Five reasons why you should consider hiring a humanist wedding celebrant for your wedding

Hello, hello, hello! If you’ve made it to this blog, you’re probably considering hiring a humanist wedding celebrant for your special day. HOW EXCITING! It can be difficult to decide on this key part of your wedding, so let me provide some reasons on why I feel I’d be the PERFECT fit for you!

Customised to your wedding

No two weddings are the same – so why would the same ceremony work again and again! I create a personalised ceremony that reflects your unique values and beliefs, your story and most importantly, YOU! As a humanist celebrant, I believe that your wedding ceremony should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple. (This is also my favourite part, as hearing the same stories from two different perspectives ALWAYS makes me laugh!)

Here for LOVE, not discrimination 

I am open to all couples, regardless of your backgrounds or beliefs! Humanism is a non-discriminatory philosophy that values the inherent worth and dignity of every human being! I am committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all couples, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. You deserve love, you deserve happiness, and I love to help you capture both of these things on your special day!

A non-religious alternative

Not everyone wants a religious wedding! I can offer a non-religious alternative to traditional wedding ceremonies: If you are looking for a ceremony that is free from religious language or symbolism, a humanist wedding may be the perfect choice for you. I can help you create a ceremony that is meaningful, authentic, and reflects your shared values and beliefs.

Environmentally conscious support

We all want to do more to support the environment – including on our wedding days! I can work with you to create a ceremony that is environmentally conscious, committing to promoting ethical and sustainable practices.

Whether that means using eco-friendly decorations, choosing a location that is easily accessible by public transportation, or incorporating sustainable rituals into your ceremony – there is always something we can do to help the planet a little more! 

Guidance, Support and Stress Relief!

There’s no beating around the bush here - wedding planning is STRESSFUL! So much goes into it, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed – and that’s where I come in! I can offer guidance and support throughout the wedding planning process, and I’m happy to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s choosing the perfect readings and music or creating a ceremony that reflects your unique love story, we can do it! Let’s craft your wedding the way YOU want it.

I hope the above has answered some of your questions on the humanist wedding celebrant process! To summarise, I am here to HELP – and would love to answer any queries you have about your special day.

I am taking bookings for weddings in 2024 and beyond NOW, so hit the link below to drop me a line!

LET’S CHAT

Love,

Kathryn x

Five tips for planning the PERFECT Spring wedding!

Spring has sprung! The dark nights are in the rear-view mirror and wedding season is almost in full session… I am so excited! 

Planning the perfect Spring wedding involves careful consideration of various elements to create a memorable and beautiful celebration for your special day. I’ve done a LOT of Spring weddings in my time as a humanist wedding celebrant, so here are five essential tips for you to consider!

Find a flexible venue

Seems obvious, doesn’t it? Choosing a location that showcases the natural beauty of Spring, such as a space with a garden, outdoor park, or vineyard can encapsulate the season perfectly.

Ensure that the venue can accommodate both indoor and outdoor spaces, as the weather can be unpredictable during this season. It's important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather! I have a couple of blogs from recent weddings on this site you can check out that perfectly cater for indoor and outdoor weddings – check them out for inspiration!

Capturing Colours

Select a colour palette that reflects the fresh and vibrant hues of Spring! Pastels like blush, mint, lavender, and soft blue are very popular choices for this season. Incorporating these colours into your bridesmaid dresses, table settings, and floral arrangements can create the perfect cohesive setup – with just enough diversity to celebrate the full wonder of Spring bloom!

Flowers, flowers and more flowers!

You can’t think of Spring without flowers, right? Embrace the season by using an abundance of Spring flowers in your bouquets, centrepieces, and decorations!

Popular Spring flowers include tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, peonies, and cherry blossoms. Consider working with a local florist to source seasonal blooms and create stunning arrangements that reflect the beauty of the season.

