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It’s certainly not easy, planning a wedding. And knowing when to do what is a mystery to most. However, I do have a few pointers and ideas that may really help. Venue Of course, a lot depends on the size of the occasion and the venue. If you’re holding your event in...

People ask me what sort of ceremonies I conduct. The answer is straightforward. I mainly “do” - ie put together and lead - weddings, funerals, handfastings, namings and vow renewals. There are others too, but they are less frequent. “What’s a vow renewal and why have...

Value for money is extremely important. When it comes to a wedding, there are potentially a lot of suppliers to be hired. You don’t want to hire one just because “most people do”. However, you don’t want to miss out on one who could save you a lot of work and peace of...

I realise that there can be as many answers to this question as there are different circumstances. So, if your opinion differs from mine, that’s OK! (You’re welcome to let me know what you are finding most trying.) In my experience, however, I’d emphasise two danger...

Planning your mixed-faith ceremony doesn’t have to be a challenge. However, there is potential for disagreements, so it is as well to be as ready for them as possible. Certainly, clarity of vision, patience, tolerance and compromise are good skills to be able to...

As a celebrant, I sometimes want to cry at a ceremony I'm conducting. That may be surprising. But this might be because I have lost someone myself, or it may just be the reflected emotion of the occasion. But is it right for me to cry? And is it right for the punter...

As a celebrant, I obviously officiate at many types of ceremony. Some are quite conventional; others, less so. Some include ritual, while many do not. Rituals are too numerous to list (and originate from a whole variety of cultures). No selection is going to be...