I’m often asked how it all goes together, so here’s a rough idea of what’s involved:

Meeting up
Following first contact and maybe a telephone chat, I will meet you at a location of your choice to go through your ideas. This could be at your home or in a cafe or pub, but somewhere where we can talk openly, which should take about 2 hours. When meeting-up is not possible, such as with couples abroad, it may be through lots of Skype calls. It is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and I’ll be asking you lots of questions about yourselves, your interests, your story together and so on. At this stage, you may not know to the finest detail what you would like, but we can begin to sketch a plan as ceremonies tend to evolve as they go along rather than simply ‘happen’.

Keeping in touch
Afterwards, I will send you a typed-up copy of my notes to make sure I have got all the details right. I will also highlight where I need some more information from you at this stage. We may need to meet again, or we may simply exchange information by email, Skype or telephone conversations – as much contact as it takes to get it right.

First draft script
I will prepare a draft script and email this a few weeks before your wedding day. If I send it too soon, it will lose its freshness on the day, and there is plenty of time to make changes. The draft will include everything from the choice of music at the entrance to the final exit. I will highlight any gaps there are where I need any more info from you.

Refinements
In the remaining time, we can refine the content and change things around to your heart’s content! – until you are completely happy with the final script. I’ve no doubt there will be last-minute changes, maybe even on the day. One of the key things that distinguish a humanist ceremony is that it is completely tailored to your wishes.

Rehearsal
I cannot stress enough how useful it is to run through the ceremony beforehand. We wouldn’t perform the
whole ceremony word for word as this would detract from the real thing, but we will go through all the main details and choreography so that you know where you should be and when. Ideally, this should include everyone that’s playing an active part; giving a reading or holding the rings, etc. We can also do some sound and time checks to make sure everything will run smoothly so you can properly enjoy the day without stressing about (more than normal!)

Photo Credit: Dan Walker Photography, 2018

The Big Day!
By now, it’s all in hand and you can relax, turn up and just enjoy a ceremony that has been designed for you.

Presentation Script Copy
I usually depart fairly soon after the ceremony (maybe a chat with your guests, a drink and some canapés first!) to leave you to enjoy the rest of the day with your friends and family, but I will say my goodbyes and leave you with my best wishes and a presentation copy of your ceremony script as a memento.