Mastering your menu

It can be wise (and fun!) to create a menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients to delight your guests. Spring is the perfect time for lighter dishes, such as salads with seasonal vegetables, seafood, and (arguably most importantly) fruit-infused cocktails!  

You could also include a delicious Spring-inspired dessert, like a lemon or berry-flavoured cake.

Dress to impress on your special day

This is one that a LOT of people forget about! Yes, Choose wedding attire that is comfortable and appropriate for the season. Lightweight fabrics are ideal for Spring weddings. Brides may want to consider a tea-length dress or one with lace details, while grooms can opt for lighter-coloured suits or even linen for a more casual feel. We want your special day to be MAGICAL, not worrying about being too hot or too cold! 

So there you have it! Spring is such a beautiful time of year and the perfect time to get married. If you are planning a wedding in 2024 or beyond and are interested in booking a humanist wedding celebrant, get in touch! I would love to help you capture your special day.

Love,

Kathryn x

High Billinghurst Farm: The Enchanting and Romantic Wedding Venue that NEEDS to be on your potential venue list!

Whether it’s an idyllic indoor ceremony or an outdoor showstopper; High Billinghurst Farm caters for all.

I’m lucky enough to have been to HBF a few times, and every time I’m greeted with an ambience and awe that lasts firmly in the memory bank. The team at HBF have a unique ability to transform the venue for every couple, perfectly encapturing their ideas and creating exactly what they visualised, every time.

VENUE FLEXIBILITY 

I’ve experienced a couple who wanted an outdoor ceremony and when the rain halted those plans, HBF were able to adapt quickly to an indoor ceremony – IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS. The staff are warm, welcoming and go above and beyond to make your day as magical as can be. There is an obvious passion from the HBF staff for weddings and it’s obvious the people make this place the perfect venue that it is!

Words really don’t do this venue justice – you must go and visit to truly experience its beauty. From the stunning grounds to the beautiful rooms in which you can book and stay in with your family and friends, the whole venue is perfect for all wedding requests. The outdoor ceremony areas and explore the field and visualise what you’d like to add in to make it your perfect day. I can’t stress enough, if you are interested in booking this venue then BOOK to visit immediately; dates do go VERY quickly and we wouldn’t want you to miss out!  

TOP TIP FOR THE VENUE – VISIT BEFOREHAND!

Another reason to visit the venue in advance is to understand the exact way to get there – and to relay this information to your guests! The first time I visited the venue I lost signal about 10 minutes into the journey -  Google Maps then had me going around in circles for a half an hour!

 Luckily I wasn’t late for anything, but this is a tip if you are having your event or Humanist Wedding Ceremony there. You wouldn’t want anyone getting lost - or even worse MISSING out on the entrances! The team at HBF will provide clear, concise instructions on how to get there for you. 

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Again, I must reiterate that you have to see this venue in person – however, the below Instagram reel gives you a flavour of what a wedding at High Billinghurst farm is like. Click the link and have a look! 

 https://www.instagram.com/p/CfdvrYsDzi1/.

To summarise, High Billinghurst Farm is a venue that can cater to all wedding needs. The team are courteous, friendly and VERY accommodating – no request is too much! If you are looking for a venue in Surrey for your Humanist Wedding Ceremony, then I highly recommend you check out High Billinghurst Farm. 

Thanks for reading this blog! If you are looking for a Humanist Wedding Celebrant to help capture your special day, I am now taking bookings for 2024. Simply click here to get in touch and we can discuss how I can help!

Kathryn

Love Celebrants at Hedsor House - Luxury Wedding Venue in Buckinghamshire

Introducing Hedsor House: a picture-perfect venue, steeped in history. Just outside London in Buckinghamshire, this stunning Georgian mansion offers over 100 acres of private land – providing the perfect location for weddings!

Hedsor House. Captured by David Wheeler

NATURAL BEAUTY IN ABUNDANCE

I have been both a Humanist wedding celebrant and a wedding guest at Hedsor! Every time I’m there, I’m blown away by the stature of the House and the internal decor. It is elegant and the high-rise ceilings leave you walking around with your mouth open, gobsmacked at its natural beauty!

