Wedding Planner Archives • White Rose Ceremonies

Creating Memories, Your Perfect Wedding Ceremony

3 December 2018/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

When it comes to your Wedding Day, you and your partner are creating wedding memories. For your guests, that starts with drinks on arrival, greeting family and friends. The care that you have put into creating memories for your perfect wedding ceremony will be remembered for many years.

But have you taken the same care with your wedding ceremony? If you have the bog-standard council ceremony, how memorable will that be? Will the interest of your guests fade? Rather than really listening to your wedding vows, will your guests just be waiting for the drinks, food and entertainment?

With a wedding ceremony led by a Celebrant, the anticipation and excitement of your arrival is aided by the Celebrant’s engagement with your guests. White Rose Ceremonies encourage the happy chatter and applause for when the first member of the wedding party arrives.

We make sure everybody is seated and check that everything is where it should be for the ceremony. It’s part of what we do.

And we make sure your perfect wedding ceremony is all about you.

It may well include the lovely traditional elements of a wedding ceremony, such as readings, vows, exchange of rings and the signing of a certificate. It might include symbolic rituals that celebrate your commitment to each other in different ways.

But your guests will be engaged and immersed in your perfect wedding ceremony as we tell your story. We have lots of ideas of how we can include special people without them having to get up and read. These are things that you won’t get with the council ceremony.

This is your day. It is all about creating memories. It is all about giving you your perfect wedding ceremony. These ceremonies can take place at any location, licensed or unlicensed. We provide you with the opportunity to have your perfect wedding ceremony wherever you want it. It can be in a formal venue, your home, your grandmother’s garden, on the beach or in a forest.

Your promises can be celebrated with as many people as you want and with the words, music and feeling that you want. Whether that is humanist, religious or secular (not connected with any particular religious or spiritual matters), it is your ceremony.

We have even conducted ceremonies with a translator for friends and families who don’t speak English and as for including pets – well, we are becoming quite the experts!

Creating memories for your perfect wedding ceremony is easier than you think. Contact us for more information!

Photographs courtesy of David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies.

Beach Ceremony, Rebecca Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies, Celebrant

Beach Ceremony, Norfolk

21 August 2018/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

We had the happiest of days with our lovely couple, Wendy and Mark, when we conducted their beach ceremony in Norfolk. Having discounted the sterile Registry Office option, they had been unable to find a venue that suited them. Wendy and Mark were blown away by the photographs of our own beach ceremony that we displayed at a wedding fair, run by the amazing Stephanie and her team from Truly Scrumptious Weddings and Events.

We met with Wendy and Mark for a consultation meeting in their home to discuss their ceremony. Choosing what they wanted and approving the wedding script that we wrote was all part of the fun and excitement in the build up to the happy day. We ensured they had the words they wanted, along with a few lovely surprises along the way.

The day was sunny and bright and, surrounded by friends and family, they exchanged their promises of love and commitment. These were emotional moments, full of love. Their children played an important part in the ceremony and all took part in the Sand Unity Ceremony, symbolising the individuality of each person, yet also symbolising the blended family unit.

Their beach ceremony included the signing of a commemorative certificate, the all-important kiss and applause all round. Wendy and Mark then hosted a reception on the beach with Prosecco, fish and chips and lots of love and laughter.

We had such a wonderful time and felt so privileged to be part of their happy day on the beach. They left us a truly wonderful review on our Guides for Brides page, and here is part of it:

“We were simply blown away by Rebecca and David from White Rose. Being a second time wedding we were worried that our options would be limited but on meeting them we realised that all of our dreams of a relaxed beach wedding in Norfolk were completely possible. From first meeting to the big day their service was truly outstanding. Our ceremony was beautiful and we went on to have a sand ceremony to unite our blended family into one which made all of the children feel that it was a really special day for them too. Our wedding only took place yesterday but we’ve already received lots of messages today saying that it was the nicest and most personal and touching service people had ever attended. Rebecca and David had us completely at ease, I don’t think We’ve never smiled quite so much. David’s photography is truly amazing and he’s given us beautiful photographs to remember the day. I wish there were more stars I could award to Rebecca and David, they’re not just celebrants .. they’re dream makers!”

Thank you so much Wendy and Mark! We wish you many many years of love, happiness and fun as a couple and with your gorgeous family.

Photos provided with kind permission of David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Simply Perfect Wedding Ceremony

14 February 2018/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

We have conducted many amazing weddings and what a privilege it is to do so! But one thing that strikes us is how much pressure couples are under to have “the best”. It seems that, nowadays, the simply perfect wedding has to be the most unique, the most noteworthy, the most memorable and the most expensive. They have to have all (and we mean all!) the finishing touches, the funniest moments and the biggest wow factor.

