CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY We’re both obsessed with Christmas and would love to include it in our ceremony somehow. What can you recommend? With a celebrant-led wedding you can make your ceremony as Christmassy as you like! Here are a few suggestions: ♥ Make an entrance and walk into the room to your favourite carol or cheesy festive track. Get your guests to sing along. ♥ Candles always add romance, so including a unity candle ceremony is the perfect way to keep that warm Christmas glow. ♥ Create your own blend of mulled wine as part of a wine ceremony. Add your favourites along with some spices and your guests will really enjoy toasting you both after the “I dos.” ♥ Instead of a sand ceremony, why not have a snow globe ceremony, each taking it in turns to add the elements? ♥ Let your guests leave a special thought or message to you both in a bauble and get them to hang it on the tree. ♥ Use hand-fasting cords in Christmas colours and add special festive charms. If you make the cords long enough, you can use them every year to decorate your tree. ♥ If you’re having your ceremony in your home or your family’s home, why not include a tree planting ceremony and plant a Christmas tree? ♥ Incorporate your favourite Christmas films into your vows. My favourites from Love Actually include: “To me, you are perfect, and my wasted heart will love you.” And: “I love you even when you’re sick and look disgusting!” – Now that’s true love and definitely a keeper. Jen Whitworth, www.jenthecelebrant.co.uk AL FRESCO “I DOS” My fiancé and I have just started looking for our dream wedding venue, and we’d like to get married outside. What should we keep in mind before booking? If you’re thinking of an outside wedding, the first thing you’ll be worried about is the weather. What if it’s pouring with rain? Fear not, last minute change of plans can easily be accommodated. For example, we use our beautiful ceremony room in the Great Hall, which can seat up to 75. It also works the other way around! Earlier this year, we had a couple who were desperate to marry outside, but the weather didn’t look good. Finally, the sun came out 30 minutes before the ceremony and we decided to go for it. So, do check that your venue can be flexible. We have a great team of registrars here in Somerset and they’re always accommodating so that ceremonies are happy and informal occasions. If we’re outside, we generally put out a few seats for elderly and special guests, but most people are standing, which gives them a good view. Our brides can make the perfect entrance, through the gathered guests to join their spouse-to-be with the 16th-century manor house and gardens in the background. Welcome drinks can be served on the front lawn and celebrations can continue in our fabulous marquee... so, what’s there to stress about? John Blake, www.old-bridge.co.uk SEASONAL CHEER We’re looking for some festive fun to add to our winter wedding day. What would you suggest? A great way to ensure your photo booth is in keeping with the festive theme is to ensure the company you use provides an array of Christmas props for you and your guests. From beards and turkey hats right through to wrapped parcels and mistletoe, these additional props will be sure to add a touch of festivity to your photos. Also, be sure there’s the option for a festive print template for the print outs on the night. This is the keepsake that everyone will get to take home and it’s your opportunity to make your mark. Beyond the photo booth, there are a few basics that never disappoint. Crackers – because it’s not a Christmas wedding without paper hats, bottle openers and a new mini screwdriver! Mulled wine – well, because not only is it going to keep everyone warm and a little tipsy, it’ll also fill the room with a festive aroma. And Christmas classics – although a little cheesy, everyone loves to be reminded that it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Craig Cheber, www.booth19.co.uk 76
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