The house itself is surrounded by perfectly bright and floral well maintained listed gardens, providing a holistically stunning venue. 

Hedsor House Grounds and Gardens - Captured by Isobel Murphy

FREQUENTED BY THE STARS 

Hedsor House is often used for filming blockbuster movies – and upon arrival, It’s obvious why! From Dustin Hoffman's Quartet to Tom Hardy's Legend, many renowned films have utilised the venue to capture iconic scenes on the big screen – and this means the House is extremely popular for wedding showcases, too!.

Stepping through the stunning front door, you are immediately greeted with a feel of grand décor. It really does make you feel like a Disney princess, or a Royal Family member – only better!

Hedsor House Front View. Captured by John Nassari

THE PERFECT WEDDING BACKDROP

The Hedsor House Staff are available to support with your every whim and need – their guidance and professionalism truly echoes the beauty of the venue they work in! The on- site amenities are first class too, with a downstairs cloakroom and toilet facilities situated at the front of the house. This is perfect for guests who have travelled from far and wide for the ceremony, and ensures everyone is comfortable and ready for a magical day!

 I’ve been lucky enough to see the bridal suites at Hedsor House in person and they are perfect for brides to get ready and spend the night relaxing after the big day. 

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF!

Hit the link below to see an Instagram reel of Hedsor House – I’m sure you’ll agree, seeing it visually echoes everything I’ve said above (and even then, I probably haven’t done it enough justice!)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbE9LSxjGCw/

If you’re looking for a humanist wedding celebrant, please drop me a line! I’m now taking bookings for 2024 and would love to help you capture your special day.

Kathryn

A surprise for the special guest at Tip Top

This weekend in late July I was Humanist Celebrant as a gorgeous Wedding Ceremony in Milton Keynes for Chloe and Ollie Jones. With an intimate ceremony of just 67 guests, the sunshine was perfect with a slight cloud cover as the bride made her way down the aisle.

The wedding was set beside a tipi on a lake at the Beautiful Tip Top venue. This day was a celebration of true love! The relationship of C & O had been that of best friends, boyfriend and girlfriend for over 15 years.

Take a look at the reel for this wedding.

As part of the Ceremony, the couple decided we would have a ‘Ring Warning’ ritual but before that, we would create some shock, surprise and wholesomeness for one special person. This was done with the Best Man – A very nervous but excited Kempy began by approaching the front with the wedding Ring Box filled with two Haribo rings instead of the actual rings! 

Stashing the rings.

This came as a shock to the guests gathered. I then suggested that this was a total “disaster”, and we simply could not continue the ceremony without an actual ring. After a few moments, I then let everyone in on the surprise by asking everyone to look under their seats. Pre-ceremony myself and the best man had planted a clear button bag underneath the seat of the groom’s sister – Kerry. This was made a little harder as we had to ensure she actually sat on that seat!

Kerry eventually found the bag with the rings then she brought them to the front and replaced the haribos! I believe she was completely surprised and I do hope it made her feel part of the ceremony as the couple intended.

Nothing like making everyone at your ceremony feel ‘Part of it’ by having to do something mid-ceremony.

Surprising a family member is highly thoughtful and includes something unexpected and fun.

 I’ve found some other ideas to surprise your loved ones on the day 

• Make a surprise entrance.

• Start a flash mob mid-ceremony.

• Make the first dance song special and learn something to surprise guests

• Introduce a little magic, someone unexpected or dressed up in a particular way 

Humanist Wedding Celebrant Kathryn Wilson Discussion on LBC

A conversation about Humanist Wedding Ceremonies with LBC

In July I was asked to go on LBC to discuss Humanist Wedding Ceremonies, The Law Commission Report, current rules on ceremonies and the plan for legalisation in England and Wales to match the laws of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Jersey.

