ProfileJennifer Claire
Jennifer Claire is the Founder of The Celebrant Directory and lives and breathes all things ceremony! After officiating big days for 10 years, she now focuses on giving you the tips you need to create your perfect celebration.
Blogs
Wedding traditions and where they come from
The story behind the traditions... When you’re planning for your wedding, you probably find yourself automatically planning for things such as wedding rings, a white dress, bridesmaids or groomsmen. But...
Wedding Trends: Our Celebrants Predict How We’ll Wed Next Year
The wedding trends of 2023 will be shaped by our recent past, with a focus on sustainability, intimacy, and fun! It seems strange to be saying that 2023 wedding trends...
Funeral Reading Ideas: Watching For The Kingfisher by Ann Lewin
Our funeral reading ideas are here to help you choose a loving way to say goodbye and to help personalise your ceremonies. Today's reading has been chosen by celebrant Fiona...
What is a Micro Wedding and is it right for you?
So, what are micro weddings and why are they so popular? Micro weddings are weddings on a smaller scale – yes pretty much exactly what they say on the tin!...
Florist interview: What flower options do I have for a funeral?
In this , we talk to the absolutely fantastic, Bristol-based, florist Fiona Lafon of Emerald and Jade. Fiona has been producing beautiful floral displays for all ceremonies from weddings to...
How A Celebrant Led Wedding Can Fuse Cultures And Traditions Together
If you're looking for a personalised bespoke ceremony, and you would like to get married in a place of your choice then this is just one of the many reasons...
Who should influence your wedding ceremony?
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding ceremony, there can be a lot to think about. Where should you hold it? What kind of dress will you wear? Who...
Top five ways to ensure you get an email response from potential couples
Managing the journey from initial enquiry in your inbox through to securing a booking, is a process in itself. Setting yourself up for success when it comes to emails is...
Exploring The History of Naming Ceremony Events
As soon as your child is born, your thoughts start drifting towards what name you will give him or her and the planning of their naming ceremony. The act of...
Ask a Celebrant – Top Celebrants Reveal all on Wedding Vows
As Celebrants, we hear a lot of wedding vows from the traditional 'to have and to hold' to the outrageous promises to walk across America together (yes that's been done!). I...
Handfasting cord colours: Meaning & Symbolism
The Handfasting cord colours you chose for your handfasting ceremony can hold particular meaning or symbolism for you and your partner, and since there's no rules on which colours to...
6 Wedding Planner Books For Organising Your Big Day
When planning a wedding, organisation is key. From checking off the RSVPs to coordinating timings on the day, it's an art! Finding the right wedding planner can make your life...
5 Considerations When You Have Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Wedding Guests
Making everyone feel included and comfortable on your wedding day is no doubt going to be high on your priority list. If you have hard of hearing or deaf wedding...
Wedding Planning – what are the roles and responsibilities?
Your fiancé has gotten down on one knee and asked you the most important question of your life. You (probably) cried and said yes! You’re so excited to spend the...
Wedding Celebrant Checklist – 8 Must-Haves You Need With You For A Ceremony
A Wedding Celebrant Checklist and toolkit is like a friend who's always got your back, but sometimes knowing what to pack isn't always easy. Obviously doing your research about your...
Celebrants reveal their favourite Naming Ceremony moments-Take 2!
We have been asking our amazing Celebrants to tell us all about their experiences with Naming Ceremonies. They have been revealing their best moments and thoughts on why you should...
Handling the stress at your Wedding Ceremony
Weddings are both special and exciting days, but they can come with their fair share of stress! Nerves and wedding day jitters are common, so here are some tips to...
Planning your Wedding Ceremony
You’re engaged! Congratulations! It’s a really exciting time in your life. There are so many wonderful things to organise when planning your big day, including the most important part, the...
Can I Get Legally Married by Celebrants in Australia?
