Our experts answer your questions HOT TOPIC CELEBRANT OR REGISTRAR? What are the benefits of a celebrant-led ceremony? Meet the expert: Frances Cave is the founder of Fanfare Ceremonies. She’s a modern celebrant creating meaningful wedding ceremonies throughout Devon, Cornwall and nationwide. Frances says: Unlike a civil ceremony which can only take place in a civic registered venue, a wedding ceremony with an independent celebrant can take place anywhere. This could be in your garden, on a beach, on a farm or in a woodland area which is a popular choice. There are no limitations, meaning that you can both choose somewhere that is personal and special to you as a couple. Your ceremony will be entirely bespoke and all about you, written specifically for you, celebrating your love story and your relationship with each other but also with your friends and families and there are no templates or restrictive words. The choice about the content of your ceremony is entirely yours. It doesn’t have to be devoid of tradition or familiarity, it can be structured to your exact wishes. This also applies to music, readings, writing your vows and including symbolic rituals. Some couples want certain traditions to be incorporated and some want religious and spiritual elements to be reflected in it while others don’t want any. The script will be crafted to reflect you, your values and beliefs and can be light-hearted, solemn, formal or informal. Unlike with a civil ceremony when you’re allocated a registrar for the day, you get to choose who to work with on your ceremony and who will lead it. An independent wedding celebrant is like any other wedding supplier and is likely to be the one that you’ll get to know the most. To create that bespoke script, they need to get to know you both well which will involve meetings before the wedding so choose a celebrant with who you feel comfortable and happy to share your story and whose style and character aligns with your own. Most wedding celebrants only commit to one ceremony a day and are not governed by time. This flexibility means that you can have your ceremony at a time and date that suits you and your venue. It’s worth bearing in mind that an independent wedding celebrant cannot legally contract the marriage, this is easily done by booking the statutory ceremony at a registry office with a couple of witnesses to become legally married at a time or date that suits you. This doesn’t have to be a ceremony, it’s a registration and is short, budget-friendly and efficient. Fanfare Ceremonies | 07813 901 149 | https://fanfareceremonies.co.uk | www.facebook.com/fanfareceremonies | www.instagram.com/fanfareceremonies BIG-DAY BLING We’re shopping for my engagement ring together so please can I have some ideas for that plus my other bridal jewellery pieces. Meet the expert: Nicola Luscombe is the marketing manager for Drakes, a family-run jeweller located in Plymouth. Nicola says: The dazzling new Drakes Spring/Summer 2022 collection is packed full of new-season wedding and engagement bands and bridal jewellery for those who are newly engaged and planning their big-day look. Shopping together for your engagement ring, and wedding bands is a great way of getting exactly what you want. We have a glittering array of diamond rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets so here are a few to browse and be sure to visit our Diamond and Bridal lounge in-store to have fun trying the sparklers on! Drakes | 01752 227 775 | www.drakesjewellers.co.uk | www.facebook.com/Drakesforever www.gettyimages.co.uk www.venetianorrington.com EXPERT ADVICE 69
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