebrant. I’ve conducted outdoor weddings in the Autumn and the Winter, and all I and the couple had to do was dress appropriately! So you can have your wedding wherever you want, no matter the temperature, as long as you have permission from the landowner.

• Step Two

After choosing the right venue for your wedding, the next step is to contact and book your Celebrant (Hopefully me). Please do your research first and then check their availability for your chosen date. You can then have a conversation with them to see if they are the right fit for your wedding. Don’t think just about price as a Celebrant can bring a vast of amount experience and knowledge, and it’s someone you can trust with your Special Day.

The advantage of having a Celebrant is that you can choose who conducts your ceremony and even have a personal relationship with you.  Make sure your ceremony is personalized and unique. You’ll get a say in your ceremony’s format, flow and more. Most Celebrants also conduct only one ceremony meaning you set your ceremony for any time in the day instead of settling for whatever time they are free.  

• Step Three

After choosing a Celebrant for your wedding, the next step is to register your intent to marry. Contact your local office and inform them that you have already booked a Celebrant. Let them know that all you require is a simple service to complete your paperwork and declarations. They’ll take note and prepare your legal documentation and record the details of your marriage. You can then choose a day close to your main ceremony for your official activity if you so, please.

• Step Four

Step four is your legal service itself. At your legal service, you can choose to only sign your papers. You can save your vows and ring exchange for your Celebrant-led ceremony. Just be sure to inform your local office, as stated earlier. You will need two witnesses for your legal service at the Registry office and then choose from each of the following legal statements:

• Declaratory Words

“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, (Your Name), may not be joined in matrimony to (Your Partner’s Name).”

or “I declare that I know of no legal reason why.(Your Name), may not be joined in marriage to (Your Partner’s Name).”

Or By replying “I am” to the question “Are you (Your Name) free lawfully to marry (Your Partner’s Name)?”…

• Contractual Vows

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, (Your Name), do take thee, (Your Partner’s Name), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband).”

or “I (Your Name) take you (Your Partner’s Name) to be my wedded wife (or husband).”

or “I (Your Name) take thee (Your Partner’s Name) to be my wedded wife (or husband) “…

• Payment Information

As of this year (2022), the current Standard UK Fee for Notice of Marriage is £35 per person. This is payable to the registration service in which both parties live. You will also need to book the Statutory Ceremony, which is £57 (including your marriage certificate)

Once you’ve got this out of the way, you can have your ceremony wherever you wish. Over the past couple of years, I have conducted ceremonies in the strangest places, including on the beach, in beautiful woodlands, castles, stately homes, working farms, rustic barns, lakeside settings, and fields with tipis, fire pits and cows!

• Step Five

With all of these done and out of the way, it’s time to plan your big wedding party or a small intimate ceremony with no restrictions. Suppose you’re having a destination wedding (I am always happy to travel.). In that case, this is also a straightforward way to set about it rather than having to complete documentation and all that will be required of you at the foreign destination you choose. 

I don’t know about you, but I’d choose this more straightforward method. Just have a legal signing, and then you can do your ceremony however you want. So, what do you say?  Also, you get the advantage of walking down the aisle without your partner seeing your dress. (Registars want to see u both together before a Ceremony at a licenced venue.)

If you’re interested in having a Celebrant who understands your story, Includes you in your wedding ceremony, why not contact me? Conducting meaningful and memorable ceremonies and respecting your culture, identity, and identity has been my passion from day one. You can find me living in Southend on Sea, Cumbria near Wigton and the South East of England. Why not call me on 07838921491, or send me an email at clive@specialmomentscelebrant.co.uk? I’d love to hear from you.

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When planning a wedding, your enter into a world you never knew existed. It’s filled with chair covers, wedding favours and seating plans that can push you to the brink of mental stability.  enough to make any sensible couple want to run as far away, as they can from salmon-pink bridesmaid’s dresses and clashing aunties. What makes this whole situation is so frustrating is that it can commodify weddings into a cookie-cutter production line that spoils the whole ethos of getting hitched. Sounds awful, doesn’t it? This is where a celebrant-led wedding comes in especially if want some thing a little more personal.  You deserve that perfect wedding.

WHAT IS A CELEBRANT?

I’m a celebrant who spends my time meeting couples and writing and performing ceremonies. I conduct weddings, vow renewals, baby naming and other family celebrations. Basically, if you need something celebrating, I’ll be there!

I’m aware my viewpoint maybe slightly biased.  I truly believe that a celebrant-led wedding allows couples so much freedom when it comes to their ceremony. I’m keen to let people know what’s possible and that it’s more than they ever thought. Here are four reasons why a celebrant-led wedding could be for you, with some ideas to spark your imagination.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY

Having a celebrant means you’ll have a ceremony that is totally personal to you as a couple. Want a wedding that incorporates your shared love of Jane Austen, The Cure or H. P. Lovecraft? No problem, Cthulhu’s your oyster.  Rather than the templates of the civil service and church, a celebrant will work with a couple to write a script that is just for them. This involves the celebrant sitting down with the couple and hearing all about their own love story. Then the celebrant will create a ceremony totally unique to them that incorporates all the elements that make your story unquie.