This is not to say it’s wrong to want these things. You should have what you want but the media puts a lot of strain on those wanting a simple day. So, we think the biggest ‘wow factor’ is how much stress is involved! Such pressure must surely take away from the true meaning of the day?

Your love for each other

Our wedding ceremony really was a simply perfect day, without the stress and it was memorable for that reason.

We had a long weekend up in Scotland and completed the legal paperwork at Gretna Green Registry Office with two witnesses. This was wonderful in its simplicity, happiness and lack of pressure.

But for us, our Wedding Ceremony on the beach was most important and significant day. We shared our heartfelt love for each other in our vows and exchanged wedding rings with a lovely ring ceremony. Our guests were all quite happy to stand or sit on the blankets that they had brought with them and to generally ‘muck in’.

We just stood in a circle in the place we love the most and celebrated afterwards with tea and cake. Refreshments were accompanied by sandcastles, bubbles and lots of laughter!

Simply perfect.

You really can have your Wedding Ceremony anywhere you want. We have written about outdoor weddings in our blog and you can read it here.

If you want to know how it all works regarding the legal side of things, please use our Contact Form and we will get in touch. We are always happy to share our knowledge and experience and we are here to help you make it the best day of your lives.

We hope you have a really wonderful time planning your simply perfect Wedding Ceremony.

Friday 13th Wedding

13 October 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Regardless of our individual beliefs there is still ‘something’ about Friday 13^th. Even in this modern age, superstition surrounds anything to do with that date and a Friday 13th Wedding is not often welcomed.

There are many people who think it is unlucky, for all sorts of reasons. According to this BBC article, Friday is thought to be unlucky because it was the date of the Crucifixion. The “unlucky 13” came about because it includes the number of people present at the Last Supper or the number of witches to make a coven. But it was actually the Victorians who put the day Friday and the number 13 together.

So, is it unlucky? We don’t think so – and especially not if you’re planning a wedding. One of our lovely couples, who booked a Friday 13^th Wedding at relatively short notice in 2016, found they had so much choice.

Venues and suppliers were more available and our couple had their wedding in the venue they wanted, with the suppliers they wanted, on the date they wanted!

Sending out their invitations brought an initial “Oh wow!” from their families and friends. But they all thought it was a great idea and the whole day was wonderful.

However, these dates are few and far between. Bookings at White Rose Ceremonies currently go into 2020 but none as yet fall on Friday 13^th.

Here are Friday 13th Wedding dates for the next three years:

Friday 13^th April 2018

Friday 13^th July 2018

Then a huge gap of 15 months until…

Friday 13^th September 2019

Friday 13^th December 2019

And then…

Friday 13^th March 2020

Friday 13^th November 2020

So if you want a wedding that will be remembered for everything – including the date – a Friday 13^th Wedding just might be right for you.

Good Luck.

White Rose Ceremonies

Who Can Conduct Your Wedding Ceremony?

8 October 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

You know that old joke – a Celebrant, Registrar and Minister walked into a pub and…..? No, we don’t either, but who CAN conduct your Wedding Ceremony? Did you know that you are NOT restricted to having a Registrar or Minister? You can have a Celebrant – also known as Civil Celebrant or Humanist.

Here are a few points to help you decide who you want to conduct your Wedding Ceremony:

Celebrant

You have complete flexibility regarding the words and content of your Ceremony. This can include spiritual references, singing and lighting of candles if you wish.

Your Ceremony can be conducted anywhere you want. These can be on licensed or unlicensed premises or on public land. Remember to get the relevant permission from the landowner. Think about formal venues, fields, forests and beaches. Also at home, in poppy fields or bluebell woods.

Your Ceremony can be as traditional, quirky, emotional or as funny as you wish.

You will have met your Celebrant and spoken to them several times before your Ceremony. You can meet our team here.

These Ceremonies do not have any legal status.

You will need to complete your legal license in the registrar’s office (a ceremony room will cost you extra) with two witnesses beforehand. This will cost you around £50 plus license fees and takes around 10 minutes.

Then share your marriage vows with each other in your beautifully unique Wedding Ceremony.

The Ceremonies can involve your families and friends and sets a happy, celebratory tone for the rest of the day.

These Ceremonies are ideal for couples who are happy to put thought and effort into creating a personal Wedding Ceremony that is unique to them.