You may have just gotten engaged. Congrats! That's super exciting. Next on your agenda for wedding prep is understanding how you do this legally. We totally get that and are...
Real Ceremony: Alice and Amy
Real Wedding Couple: Amy and Alice Date: 5th September 2015 Venue: Fernhill Farm Celebrant: Jennifer Constant Photographer: Unknown The Proposal Amy and Alice’s first date was enjoyed exploring Bristol’s famous...
Unique Wedding venue ideas to suit you!
Weddings are one of the most special and memorable days of your life, so there is no need to stick to the standard venues – let your imagination run wild!...
20 of the most romantic vow renewal spots around the world
Vow renewals are becoming increasingly popular. They can be small and intimate or grand and luxurious. You can invite as many people as you would like, or you can celebrate...
Tips To Honour Your Deceased Loved Ones At Your Wedding
Your wedding day is filled with emotional moments you wish to share with friends and loved ones, but the reality for many couples is that some of their dearest family...
Ceremony Music Ideas For Your Eclectic Wedding Day
When it comes to your wedding music you want something that suits both the two of you as a couple, your venue and your vibe of the day. Your ceremony...
Alternative Wedding Ceremony Ideas – The Exchange of Gins
Forget the exchanging of rings, we're loving the idea of exchanging gins! If you're looking for an alternative wedding ceremony idea then this is definitely one to add to the...
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
If you are joining the millions of men or women faced with the pressure of finding the right ring to pop the big question, you may be unsure where to...
How to build your confidence as a Celebrant
You have completed your amazing training, you are ready to build your business, and are well on your way to gaining confidence as a celebrant! Or perhaps you have been...
The Ultimate Guide on How to Write your Vows
Do you and your partner plan to write your own vows for your wedding ceremony? You’re probably feeling a touch overwhelmed right now. Afterall, how can you turn the beautiful...
5 Reasons to renew your vows
Renewing your vows is a beautiful way to show how much love you and your partner have for one another. Each relationship is unique in their own magical and wonderful...
Celebrant interview: How to get through the day of the funeral
‘No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.’ - C S Lewis Interview with David Linaker, a former Anglican priest who, having moved outside of the formal...
15 things your wedding Celebrant wishes you knew.
Your wedding should be one of the most special days of your life; however, it can be accompanied by a mammoth ‘to do’ list! Luckily, with a wedding Celebrant at...
Naming Ceremony Reading Ideas: Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman
A naming ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of your new child or welcome a child into your extended family. Our naming ceremony reading ideas are here...
5 tips to prevent your wedding guest list from getting out of hand
You just got engaged and you’re ready to start the wedding planning. You and your fiancé have talked budget and how many people you want to invite. Your guest list...
How to Renew your Wedding Vows
Life is made up of special moments. From the first time you saw each other to your lives being joined in matrimony, you have shared adventures and experiences only you...
How To Organise Your Naming Ceremony
A Naming Ceremony or Baby Naming as it is sometimes referred to is the perfect opportunity to bring your friends and family together, show off your new little one and...
Planning an outdoor Wedding? Read this!
So, you are planning an outdoor wedding. Amazing, nothing like the bright blue sky, warmth on your back and sweet sounds of a light breeze in the air. Well, that’s...
How To Recognise Missing Relatives In Your Ceremony
Missing relatives can leave a huge hole in your ceremony plans. Whether it be that they just can't make it for a number of reasons or that they are no...
Sand Ceremonies – What’s it all about?
Sand Ceremonies: What are they, why do we do them and how you can create a special sand ceremony yourself! Sand ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular as couples are finding...
Creative Ceremony Backdrops For Your Wedding or Naming Ceremonies
When it comes to styling your ceremony there are many ways to add a personal touch and infuse your day with a showstopping piece. Adding creative ceremony backdrops is just...
Why You Should Celebrate The Birth of Your Baby
I'm sure you'll agree there are so many reasons why you should celebrate the birth of your baby! Celebrating the birth varies in lots of wonderful ways around the world...