ALTERNATIVE WEDDING LOCATIONS

Celebrant-led weddings can take place anywhere, rather than in strictly licensed venues creating perfect alternative wedding. This opens up a world of opportunity for where to marry, meaning you could look at a location that is important to you as a couple, a place of historical importance, or even a friend’s back garden. Is an outdoor wedding your dream?

DRESS CODE

Of course, the dress code for any wedding is always set by the couple. However, traditional venues are not always known for their open-mindedness. Celebrants are used to working with exciting and sometimes artistic couples who might want to include elements of costume and fantasy in to their wedding. Personally, I have a strong interest in Classics and Loud shirts( ME ) and I’d love to be able to help a couple find ways to incorporate their passions not only through their ceremony but also through costume. In fact, if anyone wanted to get married as Geralt and Yennifer from The Witcher series, I’d marry them for free (or at least for 30 crowns!)

FAITHS AND RITUALS

A celebrant-led wedding is a great way to combine faiths and spiritualties. Very often couples would like a spiritual element to their ceremony but feel that marrying in a religious institution is not for them. Celebrants are not affiliated to any faith.  As such can incorporate as much spirituality as required, or none at all. The same is true of rituals, celebrants can incorporate a host of traditions old and new, including handfasting, ring warming and jumping the broom etc.

BUT I’M NOT GETTING MARRIED?

Of course, it’s not just weddings. A celebrant can help welcome a new child into the family. Renew your vows or say what you didn’t get to say the first time around. If you can celebrate it then a celebrant can deliver you a personalised ceromeny to be remembered.

I hope the above has given you some ideas about how a celebrant-led ceremony. I could help you create an event that is truly for you by incorporating your passions and interests and love story, that will add value to your day. If you’d like to speak about this anymore, drop me a line at. Clive

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At Special Moments Celebrant, I enjoy making wedding celebrations all about the couple. One of the ways that I do that is by learning all the details that I can about their wedding day and incorporating them into their ceremony to create “The Ultimate Way to Personalise Your Wedding Day” Are you styling your bouquet to resemble your grandmother, or is the groom putting on cufflinks from his favourite TV show (Example, Game of Thrones)?

All these small details can often get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, but they are the things that make your day uniquely yours and so are important to me. It’s one of the reasons why I started Special Moments Celebrant. With me as your wedding celebrant, you’ll be able to achieve the following at your wedding:

• Make Your Day Uniquely Yours

After the many days spent planning your celebration, you deserve to have a wedding celebration that you can say is uniquely yours. You’ve planned a theme that everyone should notice, and your colour scheme has a special meaning to you. You could have chosen an Easter-themed wedding or added a few sentimental touches like attaching your favourite aunt’s wedding ring to your bouquet. These details are important. for “The Ultimate Way to Personalise Your Wedding Day”

You could also have a wedding cake that incorporates both your favourite flavours and more. It would not do to have these things go unnoticed on that day. With me as your celebrant, we can showcase each and every one of these details. By seamlessly combining them with your wedding story, you and your guests will have a richer experience. It’s the perfect way to tie all your wedding planning details together and ensure that they do not go to waste.

• Your Guests Won’t Miss A Thing.

Many details on your wedding day are very important to you that your guests might not notice. You might have chosen that particular date for your wedding because it’s when you had your first date. But will your guests know that? Or maybe you had your first date at the cinema seeing an adaptation of pride and prejudice, and that’s why it’s the theme of your wedding. Your guests will notice the theme, but they may not know that’s why you’ve chosen it. I’ll include that in your wedding story. With me, you can add any information that you want your guests to know about your wedding in your story. I’ll find creative ways to slot in their significance with little explanation.

• I’ll Do Your Introductions.

Do you want everyone to know some of the people important to you on your wedding day? No problem at all. I’ll add introductions to part of your wedding. I’ll even add a funny story about your relationship with them to let everyone know how important they are to you. This will save you the dilemma of introducing yourself and giving your photographer a cue to make sure that they feature in your wedding pictures.

• You Can Remember Your Loved Ones

Do you have a special one who you’d have loved to be a part of your wedding, but they’ve passed? There are many beautiful ways that you can remember them at your wedding ceremony. You can have a remembrance table where you include quotes from them and photographs. You may also choose to light candles next to their photograph on the remembrance table.

Another lovely way to do so is to remember them during your speeches and toasts. I could also call attention to them during your ceremony. I’d be more than happy to. However you choose to remember them, there is always a way to make them a part of your special day.