Registrar

The words will be those that Registrars are required to use by law. Find out more by clicking here.

You might have a choice between three very similar and standard scripts.

These ceremonies can only be conducted in licensed venues.

You will not know which Registrar will conduct your ceremony until you arrive for your ceremony.

You are not permitted to have any religious or spiritual references.

These ceremonies are legally binding.

These ceremonies are ideal for couples who just want to get the legalities done in a standard ceremony before the wedding reception.

Minister

These ceremonies will be about a God or religious belief and the sanctity of marriage. Find out more here.

Words will vary depending on the religion.

These ceremonies can only be conducted in a consecrated building (church, chapel, mosque etc).

In most religions, this ceremony is legally binding.

These ceremonies are ideal for those who follow a certain faith. They are particularly suitable for those who believe that the ceremony reflects their faith and who they are as individuals.

So…

…you know that old joke – a Celebrant, Registrar and Minister walked into a pub and….? No, nor do we but we hope we have helped you understand the differences between a Celebrant, Registrar and Minister.

Please contact us to talk about your very own unique and wonderful Wedding Ceremony.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

12 September 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

You have the picture in your head of your outdoor wedding ceremony. A bright, sunny day, a light breeze, hay bales, bunting and happy laughing guests. There will be beautiful flowers with dancing heads, the happy clink of Pimms or champagne glasses and candles lit in the warm balmy evening.

And yes, your outdoor wedding ceremony can be absolutely wonderful. To help you achieve this and, based on our experience, we have compiled a list of things to take into consideration.

Noise!

If you are having your wedding in a barn and/or field on a working farm then get comfortable with the fact that there will be NOISE. Tractors, geese, donkeys and even a light aircraft taking off just 200 feet away are just some of the noises we’ve had to contend with at White Rose Ceremonies!

Have a chat with the owner and tell them that this isn’t just a wedding reception. Tell them that you are actually having an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony and it would be great if tractors, combine harvesters and planes could be kept under wraps for 30 precious minutes.

And if it is windy the voice of the officiant, the bride, the groom and anybody who is reading will be swept away.

So regardless of what the noise is, some of your guests won’t hear anything. Having a good sound system for your ceremony MUST be part of your budgeting. It’s a great shame if your guests can’t hear your vows and they will probably mention it to you afterwards.

If you decide to have your ceremony in a Barn, you may still have a tractor or two driving past. We’ve even had wheat being harvested!

Additionally, if you have a mobile bar inside your barn, tell the supplier that they must not set up their bar while the Ceremony is in progress. The noise of clashing bottles, unwrapping plastic beakers and the squashing of empty plastic bottles is distracting, to say the least.

Rain!

If it is drizzling or raining, don’t assume that a “bit of rain won’t hurt anybody”.

If you want your Outdoor Wedding Ceremony to be exactly that – outdoors – regardless of the weather, provide a big basket full of umbrellas. The umbrellas should be big enough to cover the whole guest, not just their head.

Have tarpaulin or plastic covers to cover hay bales or seats before the ceremony. You can delegate the removal of them to your groomsmen, family or friends before the guests sit down. Sitting on damp hay bales or wet plastic chairs is not a pleasant experience for anybody.

You might be completely engaged in what’s going on but your guests will be wondering how they can keep warm and dry. They certainly won’t be focussing on you as a couple and your carefully written vows. You really do need to have a Plan B!

Just remember – a soggy guest is not a happy guest!

The Sun!

Think also about heat. Will your guests be in full sun when your ceremony takes place? Advise them to bring sunglasses, a cover-up for shoulders, maybe a hat.

Consider having your ceremony under trees or big parasols so your guests have some shelter from bright rays. Even in the British sunshine the heat can be uncomfortable and having the sun in your eyes rather than a perfect view of the happy couple just spoils the experience.

Footwear!

It might seem obvious but, if your outdoor wedding ceremony is in a field on a working farm, make sure your guests know that they should wear suitable footwear. High heels and fields don’t work – broken ankles are not great on a wedding day. And if the field is normally used by sheep, cows or geese then somebody really does need to get a spade out to clear up before you get ready for the ceremony!

If you are having your ceremony on a lawn, think about providing heel protectors for all those who wear high heels. Even a little rain can make grass difficult to walk on. Otherwise your guests really will get that sinking feeling.

Enjoy your outdoor wedding ceremony!

If you take a little extra time to plan for these eventualities, your Outdoor Wedding Ceremony really can be every bit as happy and fabulous as you imagine. Just make sure your guests can hear what’s going on and that they are sheltered and comfortable.