It’s Dark Outside – Have your Wedding Under The Moonlight.
By Celebrant Louise Goode Could there be anything more romantic than saying your vows under the light of the moon and the stars? Everything twinkly and glowing. As a celebrant,...
What is a Wine Ceremony and is it right for you?
You’ve planned your ceremony, and you’ve decided to have a unity ritual. Adding a wine ceremony is a great way to symbolise the unity of your two lives together. Wine...
Wedding Recessional Music To Exit Your Ceremony
Your wedding recessional music will be the first soundtrack you hear as a married couple so it absolutely needs to be an extension of the two of you and match...
Wedding Reading Ideas: Wedding Thoughts – All I Know About Love
Choosing a wedding reading is a personal thing. It has to speak to you, evoke a memory or feeling and then you'll know when you've found the right one for...
5 Luxury Wedding Venues near Cork, Ireland
Full of lush greenery, epic landscapes and historic locations, Ireland is home to many beautiful wedding venues. It's the perfect place to celebrate your love and tie the knot. Whether...
What is a Green funeral?
With the increasing popularity of finding new ways we can care for our earth, environmentally friendly burials and funerals help preserve our planet when our loved ones pass on. These...
What is a divorce ceremony and why should I have one?
Like any moment in our lives were change or transition takes place, Divorce can be very personal. A journey unique to each individual and couple. A divorce ceremony enables you...
What is a Marriage Celebrant in Australia?
Getting married is one of the most exciting events in anyone's life, and finding the perfect wedding celebrant is crucial for making the day truly special. In Australia, marriage celebrants...
5 top tips for guests at a gay wedding ceremony
Guest etiquette at a same-sex wedding ceremony You and I, would both agree on the joyous nature of our LGBT community and if you are someone, who is about to attend...
Modern Handfasting Ceremonies Explained
Modern handfasting ceremonies are more than just a pretty throwback to ancient Celtic traditions. They're an exquisite expression of love, commitment, and unity, infused with rich symbolism and personalized rituals...
Unity Candle Ceremony: Everything you need to know
As you move into the beautiful bond of marriage, it isn't uncommon to feel the need to recognise this life-changing moment in a memorable, symbolic way. One modern wedding tradition...
Funeral Budgeting 101: Funeral Celebrant Planning for Beginners
Are you a celebrant in need of some funeral budgeting advice? This article covers it all… Making plans for a funeral is one of the most difficult tasks anyone will...
Celebrants give the low-down on renewing your vows – Part 3
Renewal of Vows ceremonies are a fantastic way to show ongoing love, or even overcoming obstacles with your love intact. Celebrants love conducting Renewal of Vows ceremonies as it really...
7 Personalised Mother of The Bride Or Groom Gifts for Your Wedding
Mother's Day is on its way here in the UK, so it felt like the perfect time to talk about mother of the bride gifts for your wedding day! You...
How To Prepare For Every Eventuality of Weather At Your Wedding Ceremony
If there's is one thing that is out of your control on your wedding day it's the weather, especially if you are planning a UK wedding. Of course, you are...
Wedding Reading Ideas: Invisible Kisses by Lemn Sissay
Today we start a series of wedding reading ideas for your ceremony. The first wedding reading has been chosen by Janni Knox, a wedding celebrant based in Belfast, Northern Ireland....
How to get legally married in New Zealand
You may have just gotten engaged. Congrats! That's super exciting, and next on your agenda for wedding prep is understanding how you do this legally. We totally get that and...
Naming Ceremony Readings: ”Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You” by Nancy Tillman
A naming ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of your new child or welcome a child into your extended family. Our naming ceremony readings are here to...
Wedding Reading Ideas: Just To Be Beside You Is Enough By Gabriel Fitzmaurice
One of the great ways to personalise your ceremony is by the readings that you choose. If you're looking for some unique wedding reading ideas for your big day, then...
