The Pembrokeshire Celebrant

03/11/2024

24/10/2024

Another lovely testimonial from one of my couples:
"I found Ruth online when planning our wedding and i am so glad i did!! As soon as i spoke to Ruth i was drawn in by her lovely friendly nature , not to mention her witty sense of humour which me and my husband love!! Not only was she a fantastic celebrant, she also basically acted as our wedding coordinator which kept me calm on the lead up to our wedding. All our family and friends complimented her lovely words during our ceremony, would highly recommend!!"

20/10/2024

Another lovely testimonial from one of my couples:
"What an absolutely beautiful ceremony we had. Ruth made our day so special and personalised our ceremony so well. If you want something a little different and very personalised for your ceremony I completely recommend Ruth. With me and my wife not being big on being the centre of attention. Ruth made sure our parts were short and sweet while creating a beautiful story of our life together for everyone, leaving in surprises for both of us too.

She spent time with us together and individually to create our story and understand what we loved about each other and it was so special to hear these words at that time. This was beyond what I could have expected. Thank you so much, it was a day to remember!"
Farm woodland weddings

15/10/2024

My last wedding of the season - and what a lovely couple and such a fantastic venue - right on the coast, in a sunflower field!

13/10/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 10 - Sending Out Invitations

Some good ways to send out wedding invites include:
1. Traditional paper invitations sent through the mail.
2. Personalised digital invitations via email or social media.
3. Creating a wedding website with all the details and sending the link to guests.
4. Hand-delivering invitations to local guests for a personal touch.
5. Using a professional invitation service to design and send out custom invites.
6. Sending out save-the-date cards in advance to give guests plenty of notice.
7. Including RSVP cards with the invitations for easy guest responses.
8. Following up with guests who have not responded to ensure an accurate guest count.
9. Utilising online invitation platforms for eco-friendly and convenient options.
10. Adding a personal touch to each invitation, such as a handwritten note or special message for the recipient.
Final Post - Keeping Organised!

10/10/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 9 - A More Budget-Friendly Wedding Reception

Here are some creative ways to organise a budget-friendly wedding reception:
1. Opt for a non-traditional venue such as a park, backyard, or community centre to save on rental costs.
2. Consider having a potluck-style meal where guests can contribute dishes instead of hiring a catering service.
3. DIY decorations using items like mason jars, candles, and string lights can add a personal touch without breaking the bank.
4. Keep the guest list small to reduce overall costs for food, drinks, and seating.
5. Look for affordable alternatives to traditional wedding favours, such as homemade treats or personalised thank you notes.
6. Consider hosting the reception during off-peak times or days of the week to secure better pricing on vendors and services.
7. Opt for a simple wedding cake or dessert table instead of an elaborate multi-tiered cake.
8. Utilise online resources and social media platforms to crowdsource recommendations for affordable vendors and services.

Remember, a little ingenuity can go a long way in making your special day both memorable and affordable. On the Couples page of my website, there is a lovely document that contains lots of ideas for ceremonies and receptions - take a look, you may find some inspiration! You can always contact me to have a chat about the possibilities.
Next post - Sending Out Invitations

08/10/2024

A lovely outdoors ceremony at a new wedding venue near Carmarthen at Farm woodland weddings

06/10/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 8 - Organise Your Reception

To organise a wedding reception, there are several important steps to consider. First, you'll need to choose a suitable venue that fits your style and budget. Whether you opt for a traditional banquet hall, a rustic barn, or a scenic outdoor location, make sure the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably.

Next, consider the decor and theme of the reception. From floral arrangements to table settings, the details can truly make a difference in creating a memorable atmosphere. Don't forget about entertainment options such as live music or a DJ to keep the party going.

Food and drinks are another crucial aspect of a wedding reception. Work with a caterer to create a menu that reflects your tastes and dietary preferences. Consider offering a variety of options to cater to all of your guests.

Lastly, don't overlook the importance of logistics such as seating arrangements, transportation, and timing.

Most venues will be able to help you with the vast majority of this, and will have recommended vendors. This will all come at a cost! Have a look at my next post creating a more budget-friendly Reception.

03/10/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 7 - Planning Your Ceremony

If you choose to use a Registrar - you will be very limited to your ceremony content. During a registrar ceremony, the couple officially registers their marriage with the government. This process involves filling out legal documents, providing identification, and paying any necessary fees. The registrar will then solemnize the marriage by declaring the couple legally married according to the law. It is a formal affair and very limited in terms of what can be said.

If you choose to have a Celebrant-led ceremony…well there really are no limits! I spend months working with my couples to get to know them well. I craft bespoke, personalised ceremonies that can contain music, readings, involve family members, children or friends and I have even had pets involved! On the Couples page of my website, there is a lovely document that contains lots of ideas for ceremonies - take a look, you may find some inspiration! You can always contact me to have a chat about the possibilities.
Next post - Organise your Reception

01/10/2024

Another beautiful testimonial from one of my couples:
"When I first spoke with Ruth, I actually had 2 other celebrants lined up to chat to, to see who would be the best fit. However following our initial chat, I knew Ruth was who I wanted for our big day, so cancelled the other meetings. I’m so pleased I made that decision, Ruth made the whole process both fun and super easy and the big day went perfectly with everyone commenting on how lovely the ceremony was. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for more, I highly, highly recommend!"

Photo by .malleyphotography

29/09/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 6 - Choosing The Attire!