We hope these hints and tips help and finally, here are ‘our’ geese! Have an absolutely wonderful day!

White Rose Ceremonies

French Chateau Wedding Ceremony

30 May 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Lilie and Scott had a beautiful wedding at the French Chateau du Val in Brittany, a country that they love and have visited many times. We spent plenty of time with them in the UK before the wedding, to develop their unique and personal ceremony script.

Their ceremony was held outside at The Chateau du Val in early May, on a bright and breezy day. Lilie and Scott were framed by a beautiful flower arch as they exchanged their vows.

Family joined in with readings and their wedding rings were sealed by the love of their grandparents. Everybody sang their hearts out to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. A really beautiful Ceremony!

Lilie wore an exquisite Mark Lesley dress from the wonderful Shades of White in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

She and her bridesmaids carried silk bouquets of peach and dusky pink from Judy Kennedy. The bridesmaids were dressed in elegant shimmering and soft grey dresses. Lilie’s little flower girl shone in white and carried a wand.

The Groom, his Groomsmen and the pageboy were all very smart in navy suits and grey ties, with the groom wearing a white tie.

The Chateau hosted a wonderful wedding reception in the beautiful summer room. This room is particularly stunning with its classic look and chandaliers. The tables were decorated with homemade favours and named after places that Lilie & Scott had visited in France.

Their super wedding breakfast was enjoyed with background piano music. The evening celebrations continued with a disco and dancing in The Lodge and a spectacular display of fireworks, organised by the Chateau.

Lots of family and friends travelled over to the Chateau du Val in Brittany. With fifteen rooms available to them, they spent a few nights in the Chateau, including the Wedding Day. They were all able to take advantage of the swimming pool, the beautiful grounds and the surrounding area.

We were so pleased to be part of Lilie and Scott’s wonderfully happy day and we wish them lots of love, joy and happiness!

Here are the fabulous suppliers!

Wedding Venue: Chateau du Val

Celebrant: Rebecca Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Wedding Dress: Shades of White, St Ives

Bridesmaid Dresses: DIY Dress

Hair and Makeup: Natalie Daniels

Groomsmen’s Suits: Moss Bros

Flowers: Judy Kennedy

Catering: Mark at Cerise Catering

Cake: Martin Fisher at Petits Anglais

Pianist: Iain Dunnet

DJ: Arnaud

Stationery: Point Graphics

Blog Photographs: David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Official Photographer: AG Photography

Sand Unity Ceremony jar with candles and flowers

White Rose Ceremonies

Rain on your Wedding Day? No problem!

31 March 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Rain on your Wedding Day is considered lucky in many different cultures because it represents cleansing, renewal, fertility and unity. We don’t particularly like it though if it interferes with our carefully planned outdoor wedding!

Before we go on – did you know that a Celebrant will work with what you have planned, regardless of the weather? If you have a Registrar, they will decide where the ceremony will take place, regardless of your wishes!

So obviously – a Celebrant is your best option for an outdoor ceremony!

Outdoor weddings can be AMAZING whatever the weather. We have a lot of experience regarding what does and doesn’t work so here are some hints and tips.1. Try not to let rain ruin your day. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it.

2. Always have a plan that includes an indoor ceremony area otherwise your guests, particularly elderly relatives, will be wet and cold and they won’t enjoy your Ceremony at all.

3. White Rose couples consider the ‘inside’ option to be Plan A and then, when the weather is exactly as they hoped for, they are happy to opt for going outside – Plan B! Ta-dah!

4. Provide lots of big umbrellas that cover each person. Make sure they are transparent so that even when the rain is falling, your guests can still see what is happening. You don’t have to buy them – they can be hired in. Take a look here as an example!

5. Cover all chairs and hay bales with waterproof covers that your ushers can whip off just before the guests are seated.

6. Provide coconut matting or more robust flooring for your guests to walk on.

7. You may love that beautiful wedding dress with the long train but it’s not going to work for an outdoor wedding if it’s raining. However, if that’s what you still want, talk to your bridal shop. They are the experts when it comes to hooking your dress up so that it won’t get wet and muddy.

8. And those beautiful wedding shoes! How about having some fabulous wellies on standby?

9. Make sure your sound system and electrical cables are suitable for outdoor use. Delegate this task to an expert!

10. Also check that your Marquee or Tipi’s are waterproof! This might seem obvious but check all the same.

11. If there is high wind as well as rain on your wedding day then do everything indoors. There is nothing worse than rain AND wind!