What Is An Eco-Friendly Wedding and How Do I Plan One?
An eco-friendly wedding in short is a wedding that has no environmental impact on the planet. Eco-friendly's simple meaning 'Earth Friendly' is a way of protecting the planet that we...
How to have the wedding you want
You’ve just got engaged and now you are very excited to be planning your dream wedding. The choices are overwhelming, in all directions. Everyone you know wants a say in...
Creative ideas of how to make a loved one’s funeral special
Funerals tend to be services that are deeply rooted in tradition and heritage. Whilst following traditions can provide great comfort during times of grief, many families also like to recognise...
The Top Wedding Venues in Australia
Weddings are one of the most extraordinary and memorable occasions in our lives, and the choice of venue plays a significant role in making it an unforgettable experience. Australia has...
Selecting the right Funeral Celebrant
The importance of selecting the right Funeral Celebrant for your loved one's celebration of life cannot be underestimated. This is the one occasion when their life story is to be...
Colourful Outdoor Wedding At Dairyhouse Farm Barn In Somerset
This beautiful outdoor wedding set at Dairyhouse Farm Barn Weddings is full of vibrant colours and striking sunsets. Full of ethical details it has a lot to offer when it...
Celebrants reveal their favourite Naming Ceremony moments
We asked some top Celebrant’s to tell us all about their thoughts on Naming ceremonies. They just LOVE them and have revealed some of their favourite (and exciting!) moments from ceremonies...
What is a Natural Home Funeral?
Did you know you can have your loved one at home for their funeral service? There are natural and arguably more personal alternatives to a funeral home. Sarah Weller started...
Choosing a Wedding Celebrant
Choosing the perfect Wedding Celebrant is an important task. Just picture this scenario, you’re walking down the aisle, waiting for your partner to spot you. They turn and see you...
Who should lead your wedding ceremony?
Friend or Celebrant? Why your mate may not be the perfect replacement. When it comes to your Wedding Day, it can be vital to manage the finances and make savings...
5 Unforeseen Wedding Expenses to look out for
You’ve met that special someone, asked ‘that’ question or said that ‘Yes’, and now it’s time to start the exciting task of planning your perfect wedding! When organising your special...
16 Unique & Alternative Wedding Readings
Want a reading with a difference for your wedding ceremony? Whilst some love traditional poems, they don't suit every couple. And what are we all about here at The Celebrant...
5 Questions To Ask When You’re Looking For An Accessible Wedding Venue
Planning a wedding can come with all types of challenges, and even more so if you are searching for a fully accessible wedding venue. If you yourself, or if you...
How to write your Wedding Vows
For some people, getting your wedding vows down on paper can be a daunting task. How do you put all of your thoughts, feelings, memories and hopes for the future...
Should I invite children to my wedding?
It’s hard to disagree that children can be a delight at weddings; they look adorable, they make the best natural photos and bring a lot of joy to the occasion....
How do I include my children in the wedding ceremony?
When a couple has children, either from their relationship or from previous relationships, your Celebrant will likely ask how they envision including the children in the ceremony. Sometimes they consider...
Are the new marriage reforms discriminatory?
From July to at least April 2022, in England and Wales, licensed wedding venues have been given the thumbs up to take their civil marriages outside in their grounds. Although...
How to keep your wedding within budget
Planning a wedding isn’t a piece of cake (wedding cake that is); it takes time and plenty of money. This is why the first step in your planning schedule should...
Father of the Bride And Groom Gift Ideas For Your Wedding
Finding Father Of The Bride and Father Of The Groom wedding gifts should be fun and personable and when it comes to saying thank you you want it to be...
The Top Wedding Venues in New Zealand
New Zealand is a breathtakingly beautiful country, making it a popular destination for couples who want to get married in a stunning location. Whether you are a local or planning...
