Karen Irving Ceremonies

I had a wedding in October 2021 and the bridegrooms Nan was too poorly to attend the wedding. The couple wanted a sand ceremony and unbeknown to the groom the bride and I went to visit his Nan and we video recorded her starting off the sand ceremony which was then shown during the ceremony. It was a very emotional moment that will be treasured and it was my honour to provide this option to ensure all of the family were included in this very special moment in the couples lives.

Friendly, professional, light hearted, caring, flexible

It is important to me that my couples feel special and they have my undivided attention. I never have more than one booking per day as this allows me the time to dedicate to my couples.

Be true to yourselves, find your perfect venue, then both the celebrant and photographer that you feel most suits you both.

Apart from my own personal touches weddings that include children blending a family and bringing them together always pulls at my heart strings.

I would hold an initial couples consultation to give the couple the chance to go through any questions they may have and to allow me the time to explain my service. This also allows me the opportunity to understand what the couple envision for their ceremony to allow them the opportunity to decide if I am the right celebrant for them.

I would then submit a booking form for completion and return.

After receipt of the booking form I would issue the couple with a questionnaire each to be completed individually to allow me to understand what they love about each other and their hopes and dreams for the future. This information is useful in the production of the wedding ceremony.

I would then arrange a meeting to discuss if they are looking to write their own vows or if they would like me to help them write vows. I would ask if they would like a ring exchange and a commemorative certificate of the day. I would also discuss the option of guests carrying out a reading or if a ritual might be of interest.

After gleaning all of this information I would provide a contract with a breakdown of fees. I would liaise with the venue, photographer, dj and any other suppliers as required to ensure they day runs smoothly.

60 days before the ceremony date I would issue the first draft of the ceremony to my couple and carry out any amendments or changes that are requested. During this time I would maintain contact with the couple and offer a rehearsal if required.

I would arrive at the venue at least an hour in advance to ensure the setup is as expected and liaise with all ceremony participants. Upon completion of the ceremony I would issue a clean copy of the ceremony within 2 weeks of the wedding.

I am currently liaising with a couple who want to get married in a wood, under the full moon incorporating a full moon ritual.

1. Careful planning

2. Ensuring your couple are regularly updated.

3. Ensure you have backup plans in place

4. Remain calm and unflustered

5. Regular liaison with suppliers ahead of the day

6. Leave in plenty of time and have a checklist

List everything you would like, get estimates for everything and have a wedding planning folder and budget

When a couple sees each other for the first time at the beginning of a wedding ceremony.