As someone who’s been the nearlywed, the celebrant and a lifelong worrier, I know first-hand that planning a wedding ceremony is meant to be the happiest time of your life (and trust me when I say it WILL all work out and be amazing) but sometimes, it feels like you’re spinning - nay - juggling a hundred plates. The debacle can soon feel less like nuptial bliss and more like a mild existential crisis.

Seeing as though October is Mental Health Awareness Month, Halloween season and also the month I planned my wedding party in London in 2018, I thought it would be fitting to share my top tips for protecting your peace and beating the scaries while planning your wedding. So, for all my fellow anxious angels, here you go…

If you’ve found your way here from the Quirky Wedding Fayre in Leeds — welcome, you gorgeous bunch of nearlyweds!

As a little thank you for being part of such a brilliant, creative, love-filled event, I’ve got a treat just for you…

A lot of people think the ceremony is the serious bit you’ve got to get through before the party starts. But as a celebrant, I say that the ceremony IS the party starter, if you want it to be! 

And if you want your ceremony to be legendary for you and your guests, the secret is simple.  Get everyone involved.

So, here are 10 interactive, fun and downright fabulous ideas to have your nearest and dearest play a part in your ceremony beyond asking them to read out a poem (which I love too but it never hurts to mix it up a bit).

Someone should have told me to wear armbands when I arrived at Hidden River Barn in Cumbria, because I swooned so hard I nearly fell into the river. Well, not literally. But this venue certainly knows how to make a splash!

I had the absolute pleasure of leading John and Jen’s wedding ceremony here in the summer, and I can confirm it’s packed with more magic per square acre than your average countryside spot.

So, what makes Hidden River Barn so special? Here’s what I uncovered while officiating a truly unforgettable day…

Glastonbury is super special to me because it’s where my hubby proposed back in 2016, so I’m feeling the Worthy Farm magic in my bones. To spread some of that wonderfulness, I’m offering a Glasto-lovers’ discount!

Including pets in weddings is becoming increasingly popular, and as a dog-loving celebrant, I couldn’t be happier about it! One of the cutest trends? Making your dog the ring bearer. But is it a recipe for heart-melting moments or absolute chaos? Let’s dig into the pros, the cons, and how to prepare for every eventuality when your four-legged family member is part of your big day.