MOMENTS THAT MATTER Our wedding planner has suggested we hire a celebrant for our big day, but we’re not sure what there role is. Should we book one, and what are the benefits? The use of celebrants in 2024 is already a top wedding trend—and for good reason! If you require a civil ceremony but want bespoke content telling your love story your way, then a celebrant is the best option. Humanist celebrants offer non-religious content, but civil celebrants like me will embrace world faiths, multicultural and inclusive content as well as non-religious content according to preferences. It enables your wedding celebration to happen whenever, wherever—and indeed, however you want it to happen. A celebrant brings creativity to your bespoke ceremony at home, at a venue (licenced or otherwise), on a beach, in a woodland or under the stars. Building this around your own love story, the qualified celebrant is well equipped to celebrate that journey with unique, personal details agreed upon with you. Music, readings and draft scripts enable you to create that perfect outcome. Guest participation can include responses, a toast mid-ceremony or a lively activity! Symbolic actions such as sand ceremonies or handfasting can reaffirm the vows made and include others present through visually powerful and deeply meaningful content. Although this is being discussed positively in Parliament now, the celebrant cannot legally marry you – but don’t let that deter you! The cheapest option is to attend your registry office with two witnesses beforehand, saving special wedding outfits, vows and rings for your celebrant-led occasion. Some marry overseas legally and return to celebrate with family and friends using celebrants, whilst other couples choose a licensed venue and have a registrar for the legal part of the process, handing over to the celebrant for the ‘main event’. A celebrant ensures there’s no one-size-fits-all. Perhaps the question couples need to ask is, why wouldn’t you choose a celebrant-led wedding? Debra Massey | Hand On Heart Celebrant www.handonheartcelebrant.com FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD We’re currently planning our big day and we’ve decided against a traditional cake. Do you have any alternative suggestions? There are so many different things you can do with your cake design for your wedding, as not all bakes have to be a white three-tier design with fresh flowers. It all depends on how non-traditional you would like to be. The design can be anything you like and incorporate meaningful details about you, such as your favourite superhero. Other options are cupcake towers, with one small tier to keep the tradition of cutting the cake. You could include doughnuts, brownies, mini pastries and even mini cheesecakes to ensure there’s something to keep everyone happy. What about a cheese tower if you’re not into cake at all? This is great for a more savoury option. Think of different cheeses with pork pies finished with lots of fruit. Plus, you can add a cracker basket, and your guests will have a great savoury snack for the evening to ensure no one goes hungry! Jennie Turnbull Jennie’s Cakes and Catering www.jenniescakesandcatering.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 69
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