12. And finally, keep your sense of humour intact and enjoy your Wedding Ceremony, whatever the weather!

Scottish Australian Fusion Wedding

14 August 2016/in Celebrant, uncategorised /by Rebecca Waldron

Sarah & Joshua’s Scottish Australian Fusion Wedding was held at The Great Barn at Manor Farm, Bourn in Cambridgeshire. Built in 1266 The Great Barn was dressed in festival lights and candles, providing a beautiful and atmospheric environment for the ceremony.

With Sarah’s Scottish background and Joshua’s Australian background, this wedding was destined to be an interesting fusion of both cultures. There was a wonderful mixture of traditional Scottish kilts and contemporary short-sleeved shirts, braces, bowties and boutonniere of Scottish thistle.

The bridesmaids wore pink while the flower girl wore white and carried bouquets of white gypsophila. Mitsie, the Puppy Bridesmaid, wore a garland of pink and white flowers.

The Father of the Bride looked resplendent in ceremonial Scottish dress complete with bearskin hat as he escorted his beautiful daughter up the aisle.

Sarah carried a delicate bouquet of blue, pink and white flowers. She wore a stunning sleeveless embellished dress with a long veil edged with lace which floated behind her as acoustic guitar was played during her walk to meet Joshua.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids flanked Sarah and Joshua throughout their wedding ceremony. The ceremony included everything that Sarah and Joshua wanted. This included a lovely reading by their seven year old flower girl. With vows made, rings exchanged and the commemorative certificate signed, the final words were said and the happy couple left to applause and congratulations.

Sarah and Joshua’s Scottish Australian Fusion Wedding celebrations continued long into the evening at The Willow Tree in Bourn. After their wedding they provided us with a lovely testimonial:

“The service we received at White Rose Ceremonies was absolutely fantastic. Rebecca and her team were extremely supportive, whilst at the same time kind, caring and patient. My new husband and I cannot thank Rebecca, Pam and Dave enough for giving us the ceremony we have always hoped for and it was perfect. This was thanks to all of their time and dedication in tailoring it to how we wanted it. I would highly recommend White Rose to anyone looking for a top class and customised service.”

We had a wonderful time with Sarah and Joshua, preparing their special ceremony. We wish them lots of love and luck and every happiness in the future.

Celebrant: Pam McCarthy, White Rose Ceremonies

Photographs taken by: David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Ceremony Venue: The Great Barn, Manor Farm, Bourn, Cambridgeshire

The Wedding Reception: The Willow Tree, Bourn, Cambridgeshire

Alice-in-Wonderland Themed Wedding

3 August 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Kim and Ched’s whimsical Alice-in-Wonderland themed wedding at Fen Farm, Lincoln, was a fairy-tale affair full of fun, eclectic details.

Kim looked stunning in a short ivory lace wedding dress with shoes from Irregular Choice. She had made exquisite paper bouquets for herself and her bridesmaids who were dressed in blue and white dresses. The groomsmen wore light grey suits with light blue accessories and matching boutonniere.

The three page boys were dressed in matching outfits of shorts, striped socks, light blue blazers, bowties and trilbies, a fabulous interpretation of Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Kim and her brother arrived on a carriage pulled by The Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit – of course! Before the ceremony started, guests had written their good-luck messages on white stones and these lined the aisle where Kim met her groom, Ched.

An Oathing Stone was used when Kim and Ched’s repeated their wedding vows. In true Alice-in-Wonderland style, a little White Rabbit looked on throughout the whole ceremony. Readings were given by friends and the rings were presented by one of Kim and Ched’s dogs who both played key roles in the ceremony.

The celebrations then kicked off in style with a bar available from the 1966 vintage bus bar from Route 14 followed by a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the barn and a hog roast in the evening.

Kim and Ched’s Alice-in-Wonderland themed Wedding was full of love and laughter and we were very happy to lead the ceremony for them. They put a lovely review on our Facebook page, which we also show below:

“Amazing job done by Rebecca and David. They are terrific, wonderful, kind and friendly people that were confident and calming, and helped us create a ceremony from scratch, that was us through and through. Top of our list if we decide to have a naming ceremony for little bump! And a few fantastic photos as well. Thanks guys! Take care of yourselves.”

Kim and Ched – it really was our pleasure.

Photographs courtesy of David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Posts

And we make sure your perfect wedding ceremony is all about you.

Your love for each other

Here are Friday 13th Wedding dates for the next three years:

Good Luck.

Celebrant

Registrar

Minister

So…

Noise!

Rain!

The Sun!

Footwear!

Enjoy your outdoor wedding ceremony!