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Here is a selection of Q&As from Your East Midlands 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@youreastmidlands.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Exchanging Love
| Q | We're after a personal wedding, and our friend mentioned a handfasting ceremony. Can you share the benefits and process? |
| A | Helen Peach-O’Malley says: A handfasting ceremony is perfect for Pagans, nature-loving people, Game of Thrones fans or those looking for something non-traditional. It's a beautiful way to connect to our ancestors by participating in the same ceremony they would have had hundreds of years ago. A handfasting ceremony is a treat for the senses, with something interesting happening throughout and many ways to involve your guests. The visual aspect gives it the wow factor and is where we get the term 'tying the knot' from. Each ceremony is unique because you choose what to include and can add personal touches. The ceremony takes place in a sacred circle, and you will be taken on a journey around the circle from north to west using the four elements of air, fire, water and earth to represent different parts of your marriage. We end by tying your hands together as a symbol of your unity. |
Helen Peach-O’Malley, Wild Peach Ceremonies
Exchanging Vows
| Q | We want a customised service for our summer wedding and are considering booking a celebrant. How can the supplier make the day more personal? |
| A | Andrea Felix says: When creating a personalised service, choose a trained celebrant that you feel connected with. By getting to know you both, the supplier will discover your interests and find inspiration before working their magic to add unique moments designed only for you in a location of your choice. It's your day, so don't let traditions dictate! The ceremony is the most essential part of your wedding day and can be easily overlooked – so make it special. You can have a whiskey box ceremony, ring warming on a climbing rope around a spiral of guests, rose exchanges and more. Think outside the box and incorporate your interests. I've binge-watched Stranger Things to get into the vibe for script writing and simply short but very personal vows – there are endless possibilities for your big day. You cannot beat the personal touch and moments that are priceless and cherished. |
Andrea Felix, Your Celebrant
Your day your way
| Q | We want a customised service to make our day more personal and we're thinking of booking a celebrant. What would you suggest? |
| A | Julia Gaunt says: The beauty of having a celebrant-led ceremony is that you can choose to incorporate whatever you want into the day; there are no limitations or restrictions. You'll work with your celebrant to create an exclusive ceremony that's personal to you both, not a copy of someone else's day. Here are some ideas to make the day extra special… - Choose your own style and decide if you want a traditional, religious or humorous ceremony. Create your vows and include meaningful words that tell the story of your relationship. - Allow your family and guests to participate in the ceremony, from saying a reading or poem to singing your favourite song. Or why not allow the rings to pass between guests before finally reaching you both? Each person can say a little prayer or wish. - Include memorable moments such as a sand or candle ceremony, which can involve immediate family or friends and gives you a keepsake of the day. - Why not change the seating arrangements? You don't always need to have a centre aisle; this can be round or heart-shaped – the choice is yours. - Ensure you create the wedding you want, let your emotions show and have the most amazing day. |
Julia Gaunt, Jools Wedding Celebrant
Love all around
| Q | We've just started wedding planning, and I'm slightly confused about what a celebrant does. Can you help? |
| A | Julia Gaunt says: A celebrant is a professionally trained officiant who can perform both religious and non-religious ceremonies that can take place on any day at any time. The "I dos" can occur in a wide variety of properties, including country houses, barns, woodland areas, hotels, tepees and outdoor locations – anything is possible! Celebrants work with couples to create bespoke ceremonies that show off their personality and style – it is all about the couple and is not limited by the 'must haves'. We work with our couples to get to know them and find out what they truly want in their service. Some couples like to include family and friends by asking them to read their favourite poems, excerpts from films or perform a favourite song. With a celebrant ceremony, no two weddings are the same as lovebirds can write their own personal and intimate vows. A celebrant's role on the day is to make sure everything runs smoothly and stress-free, while making sure clients are comfortable and confident. |
Julia Gaunt, Jools Wedding Celebrant
