How We'll Work Together
Creating a bespoke ceremony is a collaboration. Here's how we'll work together, from our first conversation to your ceremony day.
Step 1: Let's Meet (The Consultation)
It all starts with a chat which could be face-to-face (over tea and hopefully cake) or virtually if that's easier.
This is your chance to tell me about your vision: what you're hoping for, what matters most to you, and what you definitely don't want. It's also a chance for us to get to know each other and see if we're the right fit.
There's no pressure, no sales pitch, it is just a conversation.
If you decide you'd like to work with me, we'll talk through the practicalities: dates, locations, the legal side if it's a wedding, and any questions you have.
Step 2: Booking & Paperwork
Once you're ready to book, I'll send you a contract and invoice for the booking fee (50% of the total).
The contract covers all the details we've discussed and protects us both. Once that's signed and the booking fee is paid, your date is secured.
From that point on, I'm yours. You can contact me as much or as little as you like throughout the planning process. Questions, ideas, worries, excitement, I'm here for all of it.
Step 3: Getting to Know You (Questionnaires & Conversations)
This is where the magic starts.
I'll send you a detailed questionnaire (or questionnaires, depending on the type of ceremony) designed to help me understand your story. For weddings, that means learning about your relationship from how you met, to what you love about each other, through to the journey you've been on together. For farewells and life celebrations, it's about understanding the person who died and the life they lived.
Don't worry if the questionnaire feels long. You don't have to answer everything in one go, and we can always follow up with phone or video calls if it's easier to talk things through.
The more I know, the more personal and meaningful your ceremony will be.
Step 4: Choosing the Details
Once I understand your story, we'll start making decisions about the ceremony itself:
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For weddings:
- Ceremony structure and flow
- Vows (will you write your own, or would you like me to provide options?)
- Readings, music, and symbolic rituals
- Who's involved (readings from guests, roles for children, etc.)
- TTone (traditional, relaxed, playful, emotional, or all of the above)
I'll guide you through the options and make suggestions, but ultimately, it's your ceremony so we will include what feels right for you.
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For naming ceremonies:
- Supporting adults and their roles
- Symbolic rituals (tree planting, time capsules, etc.)
- Readings and music
- Any special elements you'd like to include
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For funerals and life celebrations:
- Tone and style (traditional, celebration of life, or a mix)
- Readings, music, and poems
- Who will speak (eulogies from family or friends)
- Any specific memories or stories you'd like included
I'll guide you through the options and make suggestions, but ultimately, it's your ceremony—we'll include what feels right for you.
Step 5: Writing Your Ceremony
Now comes the part I love most: writing your ceremony.
I'll take everything you've told me and craft a script that tells your story, reflects your personality, and captures the emotion of the day. Every word is written specifically for you, with no templates, no copy-and-paste, no generic phrases.
For weddings, that might include how you met, the proposal story, what you love about each other, and the promises you're making. For farewells, it's a tribute that honours who they were and the life they lived. For namings, it's a celebration of your story and the hopes you have for the future.
I'll send you the first draft, and then we'll work together to refine it. You can suggest changes, add details, or tweak the tone until it's perfect.
There's no limit on revisions. We tweak and sculpt the ceremony until you're completely happy.
Step 6: Final Preparations
Once you have approved the script, we will make the final decisions about the ceremony.
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For weddings:
- Final timeline and running order
- Coordination with your other suppliers (photographers, musicians, venue)
- A rehearsal if you'd like one (optional extra)
- Vow cards beautifully presented for the day
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For farewells and life celebrations:
- Coordination with the funeral director
- Confirming music and any other elements
- Making sure everything runs smoothly on the day
I'll also make sure I've visited the venue (if needed) so I know the layout and can plan accordingly.
Step 7: Your Ceremony Day
On the day itself, I'll arrive early to set up, coordinate with other suppliers, and make sure everything's ready.
Then it's time for your ceremony.
I'll deliver the script we've crafted together with warmth, care, and professionalism. I'll keep things flowing smoothly, hold space for emotion (whether that's laughter or tears), and make sure the focus stays exactly where it should be, with you and this meaningful moment.
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For weddings:
That means celebrating your love and making sure everyone present knows exactly why you're perfect for each other.
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For namings:
It means welcoming your new world and celebrating this new chapter with joy.
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For farewells:
It means honouring your loved one with dignity, telling their story with warmth, and giving everyone a chance to say goodbye.
Step 6: After the Ceremony
Once the ceremony is over, you'll receive a beautiful presentation copy of the script as a keepsake.
For weddings, that might be something you revisit on anniversaries. For farewells, it's something your family can treasure as a reminder of the person you loved. For namings, it's a gift for your child to read when they're older.
I'll also follow up with you to make sure everything went smoothly and you're happy with how the day unfolded.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's have that first conversation. I'll answer your questions, learn about your ceremony, and we'll see if we're the right fit.
