Your initial contact with me is normally followed by a face-to-face or Skype (Zoom or Whatsapp)  call. This usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and is complimentary. It’s worth having pen and paper to hand so you can ask any questions you may have.

 

I will send you my terms and conditions, confirm my fee, and reserve your date for one week. If you want to go ahead, just sign and return the forms and make a deposit. Your date will then be guaranteed, and I can start work.

 

Once booked, I will e-mail you a draft ceremony. You will be free to comment on this, and then I will send you an updated, adjusted version. Again, you will be invited to comment. The fee includes three redrafts (plus minor tweaking).

 

You can normally make minor changes up to 24 hours before the ceremony.

Once the final version has been agreed, you will have a chance to check it, and you will be sure that there will be no nasty surprises on the day!

 

The actual cost depends on the work and time involved. Hence the importance of the initial chat. The fee quoted will be all-inclusive (unless extras are involved – such as additional equipment for a ritual – and you will always be informed in advance of these).

 

As a general guide, a wedding will cost between £575 and £975; a handfasting from £575; other commitment ceremonies (such as Vow Renewals) from £575; a baby naming or blessing from £350.

Normally, a deposit of £100 is required, with the balance payable up to 30 days before the ceremony. BACS is the preferred method.

Late bookings (ie a month or less before the event) require full payment in advance.

The fee quoted covers the initial conversation, all my research and work involved in compiling a bespoke ceremony, a reasonable amount of e-mails and/or telephone or skype calls, my time and travel on the day, and the conducting of the ceremony.

I am a member of AOIC (Association of Independent Celebrants) and of UKAWP (UK Alliance of Wedding Planners). I am thus bound by their code of ethics. I have full, up-to-date indemnity insurance and boast a diploma in both Wedding Celebrancy and Funeral Celebrancy.

 

I have been compiling and conducting ceremonies full-time since early 2013. I was previously a teacher and am also a lay preacher, which has given me considerable experience both in writing and also in conducting ceremonies. A reader of Hebrew, I can offer an extra element to any Jewish-based rituals.

As a linguist, there has been demand for me to work abroad, and I have so far conducted parts of ceremonies in French, Russian, Swedish (which is not one of my languages!) and Hebrew, and am looking forward to the chance to use my German, Czech and Italian!

 

I am approachable, passionate, humorous (as appropriate!) and professional. I am dedicated to making your big day special and superb, and delight in turning dreams into reality.