Wedding Reading Ideas: Sonnet 17 by Pablo Neruda
If you're looking for some unique wedding reading ideas for your big day, our new series of beautiful readings is going to help you personalise your ceremony to the two...
5 Wedding rules that were made to be broken
Weddings come with a lot of traditions, but who says you have to stick by them? Whether you’re having a white wedding in a local church, or jetting off to...
Social Media Tips for Celebrants
We all use social media, but it can often feel like an extra chore we put off until the last minute, right? This is why we wanted to share our...
How to renew your vows on a budget
So, you are renewing your weddings vows – that’s great! A fantastic way to re-cement your love or mark a significant marriage milestone, Renewal of Vows Ceremonies are becoming more...
The Art of Handfasting: A complete guide to handfasting ceremonies
In the tapestry of wedding traditions, few threads shimmer with such ancient magic as handfasting. This captivating ritual, with its roots in Celtic and pagan customs, transcends mere ceremony. It's...
Are same sex weddings any different to heterosexual weddings in the UK?
Ok so this is a question we often get asked, and it has a very simple answer, hell no! Bet you didn’t expect that…. ok so what we mean is...
4 Fashion Tips for the Mother of the Bride
As the mother of the bride, you’re naturally excited about your daughter’s big day and keen to look your best. After all, after the bride and groom, all eyes are...
Wedding Music Ideas For Walking Down The Aisle
Your wedding music sets the tone of the day from the moment your guests lay their eyes on you. It guides them, and their emotions, creating the ambience and feel...
5 Wedding Ceremony Music For Signing The Register
From start to finish at your wedding ceremony, your music should be considered and reflect the two of you as a couple. Whether it's being played live or in the...
How funeral ‘celebrations’ allow the bereaved to tailor goodbyes
Mourn For Me, But Also Celebrate Up until the Nineties, relatives of a deceased person had to try to persuade a local church minister to lead the funeral service… because,...
Top Celebrants Reveal their Best and Worst in Wedding Ceremony Music
Wedding music reveals a lot about the couple getting married - and has been an eye-opener for some of our Celebrants! I spent some time last year quizzing some top Wedding...
5 Wedding Sand Ceremony Kits For Your Special Day
Adding a modern twist to a traditional day is a great way to make your wedding ceremony more personal. Adding a sand or unity ceremony is a visual and symbolic...
The Best Brighton Wedding Venues For Your Seaside Wedding
Planning a wedding in Brighton? Whether you're wanting a seaside vibe, a city soiree or a quirky celebration of your love, this vibrant city has a lot to offer! Roxy...
How To Become a Celebrant
Written in Partnership with The Academy of Modern Celebrancy - The industry-leading provider of Celebrant Training. You can read their full guide on becoming a Celebrant here. Jennifer Claire, Founder...
5 Quirky Wedding Venues In Norfolk For Creative Couples
Are you looking for something a little bit different when it comes to a venue for your wedding day? Norfolk provides some extraordinary quirky wedding venues, from eclectic art rooms...
Achieving a truly personalised wedding ceremony
Unique, bespoke, unusual weddings are terms we hear a lot – but when you think about it, do you want different for the sake of it, or is what we’re...
Funeral Reading Ideas: A Death Poem by Bethany Rose
The first in our new series of funeral reading ideas has been chosen by Georgina Halse, a creative celebrant based in East Devon with 'an artist's eye and an empath's...
Secrets to a successful outdoor ceremony
Top tips for planning an outdoor ceremony The dream wedding ceremony…? A great big gathering outdoors on a gorgeous, blue sky, summer’s day. Obvs. For some this is the absolute...
Wedding Traditions: The low down on Ring Bearers
Here at The Celebrant Directory we are constantly on the look-out for different ways we can change up tradition, adding that extra sparkle when it comes to your wedding day. ...
Celebrants in New Zealand: Can They Marry Tourists?
New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. It is no wonder why many couples from all over the world choose to tie the...