Choosing to plan your wedding or elopement with me means you will have absolute choice in every element of your ceremony. Whether at your perfect venue, on the wonderful beaches of Anglesey or in the dramatic Snowdonia mountains, I will work with you to create a unique and memorable ceremony reflecting your vision!
Many couples feel overwhelmed when faced with so much choice and freedom, so it helps to have a look through a list of core ceremony elements and highlight the ones that really matter to you.
This list can be used as a starting point for ceremony planning. Remember- there is no right or wrong, it is your day, so choose the elements you love and leave out everything else!
These core elements are:
Introductory statements
Entrance – groom/bridal party enters together or separately
Welcome
Reading 1 – often chosen by the couple to reflect their feelings about marriage
Exchange of vows
Exchange of rings
Symbolic element
Optional Reading/Music 2
Signing a certificate
Presentation of the couple – congratulations and kiss.
Recessional music – couple exits
It is also important to consider the style of ceremony you would like, so your celebrant can create something beautiful and bespoke that reflects you. Consider if you would prefer something traditional (similar to registry office scripts), religious, spiritual, fun or modern. Is there a theme? Classic, boho, beach, indoor, outdoor, colours?
As there are no rules and regulations concerning a celebrant-led ceremony, you can include whatever additional elements you wish, including symbolic or fun rituals such as:
Mentioning absent friends and family – sometimes couples like to light a candle for departed loved ones.
Flower ceremony – guests are asked to each bring a single bloom, collected on arrival, quickly tied and used as the bride’s bouquet
Handfasting - literally tying the knot.
Letters of advice – from friends and family, read aloud by themselves or the celebrant. Fun and serious at the same time.
Ring warming – rings are passed around the guests so they can bless them/pass good wishes.
Unity candle ceremony- the couple light the central flame together. Family members can be included.
Sand ceremony- blending sand in a vase symbolising unity.
Blending a drink – Wine or cocktail.
Involving guests in creating/making vows
Tree planting
Time capsule – the couple places love letters and champagne into a box to be sealed and saved for a special anniversary.
Toasting the couple - guests get to join in the fun!
Jumping the broom - a really upbeat way to close the ceremony.
As a general guide, a wedding ceremony takes approximately 20-30 minutes. This is a comfortable period of time for your guests to sit/stand attentively, given that they may have been present quite a long time before the ceremony begins.
Want to know more? I love meeting couples and finding out how we can make their ceremony magical, fun and unique. Pop me a message and let's start a conversation!
Alex