CEREMONY CHOICES When choosing a wedding celebrant, what are the different varieties of wedding ceremony you can have? An independent celebrant can offer any type of ceremony as beliefs are irrelevant without limits on time, place and ceremony content. On the other hand, humanist celebrants have humanist beliefs and may offer fewer ceremony choices or specialise in one particular ceremony such as hand-fasting. In terms of style of ceremony an independent celebrant can offer modern, traditional, non-religious, semi-religious or interfaith ceremonies. Once the couple have made their preferred choice, there are a range of ceremony enhancements to choose from; some of the more popular enhancements are a ‘tying the knot’ ceremony, the sand ceremony, hand blessings and a unity candle ceremony, but there are many others. Many couples love the fact that enhancements can be quite symbolic and the fact that other family members, children or guests can play an integral part in the ceremony proceedings. Unity candles can be personalised, and colours for sand ceremonies or tying the knot cords/ ribbons all have meanings for example loyalty, wealth or energy, but can be chosen simply to match a colour scheme or for personal reasons. Generally the structure is very similar to a traditional wedding ceremony and the enhancement, for example a tying the knot ceremony, would usually be added within the structure at an appropriate point such as after the vows and the ring exchange. All the ceremonies on offer are very personalised and written for the couple including favourite stories or memories, readings and so on. Sometimes I might create a totally new type of ceremony for a couple, and some want a very themed delivery. Often couples want a union that resembles legal proceedings and might have a very simple enhancement or none at all, it’s never a problem as the couple’s wishes are paramount. The discussion about ceremony style takes place during the very first initial enquiry. Most couples are fairly sure of their ceremony choice by the end of the first call, but occasionally some couples that want to book just need a little more time regarding this important decision. In such cases within the deposit requirements we make provision for that. It’s really important that couples are given the opportunity to secure their booking date regardless of whether they have chosen their ceremony style or not. Amanda Wheal | Celebrant | Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies www.amandasceremonies.com THIRST QUENCHERS We’d like a contemporary cocktail hour at our wedding reception; what could we offer that’s liked by the masses and what non-alcoholic alternatives are there to make all our guests feel included? An Essex Wedding says, “Hosting a cocktail hour at your wedding is particularly on-trend, especially offering bespoke cocktails named after the happy couple. Classic go-to creations would be Gin & Tonic, Vodka Soda with a splash of cranberry and anything with an unexpected on-trend plant ingredient like basil or cucumber. For the non-drinkers, try a virgin watermelon margarita or mojito.” Essex-based Tapp’d Cocktails (www.tappdcocktails.com) says, “We offer a range of eight bottle cocktails so you can chose a selection of flavours to suit. We also offer a non-alcoholic passionfruit martini to include your guest that are avoiding alcohol. Our cocktails are ready to drink so its easy for your guests to shake and serve.” PRE-WEDDING PREP Having never used a professional make-up artist, I wondered what was involved in a make-up trial and what the benefits are of having one. A pre-wedding trial is highly recommended 6 to 8 weeks before your big day. At your trial, I will discuss aspects of your wedding that can influence your make-up choices; these can include the venue setting, themes, colours and dress details, with the aim of creating a bespoke look to reflect both your dream day and your personality. Once you are happy with your desired look, I will create a personalised file including photographs, details and products used from your chosen look. I will create a schedule for you and your bridal party to ensure all runs smoothly on your big day! Alice Jenner | Make-up artist Alice Jenner Beauty | www.alicejennerbeauty.com https://minipixphotography.co.uk www.amobilestudio.co.uk www.kelsiescullyphotography.com https://lottiephotography.com 62
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