Hows Whos and Whatfors

Once you have decided that you are ready to talk to me, send me an email or give me a call by clicking on the CONTACT link.

Once you have done so, I will get in touch:

  • We will sit down for a face to face meeting or if you are overseas or just far away we can Skype where we can get to know each other. (I do not charge for this meeting, however I will ask you to come to me where possible);

  • You can go home and reflect on the meeting, then drop me a line and I will put you in my calendar;
  • Your date is now all booked up and I will book no other ceremonies on your date.

Closer to the date we will have another meeting, at this point, I:

  • Will ask you lots of nosy questions about your ceremony and you.  This will include what is most important to you, who must be involved and acknowledged and any key rituals or words that are must haves.
  • You may come armed with a book full of ideas, a Pinterest board or, absolutely no ideas at all.  It is my job to help you to pick the best of your concepts, to ensure the ceremony is all that you want it to be and yes, to offer inspiration when you have Pinterested yourself into a corner!
  • Will ask you to look at my terms of engagement and we will agree fees and talk logistics

The Crafting

I will craft your ceremony from beginning to end with every word that will be spoken.  If you have chosen to keep your vows secret from each other I will get these from you both, separately so I can have them on a card on the day for you, just in case.  I will take your ideas, what I have gleaned of you, your relationship or your child (for a naming ceremony) and I will create a truly personal ceremony.

The Review

You will review the ceremony and we will tweak what needs tweaking.  

THE REHEaRSAL 

In the case of a wedding or civil union a rehearsal is a really good idea.  It prevents Granny from tripping over Uncle John during the Unity candle ceremony or a bridesmaid walking over your train as she reaches for your bouquet.  We can sort out positioning and timing to music and it is a great way to calm those nerves.  A good rehearsal:

  • Is at the venue or location
  • Has all the key players available
  • Includes any "timing" critical elements, e.g. music
  • Allows the key people to practice where they are to walk, stand, hold hands and even kiss!

THE CEREMONY

On the day of the ceremony I commit:

  • To being at the venue at least half an hour before your ceremony
  • To ensure we have tested any sound equipment you have provided for my use and called the experts if not
  • To bring any resources I have committed to bring
  • To have copies of all readings and poems 
  • To gather your group and create a ceremonial space for your special occasion
  • To call a backup in the very unlikely event I cannot be there