Our experts solve your problems HOT TOPIC: WEDDING WORRIES THE LOVE OF MY LIFE Q – We want to write our wedding vows. Can you offer us any tips? Writing your own vows can be daunting, but if you follow some simple guidelines, then it can be the emotional highlight of your ceremony. It’s important to discuss your vows with your partner before you start composing them, so you can agree how long they should be, whether you would like them to include humour or to be traditionally sentimental. Remember to be yourself. If you’re a romantic person, then this is the time to be as affectionate as you wish, and don’t forget to tell your partner what you love most about them. Read your vows out loud a few times before the day to ensure you’re very familiar with them, as you may be nervous on the day. Finally, keep your vows secret from your partner until you’re declaring them at the ceremony. This will heighten the emotion and love felt by both of you and your family and friends. Tony Dunne Celebrant www.stylishcelebrant.co.uk PLANNING SOS Q – We’ve just started wedding planning, and I’m slightly confused about what a celebrant does! Can you help? The ceremony is the heart of the day, and a celebrant will set the vibe, tone and energy for the rest of your nuptials. A celebrant-led ceremony allows you to make it personalised, heartfelt, silly or fun. We bring your vision to life. We can weave your words and songs into a tailormade one-of-a-kind service. There are no rules, regulations or limits to what you can and can’t include. Your supplier will explore what you’re about as a couple. What your hopes and aspirations are, so you can begin married life feeling happy and excited about your future. They will rehearse with you so you can manage your anxiety, get the timings right, support the reader as they share your readings and make sure you’re both 100 per cent ready for the day. Usually, as a celebrant, my couples would have done their marriage license ahead of the ceremony, but occasionally the registrar kicks off the ceremony with the legal details, introduces me, then leaves, and I take over. Sometimes I conduct the ceremony, then whilst the guests have canapés, the couple register their marriage and join us afterwards. Helen Noble Celebrant www.helen-noble.co.uk X www.jlphotography.co.uk www.shanewebber.com EXPERT ADVICE 63
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