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Writing a letter can be a little daunting.  We are all so used to firing off a text or email that when faced with a blank sheet of paper on which to express our love we freeze.  Exchanging love letters during a couple’s ceremony can enhance the moment.  They can be read together at a point in the future and each time you read them they will remind you of your special day.
 
Here are my top five tips on how to write a love letter.

1.  Handwrite the letter
2. Select stationary which is appropriate to your personality and sentiment.
3. Write a draft and set it aside for a short while and then reread.  Does it convey all you wish to say?
4. Make your letter about your love, say why your partner is special and talk about your hopes for the future together
5. Date your letter for posterity’s sake.  

A couple’s ceremony is the general term which includes Weddings, Renewal of Vows and Commitment ceremonies.  Creating a romantic atmosphere will enhance your ceremony but how can this be achieved ?
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Set the mood  
As guests enter the space your will be using for your ceremony think about what they will see, hear and smell.  Flowers and balloons can add to the visual impact, whilst a carefully chosen sound track can add to the mood.
If you are going to use the same room all day then consider how you can change the mood as the day progresses by changing the level of lighting.
 
Outdoor ceremonies
If you are outdoors try to define the space, you can do this in a number of ways including creating a walkway marked with flags, lanterns, or flowers to lead your guests to the ceremony area.  Ensure that the space your ceremony will take place in is clearly visible to everyone and that seating is available.
Ribbons which flutter in the wind, tea lights in jars hanging from branches or a flower arch are fairly simple to construct and can look stunning.
 
Music in your ceremony
Music will enhance any ceremony.  Try to select a soft meaningful track for entrances and as the background for actions during the ceremony such as signing a certificate.
You can really ramp up the energy by having something with a good beat for your exit.  This will get your guests into the party mood.
 

Happiness can look different to each of us.  I find that I am happiest when I feel positive about myself.  It may be because I have achieved something I have long striven for or simply because I feel content in my own space.  
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Perhaps the key is to take time to recognise and appreciate what is working well in all the different areas in our lives – health, relationships, work.   I like to take time to think back to times when I felt truly happy and these thoughts instantly lift my mood and give me the resilience to move forward.  I may not always achieve all I set out to do but I know I will achieve something and I can build on this.
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One of the moments in time, which always makes me feel a fizz of happiness, when I am conducting a Wedding ceremony is the moment a couple turn to each other and exchange their promises.  In the same way I find my heart melting when, during a Naming ceremony, a parent looks at their child and expresses their hopes for the future.  It is at times like these I know why I became a Celebrant.
 

The real beauty of having a Celebrant led ceremony is that you can personalise it so that it reflects your story, your hopes and your love.

You can add something special to your ceremony for instance the mixing of coloured sands may be used to reflect the melding of those participating. 

Other examples include

• Giving a special gift
• Lighting candles
• Handfasting
• Sharing wine
• Mixing cocktails, sand, etc
• Planting a tree
• Exchanging letters

to name just a few.

​If you are looking for a bespoke ceremony for any occassion please feel free to contact me.