It was Acceptable in the 90s!

I remember the 'typical' wedding in the 90s, and I will use my own as a reference, but essentially, you booked a registry office (as I did) or a church, paid the fee, and got on with the business of flowers, attire and guest lists (the 'diplomatic' bit!). Despite shelling out all that money, we (couples of the nineties) didn't really think about the main, most important bit- the ceremony! Vows were standard, you got the person you got to do the service, and everyone attended, mostly as a means to getting to the food and drink that came afterwards. Inclusion? It wasn't a consideration. Creativity? That was saved for the reception (favours, menus, tables etc.). Enhancements? Well, at my ceremony, we didn't even choose a piece of music (Vivaldi's Spring, anyone?). Don't mistake me, my wedding was a hoot- it was a blistering August Friday in Bristol City Centre- the swans graced us with their somewhat aloof presence, and it coincided with the Ballon Fiesta- free decorations if you will! We even had a group of panpipers turn up uninvited for my nan to dance to, 'merrily'. I don't regret a thing- apart from the ceremony.

Nowadays, with celebrant-led weddings and civil-ceremonies evermore popular, that regret is a thing of the past. Honestly, just about anything goes, and the ceremony now takes centre-stage, as an opportunity to share something extra-special. Firstly, the words. Ceremonies now tell stories of falling in love, the beauty and struggle of a relationship, and the really, really funny bits! A celebrant will create a script that keeps the guests enthralled; full of laughter, tears and knowing glances. "Yes!" they will say- that's our couple, right there. The vows will be original and heartfelt, delivered with ownership and eloquence. Readings will be well-researched, evocative and spiritual. Rituals such as hand-fasting (when cords and ribbons are used to tie the knot, literally), sand-pouring (blending coloured sands to symbolise unity of couples and their families) and even cocktail-making (gin and Campari, anyone?), will add true dimension. The music will have everyone in tears (or fits of giggles!), and you've come to the right celebrant if you want ideas for this. The rings? Well, goat ring bearers seem popular if you don't mind the unpredictability! Essentially, ceremonies become (apart from the couple) the star of the day- the bit with real meaning, emotion and imagination. What an opportunity we have to push the boundaries and create memories, involving your people, your community!

So, if you are opting for a celebrant-led ceremony, good on you- you can have tremedous fun with whatever or wherever you choose, and always feel in control of the 'feel' or look' of your celebration. I believe, the rest will fall into place once you've nailed it.

Keep a look out on my page for further blogs, with suggestions for all sorts of ceremony enhancements, music suggestions and readings. I'm already excited about what we will achieve! Click on 'Let's Connect' and we can put our creative heads together... Of course, if you want hot air balloons, and you're planning a Bristol wedding or civil ceremony, I do recommend that second weekend in August (I can't promise the panpipers, though)!