When it comes to planning your ceremony, it’s never too early to start! As a Celebrant, it is my role to capture and weave together all of your ideas, provide advice, inspiration, and to create the best ceremony for you.
In this blog, I share a few things to think about as you start to plan your own ceremony. As always, you can get in touch with me directly to discuss your personalised ceremony.
What tone or theme would you like?
Deciding on a tone or a theme for your ceremony will help you set the scene for the rest of your ceremony. Perhaps you want a traditional ceremony with a bit of twist. Or maybe you are looking to incorporate a blend of faiths and cultures. You might be considering a theme such as bohemian, the great outdoors, steampunk, or even Harry Potter! One of the great things about a celebrant-led ceremony is that you can choose any style that is meaningful and true to you. So, feel free to be creative, imaginative, and above all, authentic to who you are as individuals and as a couple.
What music would you like to include?
If music be the food one love, play on! You can have as much or as little music as you like in your ceremony but it’s a good idea to have at least three pieces to help mark the key moments. Consider what music would you like your guests to congregate to, the music you would like to enter and exit to, and if you would like any music to accompany a particular part of the ceremony such as your vows or signing of the witness parchment. You can have lots of fun choosing your music and experimenting with your options!
What are your favourite poems or readings?
Is there a poem that you love or a quote or reading that you want to include that holds a special place in your hearts? Would you like a friend to select or even write something especially for you? Perhaps your parents or grandparents had a poem in their wedding ceremony which would be a nice full-circle tribute to include in your own? If the poem you love is not quite right for your ceremony, you can ask your Celebrant to adapt it for you.
Do you want to include any special elements?
From unity candles, to handfasting, to exchanging roses, to ring warming – there are so many special elements to choose from. Some unity rituals have their roots in traditions or cultures that may mean something to you or your family; other elements can be adapted just for your ceremony and therefore be totally personal or unique. As with all other aspects of your ceremony, the most important thing is that you chose what feels right for you and that your ceremony really reflects who you are and how you want to celebrate your love.
How do you want to tell your story?
Your ceremony will include the story of your relationship – how and where you met and the milestones in your relationship that have led up to your wedding day. As you start to plan your ceremony think about which anecdotes you want to share, and the special or poignant moments you would like included. Your Celebrant will then weave all these aspects together to ensure seamless and polished storytelling which will engage and entertain your guests and, most importantly, honour you as a couple.
So, these are just a few things to consider as you start to think about the centrepiece of your wedding day. You can take things in any direction you like and include anything that means something to you. Remember to have lots of fun and be as creative as you want to be with your ceremony. It’s your day, celebrate it your way!
It is always an honour to work with couples to develop their perfect ceremony – contact me to discuss the perfect ceremony for you!