Your North West Wedding- February / March 2021 (Issue 66)

FLOWERS 41 PLANNING SO BOOKING A CELEBRANT A wedding celebrant is a person who asks you and your partner some questions about your relationship and then uses that information to write a bespoke ceremony that they will deliver on your big day. In England and Wales, celebrant weddings are not legal but this may change as the Government are taking it under consideration. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, some may conduct legal ceremonies but check their respective Government website for details. A celebrant wedding can open a whole lot of extra possibilities around venue type and timing, as well as having words that have been written especially for you. Think of the type of ceremony you want. This will help you with the personality of your supplier. Will the service be focused on you or a performance by the celebrant? Are you an outgoing couple who likes loud and outrageous, or would you like things to be a little more contained? Will there be religious or faith-based elements? If so, you want an independent aka a civil celebrant. Whereas humanists offer ceremonies that are based on their non-religious beliefs which might suit you better. A good company will ask lots of questions about your relationship so they can write a personal service. Most offer a free ‘get to know you’ chat so you can see if you click. Read online reviews of suppliers that catch your eye and/or ask around. Someone you know may have had a celebrant wedding, get their opinion and ask if they’d recommend them. Prices may vary so find out what you get for your money. Some companies offer packages, while others have a base price and extra elements cost more. Lastly, are they available for your date? Sarah Nelson Celebrant www.momentsto.co.uk CHOOSING A WEDDING PLANNER Think of a planner as a sidekick or personal assistant. For all the decisions you’re going to have to make, wouldn’t it be great to have someone to call who knows the best ways to spend your money, time and effort? On the day, they’re the top agent for getting between you and the suppliers. They answer all the questions from any angle and ensure you don’t have to deal with any mishaps or issues. They know your plans, expectations and most important elements. This means they’re your eyes and ears while you relax and take it all in. Your planner or coordinator should be like a friend. It’s all about trust and if you can have a laugh too, what a bonus. I know with my clients, we can tell from the first phone call if I’m the planner for them. Do you have matching priorities? Does your ethos match theirs? Make sure you look into their experience. Have they handled your style or type of venue before? Does their fee reflect the level of support required and amount of trust being bestowed on them? When it comes to your budget, think about what you must have and don’t need. Start with what means the most to you. These elements should be set in stone. For all the other choices, look at whether these make a difference to the atmosphere or memories created. Do not just get something because that’s what other people do. Your wedding is not every other wedding, it’s personal and should reflect you as a couple. Its been a weird and testing time. Weddings have been changed, moved and cancelled. If you need to change your plans, be open and honest with your supplier. Ask questions but come from a good place, each side of the booking needs support and doesn’t want to be negative. Annabel Candler Wedding planner www.weddingsbyannabel.co.uk www.lyne ttematthewsphotography.co.uk www.face book.com/cleostellaphotography www.and rewab.photography www.ada mrileyphotography.com www.jono symonds.com