• I Could Help You Break the Ice at Your Wedding

You only get this advantage if you choose to go for a celebrant like me. I’m laid back and don’t believe that wedding ceremony have to follow a rule book. If your wedding ceremony needs someone to break the ice, you can bet that I’ll pull something out of my bag of tricks to get everyone excited. Your wedding will be a much more memorable and fun experience if you let me be a part of it.

So, who am I? Clive Burgess at your service. I am the Accredited Celebrant at Special Moments Celebrant, and I’d love to be a part of your wedding. Contact me today, and we can get started immediately on your “The Ultimate Way to Personalise Your Wedding Day“.

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Have you been hearing about sequel weddings and wondering what they are? Well, I’m here to answer that question today. It’s a large celebration, blessing or ceremony that a couple has after a much smaller intimate wedding ceremony.

Sequel weddings are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. They are being promoted by many celebrants and the momentum is gaining fast. In this time of the pandemic or overseas wedding, a sequel could be the answer to your wedding being postponed or disrupted.

Sequel weddings have however been popular long before the pandemic. If you’re interested in knowing why and learning more about sequel weddings, read the paragraphs below.

Why You Should Have A Sequel Wedding

There are lots of reasons why a sequel wedding might be what you need. The following are some of them:

• You had your wedding postponed because of the pandemic.
• This is your second wedding and you want the serious aspects to be basic. You can have a big party to celebrate with your loved ones later.
• To fulfil visa requirements quickly and celebrate with your loved ones much later.
• You’re having a destination wedding and want the legal aspects out of the way first.
• You had your legal ceremony outside the UK but also want to celebrate with your loved ones.

Whichever your reason, sequel weddings can be fun. As I mentioned earlier, it is split into a small wedding and a big one.

Your small wedding could be any of the following:

• A Basic No Frills 2+2 Civil Ceremony or A Minimony

This is a short ceremony that includes all the legal elements that make up a marriage. The only people in attendance can be yourselves, the registrar and your two witnesses. It is very inexpensive and only needs the declaration, contracting words and a ring exchange which is optional.

• Micro, Mini or Zoom Online Wedding

This is a small kind of wedding with less than 50 people in attendance.  The atmosphere is very intimate and if you meet the specifications of the law, you can make it legally binding.

• An Elopement

Elopements are no longer the taboo they once were. You could sneak away for a secret wedding and announce to your guests later at the sequel wedding. You could also tell them prior to your wedding.

All of the above are the ways you can have the smaller part of your sequel wedding.

Who Has A Sequel Wedding?

Like I mentioned earlier, sequel weddings are not a new concept. There are many cultures that have sequel weddings rooted in their traditions. Many celebrities also choose to go this route. A popular one you probably know of is George Clooney. He had a city hall wedding in Venice, a high-profile wedding two days later and another big reception here in the UK.

Many regular people also have sequel weddings too. They sometimes manifest as weekend long wedding celebrations and are growing in popularity in the UK. Couples can bring their loved ones together for a fulfilled weekend of camping and celebration. At these celebrations, a celebrant can hold your ceremony whether your venue is legal or not.

ç are also great for people getting married the second time. At your first wedding, your expectations are high and you often have a lot to prove. A second wedding does not have the same dynamics so a sequel wedding works just fine. You can keep it simple and relaxed with only those most special to you. Some second brides prefer this course of action.

Advantages of A Sequel Wedding

There are many benefits that having a sequel wedding brings:

• As a result of COVID-19, couples have had to have small basic legal ceremonies. With a sequel wedding, they can freely plan a bigger ceremony with their loved ones later.
• As a modern couple, you can shake things up a bit with a sequel wedding. Your intimate celebration could just the way you want it while you stick to traditions that please family at the bigger one. It’s a great way to put your stamp on your day.
• A sequel wedding gives you opportunities for personalisation. Since you have the legal aspects out of the way, you can have whatever kind of wedding you please. The ceremony after will have no legal restrictions.
• The options you have when it comes to a sequel wedding are endless. It’s your day and you can plan it however you want. Just remember to enlist the services of a celebrant who is awesome and understanding (Hopefully me). They should also have a style that fits your wedding vision.

To Sum Things Up

Sequel weddings are weddings made up of two stages. The first is usually the legal one followed by the sequel at a much later date. Having a minimony first in these trying times and planning your sequel for when it’s safer is a good idea. You deserve to have a wedding where you’re surrounded by your loved ones as you say your vows. Best of luck!!!

If you’re planning a sequel wedding here in the UK, you should talk to me. Here at Special Moments Celebrants I would love a chance to play my part. I believe that all weddings should be about the couple and together we can make your dream wedding a reality. Give me a call on 07838921491 or send me an email at clive@specialmomentscelebrant.co.uk.

 Clive

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