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HOT TOPIC: wedding worries
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Q – We’re getting ready to book a celebrant. What should we ask before booking?
Congratulations on deciding to have a celebrant-led ceremony! You already know that you want something different for your wedding day and are happy to go off-script to achieve the ceremony you really want. A celebrant-led wedding is intimate and special, but the right supplier can elevate the merely fabulous to create something completely magical.
Your supplier is going to spend a lot of time with you, getting to know you and learning about your journey so far. They will listen to your story and weave it into your wedding script with the right amount of gravitas, warmth, humour and sentiment for you as a couple. For this reason, you need to make sure that they’re right for you.
My number one piece of advice is to speak to as many celebrants as you need to in person, by phone or by video call and find out what their style is. Ask them questions about themselves, the way they work and what type of wedding they most like to officiate. Do they have a similar vibe to you and your fiancé? Do they have a similar sense of humour? Will they be able to set the right tone for your day and get the party started in style?
With the right pairing, both parties should arrive on the day feeling comfortable and calm, like they’ve been best friends for years! PLANNED TO PERFECTION
Q – How can we find the perfect wedding planner?
One of the best questions to ask is whether or not the supplier is specialised. Can they do any type of wedding? This is important because booking someone who is a jack of all trades means you may not get as much value for your money as you would with someone specialised. This is because specialised suppliers will have spent time learning and perfecting their niche. For example, if you’re having an indoor wedding close to home, then you don’t want to hire someone who focuses on destination weddings as they wouldn’t be able to provide you with the services you need.
Moreover, ask to see their contract and their terms and conditions. Many planners don’t have much wriggle room when it comes to this, so you need to make sure it suits your needs. Each contract will be similar, but little things may be different depending on the supplier, such as what would happen if a late payment was to occur.
Deanna Melia Wedding planner www.yourforeverafter.co.uk
www.simedlicott.co.uk Q – My hubby-to-be and I want fun entertainment. Do you have any suggestions for finding a supplier?
When it comes to wedding entertainment, every act is different, but there are a few things you’ll need to know, whether you’re booking an acoustic duo, a string quartet, or a nine-piece Motown band. Firstly, ask if they offer to learn any song requests, it’s always good to know this in advance rather than a month or so before your wedding. Some acts will include song requests in their packages or can learn a song for an additional fee, however not every supplier offers this, especially if they have an extensive repertoire already, but it’s always worth asking! Similarly to this, you should also request to see their repertoire before booking to make sure you love the songs you’re going to be listening to.
Ask whether your entertainer requires a meal, particularly if they’re performing during your evening reception or throughout the day. Some acts always request a meal, and some aren’t fussed! If you’re worried about the price of supplying a meal for your entertainment, ask your venue if they can offer crew meals, which are slightly cheaper than guest meals. Finally, ask for proof of PAT tested equipment and Public Liability Insurance. Almost every venue will require your entertainment to have this, so it’s good to check this from the moment you book.
Becky Chamberlain Musician www.beckyandjoshduo.com
A DAY TO REMEMBER
Q – How can we find the perfect celebrant?
Choosing the right celebrant for your ceremony is an important decision, so shop around and don’t rush into booking anybody until you are sure they are the right supplier for you.
Start by looking at websites and social media, this will give you a feel for their vibe. For example, if their gallery is full of sassy and fun pictures from previous ceremonies, then explore further to see if it’s the right balance of excitement and romance for you.
Make contact and expect a timely response – it will give you an idea of how much value the celebrant puts on customer service. A tardy response may indicate a shoddy commitment to being on hand to respond to you in the future when you need advice.
Meet face-to-face or via Zoom! It’s extremely important to have a good relationship with your supplier. Are they onboard with your theme, and do they have lots of wonderful ideas to enhance your ceremony and make it personal to you as a couple? Do they pay attention to detail? At Pink and Ginger, our motto is, “Your Day, Your Way,” it’s your ceremony, after all!
Are they bubbly and enthusiastic without being overbearing? A celebrant’s enthusiasm should be infectious. They should leave you excited and confident that all your plans are coming together. They should take pride in ensuring you are happy with every single detail and be prepared to make amendments at your bequest. Your ceremony will be bespoke to you, so nothing less than perfect will do.
Nikki Bithell Celebrant www.pinkandgingerceremonies.co.uk
@emily_robinson_photo
DANIEL CHU
BESPOKE BRIDAL & EVENINGWEAR
Personally designed and made exclusively for you, to bring the wedding of your dreams to life.
438 Palatine Road, Manchester, England, M22 4JT www.danielchu.co.uk | +44 (0) 7504207717 Instagram @danielchustudio
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