FAQs
If you have any questions about my services, you may find the answer in the Frequently Asked Questions below.
I’ve compiled these based on the queries I receive most often, so there’s a good chance your concern is covered.
If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’ll be more than happy to help and will respond as soon as I can.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question!
Wedding FAQs
What do you do as a celebrant that a registrar doesn't?
I create bespoke ceremonies which reflect your personality, values, story and style. You are free to include religious elements, readings, rituals or traditions that are personal and important to you, and can involve friends or family members as much or as little as you want. Basically, it’s your day and it’s all about you and your wishes!
Am I limited to what time my wedding can take place?
Not at all! Your wedding can be held at sunrise, sunset, or any time in between, on any day of the week that suits you best.
Can I hold my wedding anywhere I choose?
Absolutely! There’s no need to use a licensed venue, so you can have your wedding on the beach, in the woods, or even in your own back garden. There really are no limitations.
What about a themed wedding?
The choice is entirely yours; it’s your ceremony and you can select any theme you like. So if your choice is minimalist, maximalist, or something in between, anything goes! Rustic, retro, vintage, whimsical, or gothic are popular themes, but if you have a soft spot for Harry Potter or Dr. Who, let’s do it!
What can a registrar do that a celebrant doesn’t?
Currently, you will need a registrar to perform the legal parts of your wedding. This must take place at a licenced venue and, depending on your personal circumstances, between 28 and 70 days notice must be given. The script for this will be generic; the same as every other couple’s, and most people view this as a formality which can take place at any time before or after your wedding ceremony, or even on the same day.
Naming Ceremony FAQs
Can we have the ceremony at home so we can plant a tree to mark the day?
Yes you can. Celebrating the day at home will bring an extra personal touch, and planting a tree is a lovely way to commemorate a baby, child, or even adult’s naming ceremony.
We’ve just adopted our 10-year-old daughter, is she too old to have a naming ceremony?
Not at all. Any naming, whether a new name or a replacement one, should be celebrated. Your daughter might even want to be involved in creating the ceremony by writing her own reading, or her own symbolic element. Maybe she would like to involve the whole family by making a unique bead bracelet together, for example.
Is it possible for our son to be named at the same time as his new baby sister?
Of course! Joint sibling ceremonies are a popular choice for families with friends and relatives who need to travel from far and wide.
Are we able to have an early morning ceremony?
As an independent celebrant, I am able to accommodate the time of day to best suit you and your family members. Some parents find that their child is happiest earlier in the day when less tired, whilst other children are more content after an afternoon nap. Your child is as unique as the ceremonies I compose, and we can work together to accommodate your individual needs in the best way possible.
We don’t want to have a ceremony in church, but can we still include a religious reading?
Absolutely. You can include as much or as little religious content as you like. Some parents will choose a reading from their own childhood, or a favourite hymn that holds a special meaning for them or for the family.
Funeral FAQs
Does the ceremony have to be held in a church or a crematorium?
Not at all. A lot more families are moving towards less formal arrangements, for example the option of a direct cremation is becoming more popular. Your ceremony can be held in the location of your choice.
What will you do as a funeral celebrant?
My role will be to work with you to create the joyful yet poignant service that reflects your loved one’s life story; a celebration of their life, however short or long that may have been.
What about religious elements; can you include them?
Of course. The choice is completely yours as to how much or how little religious content is included. Maybe there is a favourite hymn, or a bible reading you would like to include. Conversely, your ceremony does not have to include any religious elements.
Can you help me to plan my own funeral service now, to enjoy with family and friends?
Absolutely. If you know your life is limited due to, for example, a terminal illness, why not have a celebration that you can enjoy with your loved ones. This is something I would be happy to plan with you.
I’ve been to services that were sad and depressing. Does it have to be that way?
Not at all. Whilst death ends your loved one’s chapter of life on earth, you are free to mark their passing in any way that you choose. If they led an energetic and colourful life, why not replicate this and come together to remember them in that way?