My Approach - How It Works
Planning an important ceremony can sometimes feel like a big responsibility.
You may already know exactly what you want. You may have a handful of ideas. Or you may simply know that you want the ceremony to feel personal but have no idea where to begin.
That’s completely fine.
My role as your celebrant is to guide you gently through the process, explain the possibilities and make everything feel clear and manageable from our first conversation through to the ceremony itself.
Every ceremony I create is written personally for the people at its heart. Whether you are planning a wedding, funeral, naming ceremony or vow renewal, the process begins in the same place: with listening.
First Conversation
We begin with a relaxed, no-pressure conversation.
This can be in person, over the phone or online — whatever feels easiest for you.
It’s an opportunity for you to tell me a little about the ceremony you are planning, ask questions and get a sense of how I work.
We might talk about the atmosphere you are hoping to create, the people involved and any ideas you already have.
I can also explain the different possibilities available within a celebrant ceremony, particularly if this is all completely new to you.
Most importantly, it gives us both the opportunity to see whether I feel like the right celebrant for you.
Getting to Know Your Story
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll arrange a longer conversation where we can take our time.
This is where your ceremony really begins to take shape.
For a wedding, I’ll want to hear about your relationship — how you met, the experiences you have shared, what makes you laugh and the moments that have shaped you as a couple.
For a funeral, we’ll talk about the person you are remembering. I’ll listen to the stories, memories, habits and relationships that help me understand who they really were.
For a naming ceremony, we might explore your family, your hopes for your child and the people you would like to involve.
For a vow renewal, we can look back at the journey you have travelled together and what you would like your new promises to say about the life you share now.
I’ll ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully and make notes along the way.
You don’t need to prepare a perfect story.
We find it together.
Exploring What’s Possible
One of the things people often discover when planning a celebrant ceremony is just how much choice they have.
Depending on the ceremony, we might explore:
- personal storytelling
- vows, promises or family commitments
- readings or poetry
- music
- symbolic rituals
- children, family or friends taking part
- cultural or family traditions
- moments of remembrance
- meaningful keepsakes or objects
You never need to include something simply because it is expected.
Part of my celebrant service is helping you understand the choices available and then decide what genuinely belongs in your ceremony.
Sometimes that means creating several meaningful moments.
Sometimes it means keeping things beautifully simple.
Both can be equally powerful.
Writing Your Ceremony
Once I understand your story and the kind of ceremony you want to create, I’ll begin writing.
Every ceremony is created individually rather than taken from a standard script.
I’ll bring together the stories, words and ideas we have discussed and shape them into a ceremony that feels natural, personal and true to you.
For weddings, naming ceremonies and vow renewals, I’ll share the draft with you so you can read it, reflect on it and suggest any changes.
We can refine the wording together until it feels right.
For funerals, I’ll work sensitively with you and, where appropriate, your funeral director to make sure the ceremony reflects the person being remembered and the wishes of the family.
The aim is never simply to produce a polished script.
It is to create words that sound as though they belong to the people they were written for.
Preparing for the Day
As the ceremony approaches, we’ll confirm the practical details so you know what to expect.
We’ll make sure everyone involved understands their role, check readings, music or symbolic moments, and talk through how the ceremony will flow.
For weddings, we can also discuss whether a rehearsal would be helpful and I can liaise with your venue or other suppliers where needed.
You should arrive at the ceremony knowing that the planning has been taken care of.
The Ceremony
On the day, I’ll be there early and ready.
I’ll hold the space calmly, welcome the people involved and guide everyone through the ceremony with warmth and confidence.
My job is to keep an eye on what needs to happen so that you don’t have to.
Whether it is the excitement of a wedding, the tenderness of a funeral, the joy of welcoming a child or the warmth of renewing vows, I want you to be able to concentrate on the people around you and the meaning of the moment.
Because after all the conversations, planning and writing, the ceremony itself should not feel like something you have to manage.
It should be something you can simply experience.
From First Conversation to Final Words
It should feel like your story. Your people. Your ceremony.
If you are looking for a celebrant in Brighton, Hove or Sussex and would like to talk through the ceremony you are planning, I’d be very happy to hear from you.