When it comes to choosing wedding attire, there are many factors to consider. From the style of the wedding to personal preferences, finding the perfect outfit can be a daunting task.
It is worth noting most wedding dresses take approximately 6-9 months to order and fit. If you're working towards a date which is much closer than this don't panic as some dresses can be ordered on a rush delivery and outlets also sell a range of wedding gowns off the peg.

Again, this is an area where you could end up spending an awful lot of money! If money is tight, start thinking outside the box! Here are some affordable ways to find wedding clothing:
1. Shop at charity stores or online auction sites to find gently used wedding attire at a fraction of the cost.
2. Look for sales and clearance events at bridal boutiques or department stores.
3. Consider renting your wedding attire instead of buying it.
4. Browse online marketplaces or websites that specialise in pre-owned wedding dresses.
5. Ask friends or family members if they have any wedding attire you can borrow.
6. DIY your wedding clothing by altering a thrifted dress or suit to fit your style.
7. Explore non-traditional options like white bridesmaid dresses or formal evening wear for a more budget-friendly look.

Whether you opt for a traditional gown, a modern suit, or something very alternative, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident on your special day. Don't be afraid to express your unique style and make a statement with your attire. Remember, this is your day, so choose an outfit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Next post - Planning Your Ceremony

26/09/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 5 - Hiring Vendors

When planning a wedding, selecting the right vendors is crucial. Caterers, florists, wedding attire, transport, photographers, musicians, entertainers, Celebrants, Registrars… there really is no limit to what you can find! Your chosen venue may have some recommendations, but still conduct thorough research, read reviews, ask for references, and meet with vendors to discuss your vision. You will find a range of vendors at local wedding fairs, so it could be worth popping along and having some conversations.

The very first thing you will be asked is the date and venue (and possibly the time). Vendors can and do get booked in a long way in advance - sometimes several years! Quite often you will have to pay a non-returnable deposit to secure their services. It is worth being really clear about what your money will get, and the fine print e.g. what if, on the day, they cannot attend?

You can also spend an awful lot of money on vendors. There are savings to be had if you think outside the box! On the Couples Page on my website I have a document that is full of lots of lovely (and cheap) ideas - have a look and it might give you some inspiration. You can also contact me as I have years of experience and lots of ideas and ways you can keep your costs down.
Next Post - Choosing The Attire!

25/09/2024

A lovely testimonial from one of my couples...
"Ruth did our ceremony on Saturday 3rd August and I can honestly say what a fantastic lady. When I first met Ruth, instantly she was friendly, kind natured and was just so lovely. She worked with us over a few months and put together the most beautiful ceremony for our wedding day.
We have had so many compliments regarding Ruth's presence, professionalism and how great she was. Ruth made us feel at ease the whole time and nothing was ever too much to ask for.
If you are looking for a celebrant I would highly recommend Ruth! Thank you so so much for giving us the most perfect day we could have wished for! Ruth really listens to what you want and has fantastic ideas, she really is fantastic at what she does. We cannot thank you enough.
10/10 perfect ###x"

25/09/2024

This is a picture of me getting ready for a fantastic outdoors ceremony on the cliff tops, in a sunflower field

22/09/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 4 - Set Your Date!

When setting a date for your wedding, several crucial factors should be taken into consideration. Initially, it is vital to select a date that suits both you and your partner, ensuring that there are no conflicting events or prior commitments on that day. Moreover, the season and weather conditions of your chosen wedding location play a significant role in the overall experience for you and your guests. For instance, a summer wedding may offer warm weather ideal for outdoor ceremonies, while a winter wedding could create a cozy atmosphere with the possibility of snowfall.

In addition to the weather, it is advisable to consult with key family members and close friends to guarantee their availability on the chosen date. Furthermore, booking the venue and vendors well in advance is essential to secure your preferred date. Statistics show that popular venues and vendors tend to get booked quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, so early planning is key to avoiding disappointment.

I do quite a few last minute wedding ceremonies, where the couple haven’t managed to book their first choice venue (usually a Council registered one), or they haven’t managed to secure a date for a Registrar. On the day, this really hasn’t mattered as they have ended up still having a beautiful, personal ceremony surrounded by all their family and friends.
Next Post - Hiring Vendors

21/09/2024

A lovely testimonial from one of my couples...
"Ruth was a celebrant for our wedding in July 2024 and I honestly say it was the best decision we made. The ceremony was better than we could have ever imagined, so personal, many tears were shed in the room! Ruth made sure she got to know us well as a couple and that showed through the ceremony. On the day she was great, calmed everyone’s nerves and made sure everyone knew what they were doing! We very highly recommend :)"

19/09/2024

How To Organise Your Perfect Wedding - Post 3 - Choosing A Venue

When choosing a venue for your wedding, there are several important factors to consider. Think about the size of the venue and whether it can accommodate all of your guests comfortably. Consider the location and accessibility and the ambiance and style of the venue to ensure it aligns with your wedding vision.

If you are using a Registrar, you will be limited to Council Registered venues. These venues have been approved by the council and meet all the necessary requirements for hosting weddings. There are lots of venues around the county that are registered. Booking a council registered venue can provide peace of mind and ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly. They are, however, very expensive and you may not get the date you want.

If you choose to use a Celebrant for your ceremony, there are no limitations about where the ceremony can be held. I have done them in golf clubs, pubs, gardens, on beaches, holiday cottages, farms, village halls… I have also performed many ceremonies in some of the council registered venues.

It all depends on what you want for your special day and being open minded to all the possibilities. Take your time to research and visit different venues to find the perfect setting for your special day.
Please do get in touch if you would like to have an informal chat about your options.
Next Post - Set Your Date!

13/03/2023

Planning your wedding or civil partnership?
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