In a conversation with Shelagh Fogarty we discussed her views on couples potentially having a legal ceremony in their own back yard and how this may cause weddings to become less ‘special’ the less public they are considered.

I pushed my belief that all couples should have the right to choose where, when and how they are legally married.

Some people have suggested Shelagh asked me some difficult questions but I handled the challenge well. What are your thoughts?

Listen to the full live interview here:

I just got engaged, How do I start planning my wedding?

My advice is to start a ‘dreamboard’ this can be on your phone, via Pinterest or even together as a couple (Great date idea, right?)

To get some inspiration there’s some cool weddings on youtube. I also scroll for hours on Instagram searching my favourite wedding hashtags. People are proud of their wedding day and like to share it with the world. I adore watching Humanist Wedding Ceremonies online because they are truly one of a kind and all about the couple.

Once you’ve had some inspiration it’s now time to start looking into your suppliers. Wedding Dresses? Flowers? That seriously boujee cake you want to rub into each others faces? (Not for everyone this one but I personally love it!)

Most companies in the wedding industry are FIRST CLASS in what they do which often means they are fully booked YEARS in advance. This is the main reason people book their venues or wedding ceremony date quite far in advance so they can get the suppliers they want rather than settling for the mediocre.

How to deal with wedding nerves

Nerves, we all get ‘em right? This doesn’t mean you have to suck it up. There are some tips below that help me when I’m feeling a bit nervous before my or someone else’s BIG DAY!

1/ Get prepared to feel prepared.

Want to read through your script with your celebrant so you know what to expect? Practice your vows?

2/ Visualise the day

Walking up the alise and seeing the faces of your love, Perhaps you are imagining how slick your groomsmen will look in their suits? Imagining these things that will make you feel happy will make you feel settled and less nervous

3/ Tell yourself its excitement and not nerves

This is one I use ALL THE TIME. Audition? “I’m so excited to be here” Job interview? “I’m excited at the idea of this role”

The brain and body can’t differentiate between the two; Sweaty palms, shortness of breath, heart beating that little bit faster. It’s excitement, right?

4/ Have a rehearsal

Not a lot of couples have rehearsals, I think this is because they don’t want to overly practice their vows or how the day will be. Some opinions on that include “We wanted it to be the first time and only time for it to be truly authentic”. Rehearsals are fantastic if you are feeling nervous as these only usually include the bridal parties and your Wedding Celebrant.

5/ Eat well and stay hydrated

We’ve all seen the memes of Brides/ Bridesmaids / Grooms / Priests / Wedding guests fainting! A lot of the time it’s down to lack of food, heat, and dehydration. This is due to nerves on a Wedding day. Plan out what you are going to eat and the morning drink before your wedding before the day itself and stick to it. We are humans that need energy. Discuss with your celebrant to have water to hand for you and your partner during the ceremony. If you’ve eaten well and managed to stay hydrated it means you can continue the party until the wee hours…am I right?

What’s the difference between a Humanist Wedding Celebrant and a Celebrant?

Firstly, I’d like to note that this is written by someone who is a fully accredited Humanist Wedding Celebrant. I will state opinions on this one.

To become a Wedding Celebrant you need a bloody good platform to start; Excellent marketing and a lot of self belief.

When you become a Humanist wedding celebrant you sign up to a course to become accredited by Humanists UK and Humanist Ceremonies, you pass or fail several modules, you have course work and workshops to learn all about what it’s like to work with a couple and plan the biggest day of celebration. The training is intense, expensive but majorly worthwhile.

Humanists don’t believe in religion and to book a Humanist Wedding Celebrant most will ask you to perhaps take a quiz to see if your beliefs are aligned with that of humanism.

All Celebrants work independently, and they have choice regarding what they feel is appropriate to include in a couple’s ceremony. However, the main difference is that humanism is a belief and a way of life that people adhere to.

Humanist Celebrants won’t include any religion in their ceremonies (although this is possible in readings from others – This is based on the personal beliefs of that Celebrant)