Here is a selection of Q&As from Your North East Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yournortheast.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Let's Celebrate?
Q. We've just started wedding planning and I'm confused about what a celebrant actually does! Can you help?
A. Nichola Reeder says: A celebrant will help you create the wedding ceremony that tells your love story perfectly; whenever, wherever and however you choose. There are no restrictions on the day, time, venue or what you put into it – I've dressed as a pirate, made cocktails and flown birds of prey during ceremonies, so the only limit is your imagination. I'd start by working out what makes the pair of you tick and will surprise and delight your guests. I then start drafting a ceremony that reflects who you truly are and what led you to your special day, incorporating those unique touches that make it so personal to you. We can of course include all the traditional elements, like a ring exchange, or bring in rituals such as hand fasting – whatever illustrates your story best. I'm there with tea, tissues and bourbon throughout the planning, then on the day I'll deliver the perfect ceremony that inspires you and your guests to share your love and perhaps shed the odd tear of happiness.
Nichola Reeder, Rebel Heart Ceremonies
rebel-heart.co.uk
Your day, your way
Q. We've just started wedding planning and I'm slightly confused about what a celebrant does, can you help?
A. Gemma Jay says: When couples get engaged, they often believe having a religious or civil ceremony are their only choices – but there's actually a third option available.
A celebrant-led wedding is becoming more popular because, unlike a registrar, you can choose any celebrant who you feel comfortable around. More importantly, there are no restrictions as to what you can or can't include. You have the freedom and flexibility to create a ceremony that encapsulate your style and personality perfectly.
Having a celebrant-led ceremony is perfect for couples wanting to tie the knot under the stars, at sunrise/sunset or on a beach. But it's important to note that this style of ceremony does not include legally binding in England and Wales. For a couple to legalise their marriage, they must book an appointment to visit their local registry office to register their marriage, like you would for a birth or death. I'm happy to explain this process and prices fully to couples before they decide to book.
Gemma Jay, North East Celebrant
www.northeastcelebrant.com
Time for love
Q. We're planning our wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic; how can a celebrant benefit our wedding day?
A. Gemma Joy says: Many registrars are trying to cope with the huge backlog of postponed weddings due to COVID-19 lockdowns and some have stopped taking new bookings altogether until they catch up. But where does this leave you and your planning?
Rather than trying to reschedule your venue and suppliers, why not look into having a celebrant-led ceremony and then head to the registry office to complete the legal paperwork on a different date? You can still include all the meaningful elements such as exchanging personal vows and wedding rings.
Share your ideas and take time to get to know the celebrant and they'll create a bespoke ceremony that reflects you as a couple and tells your story.
There are no restrictions to these types of celebrations; the format of your ceremony is entirely flexible.
Gemma Joy, North East Celebrant
www.northeastcelebrant.com
Moments that matter
Q. What are the benefits of having a celebrant at our wedding?
A. Janet Glenwright says: There are huge benefits to having a celebrant write and deliver your wedding ceremony. Firstly, the celebrant will take the time to get to know you and your love story and craft the most memorable ceremony where friends and family can even get involved. Not only that, but the company will also help you write vows and promises meaningful to you both.
Symbolic elements can be included such as unity candles; here a candle is lit to symbolise you both coming together as a loving unit. This would then become an anniversary candle lit each year to remember the vows and promises made on the wedding day.
Janet Glenwright, Glenwright Celebrancy
www.glenwrightcelebrancy.com
