It is worth spending some time thinking about the theme for your wedding day.  What is it truly represents you as a couple what you love and what you share ?

​Your wedding day will be full of emotion as you create many happy memories and as a couple pledge yourselves to creating a future together.  

Don't worry if everything gets a little too much for it is good luck for a bride to cry on her wedding day as it symbolises that she has shed all her tears and will not shed more during her marriage.  

My top tip - enjoy your day and wear waterproof mascara !

I read with interest a recent article published by “Hitched” suggesting that Sequel Weddings may be a growing trend in the future.  Sequel Wedding celebrations are not new and in many different cultures it has long been the tradition to have multiple wedding ceremonies.

Couples choosing to have a Sequel wedding can spread their celebration over several days.  They may choose a small intimate celebration with close family and friends either here or abroad and then follow that with a more lavish wedding celebration to which they can invite a larger group of guests.
 
As the couple will be legally married when they hold the second gathering this would lend itself to having a Celebrant led ceremony, which have none of the restrictions of the legal process.

I have been part of a number of events which would fit into the category of Sequel weddings, conducting ceremonies as part of a weekend wedding festival – usually on camping sites.  Perhaps in the future we will also see such events taking place in some of the more traditional wedding venues.

So are Sequel wedding the next trend ? 
 
 

​It can be really good to include a custom from another country or culture in your ceremony.  Here are just a couple of ideas you might like.

Ringing bells

Bells are traditionally rung to keep evil spirits away and ensure harmony.  It is an Irish tradition to also include bells within the bouquet as a reminder of the vows that have been made.

Breaking glass

In Italy many newlyweds smash a vase or glass at their wedding.  The idea is that each fragment of the glass represents a year.  Therefore the more pieces the glass smashes into the longer the marriage will last.

For more ideas about what you can include in your ceremony why not contact me ?
 

​Deciding on a theme will help with the decisions you will need to make further along the line and it is worth spending some time thinking about this.  Think of what truly represents you as a couple what you love and what you share.

Choosing a theme for your day ties the whole day together and is a wonderful way to express your individuality as a couple.

Why not use your theme as a starting point for the ideas you weave into your ceremony ?

Natural themes lend themselves to outdoor settings, symbolic actions such as tree planting or handfasting.

Please contact me for further ideas.

​Happy planning !

“Home is where the heart is” this well known saying holds a great deal of truth.  What better way to celebrate your marriage than to have the wedding ceremony at home ?

Transforming your home into a boutique venue can be achieved with a little imagination and planning.
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Before you start ask yourselves these questions

Where do we want our ceremony to take place?

Most couples opt for the garden but remember to have a covered area just in case the weather isn’t kind.

How many guests can we accommodate? 

​Couples with limited space often opt for a limited guest list and should you wish you can have a ceremony with just the two of you.
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 If you have more space then you might wish to put up a tipi or marquee and hold your event in there.
 

Creating your perfect wedding venue at home

Step 1 – Choose your theme.
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Deciding on a theme will help with the decisions you will need to make further along the line and it is worth spending some time thinking about this.  Think of what truly represents you as a couple, what you love and what you share.

Popular choices include

​Romantic – Using soft shades and lots of lights and flowers

​Vintage – drawing inspiration from the past, using bone china, bunting, ribbons and treasured family heirlooms             

​Casual – keep things informal                                                    

Whimsical – bright splashes of colour, balloons, mismatched chairs and tables with bold floral arrangements


Other themes include a Historical period, Musical, Art Deco, Natural, Beach party, Festival .......the choice is unlimited.


Step 2 – Set your budget

Setting your budget at the start of the planning process is a good idea because it will help you decide on your priorities.  Think about what you need to purchase and what could be hired or borrowed.  Try to only purchase big items if they can be of use after the wedding.
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Hiring items or asking friends of family to loan you things can be a good option, especially if you are only having a small number of guests.
 

Step 3 – Book a statutory ceremony at the Registry Office

As a legal marriage ceremony can only take place on licensed premises couples wishing to have a ceremony at home should can book a statutory ceremony (often referred to as a “two plus two”)  at their local Registry office. 

For your wedding day use a Celebrant to create and conduct your ceremony.
 
 
Step 4 – Book a Celebrant and engage your suppliers

Just as all couples are different so are all celebrants.  It is worthwhile contacting more than one to see who you feel shares your vision for your day.

It is a matter of personal choice how many different suppliers you engage to make your day special.  You may wish to use the services of a wedding planner or contact people yourself. 

Services to consider are florists, photographers, caterers, venue decorators, marquee hire and cake maker. 

Getting friends and family involved can help to share the load, and the excitement, in the build up to your ceremony.
 
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Step 5 – Enjoy your day

Ask other people to take responsibility for key tasks on the day so that you don’t have to do anything but enjoy your day !  

A registrar, like a church, will have a limited choice of what can be included in your ceremony.

A Celebrant creates a unique ceremony every time.  No two ceremonies are the same - just as no two couples are the same.

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​For couples planning a summer wedding in 2021 or beyond the next few months are an ideal time to start putting your plans together, particularly if you want an outdoor wedding.

Outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular with many licences premises now offering this option. Registrars will conduct a Civil Ceremony within a "structure" (usually a gazebo).

Equally you may wish to hold your wedding in a place which is special to you such as your own garden, a piece of woodland or field.  My advice would be to complete the legal requirements first by booking a simple “two plus two” ceremony at your local registry office and then having a Celebrant-led ceremony at the venue of your choice.  

Many couples are now holding Wedding festivals where guests have the option to camp overnight and there are a growing number of venues who offer this.  

If you choose a venue in Staffordshire you can combine the Legal ceremony with a Celebrant -led ceremony.  For further details check my website or visit Staffordshire Council website.

Wherever you plan to hold your celebration make sure that if the weather is inclement you have some cover - just in case.

Happy planning.