You've chosen you Celebrant what happens Next?

When you have found a Celebrant that you would like to meet, this maybe one of the first things you do, and you can book one up to 2 years before your wedding ceremony, what happens between then and the day of your ceremony?

First meeting

I as a Celebrant will arrange a meeting preferably face-to-face in order for you to meet me and for me to find out all about you as a couple, your love story, your likes, or dislikes about wedding ceremonies that you have been a guest at, and a lot more!

What I endeavour to do with this information is to write a ceremony script that will tell your story, your first impressions of each other, how you met and fell in love, what you like about each other, your quirks, shared values, and future hopes.

I as a Celebrant will arrange not only face-to-face meetings with you, but also zoom calls, phone calls, emails.

Gathering Information

I tend to start gathering information from the initial meeting even before you book me, then I send out a two -part questionnaire. It will cover such questions about the date, time, number of guests, number of bridesmaids/groomsmen. I will also ask for the style of ceremony required, vows and what style of clothes and colour of outfit you would prefer me to wear. I personally have an Army uniform (as a veteran) and a Kilt outfit from my Scottish connections, as well other more normal suits,

Mode of Dress

One very important point to me that I don’t clash with the colours of the couple or bridesmaids’ outfits, and that my attire is in keeping with that of the ceremony. The second part of the questionnaire is asks about how you met, what you love about each other and any of the funny happening during your lives together.

Start Writing the Wedding Script

Based on the information of the questionnaires, I start to draft the initial script and then arrange to meet the couple, during this time I will be researching all the details finding readings, music, poems that reflect you as a couple. Sometimes I will create and write a poem or reading that is personal to you. We will have decided on your style of vows and if you want to write your own, I can help you with this too.

Once the first draft is completed, I send it to you. I will often give you a choice of readings or vows but not so many that you are overwhelmed. Once I know what you want it’s relatively easy to choose a few examples from the many I have in my possession.

Alterations to the Script or Arrangements

We pride ourselves on our efficient procedures and solutions, but we continually strive for improvement in order to deliver results more effectively.

Now comes the time you can make any changes or amendments until the ceremony is exactly as you want it. There are no limitations of the number of changes or amendments to the script you make, however, I do set a time limit of no more alterations within the last four weeks leading up to the wedding day.

By this time, we will also have discussed any ceremony enhancements that you may have requested and I will have purchased the necessary equipment. So, for example if you have a Hand Fasting, I will have bought the ribbons or bindings and if a sand ceremony, I will have helped you chose a vase or bottles and colours of sand and will order them for you.

Once we have reached an Agreement

Once the ceremony script is finalised and agreed, you have a copy and I print mine off and start to rehearse reading it and I do this regularly leading up to the ceremony. We will have discussed all options and most importantly how you say your vows, how they are broken down, where the pauses come before you repeat after me, this depending unless you are reading your own vows to each other of course.

I would like to do a rehearsal or at least a read through with you so everyone knows how things will naturally flow. It adds some fun and the excitement, and if possible, it’s great to do this at the venue with all the key players in the ceremony, bridesmaids, best man, parents etc.

Day of your Ceremony

On the day of your ceremony, I arrive at least an hour before the ceremony but generally earlier as I want to make sure you and your partner are calm and have everything you need.

This also so I can liaise with the venue, the wedding planner (if you have one), the photographers/videographers and ensure the ceremony set up is as you wished it to be.

I then speak with the bridesmaids, best man, father of the bride (or whomever is giving the bride away) and any readers so everyone knows what is happening and is excited but calm.

I can help if there are any issues and mingle with the guests and answer any of their questions.

Back to Wedding Blogs

Hearts and Souls Celebrant