Welcome to my blog
This blog is a compilation of thoughts, musings and experiences of my life as a Civil Celebrant, mixed in with my reactions to relevant current events and news stories. There’s always lots to talk about!
Your Stand-out Ceremony
You may not be aware of the available choices for a wedding service. This applies especially if you''re looking for a stand-out ceremony. Options Religious A traditional wedding may well work for you, and that’s fine. But it may not reflect the real you. You may not...
Healthy Mind and Body
"Mens sana in corpore sano." That’s what I seem to remember from my schoolboy Latin. The author was called Juvenal, I recall. He had the right idea, I think. "A healthy mind in a healthy body." You need to be in good health to make the best of things. Not least, your...
Wedding Food and Drink
Wow! Wedding food and drink is a big area to cover! I’ll do my best, but please accept that there are limits to what I can discuss here. And I am a celebrant, rather than a caterer! So, bon appetit! Drink There are a lot of things to balance up before you decide how...
All About Elopements
Many people assume that an elopement is very cloak-and-dagger. The bride (or groom) has been forbidden to marry his/her loved one and is locked away. Bravely, the prisoner escapes in the depths of the night and, together with the beloved, somehow goes to Gretna Green....
Things don’t have to be gloomy after all
However you define it, we've reached Autumn now. The days are shorter, children are back at – or preparing for – school. We’re on the path towards the dark damp, cold days of Winter. Sounds depressing, eh? Well, it needn’t be. Especially if you have something to look...
When to do what? Planning a Wedding
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...
What’s with Vow Renewals?
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...
The Wedding Planner Debate
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...
What do you Struggle Most With When Planning a Ceremony?
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...