Evertold Ceremonies (2024)

16/10/2023

Every month I give you a wedding planning journal prompt to mull over. Of course, you can actually answer these for any gathering you might be planning, whether it's a big 0 birthday or celebrating simply being an awesome human being!

This month, take some time to think about your overall vibe for the day/ceremony. What 3 words sum up how you want people (and yourself) to feel throughout?

Let these 3 words help you when it comes to decision making
Let them guide your styling choices, your supplier choices
Let them permeate the whole process

09/10/2023

Handmade by Tori is a wonderful, sustainable jewellery designer based in Bristol. She creates commissioned wedding rings and engagement rings (as well as earrings and necklaces too). My personal favourites are her sea glass creations which she sources herself. If you are trying to keep your wedding as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible I can wholeheartedly recommend Tori!

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02/10/2023

How about a themed wedding? This dracula themed photoshoot I took part in last year pulled together some amazing suppliers who went against the traditional wedding styles. Check out the suppliers listed below!

Planner, Stylist, Stationery & flowers: Foxglove and Black
Venue: Gloucester Blackfriars
Photography: Blue Jay Photography
Outfits: Scarlet-Tayla
Brides leather jacket: Sammy Lea's Retro Emporium
Brides shoes: Becci Boo's Custom Shoes and Bridal Designs
Makup:
Hair stylist:
Jewellery: Bunny Loves Evie
Models: Sophie & Adam
Cake: Seven Crows
Celebrant: Evertold Ceremonies
Videographer: Waystone Films

25/09/2023

This wedding was so much fun to be part of. It had a relaxedness to it that really suited the couple and their friends. Planning was a fun experience and learning more about how they met and their journey to marriage was a real joy.

They told me about a picture they used as part of the engagement proposal so I suggested we have it as part of the ceremony and placed by the gift basket at the end. These personal touches are always easy to come by when people work collaboratively.

18/09/2023

Every month I give you a wedding planning journal prompt to mull over. Of course, you can actually answer these for any gathering you might be planning, whether it's a big 0 birthday or celebrating simply being an awesome human being! This month let's think about the welcome.

What do you envisage people doing before the ceremony - do you want the party to get started with a drink on arrival? What about a sense of awe and wonder and anticipation with a hushed atmosphere? Is there part of the venue that you want them to enjoy first?

11/09/2023

Atria stationery is absolutely stunning. Everything is hand painted and Gemma goes to great lengths to create designs that link to your theme, the venue and the style of wedding your having. I was in awe of her hand dyed fabric banner that we used in our Painswick photoshoot recently! From invitations to place settings to signage, everything is beautiful and personal.

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Rings Handmade by Tori

04/09/2023

When couples write their own vows all the emotions come up. There are usually tears, but there are usually big laughs too! That's what happens when we write things from the heart. For some couples the thought of writing their own vows feels quite scary, and that's ok too! I can help you choose a set of vows or adapt something traditional. Or why not do a combination of both like this lovely couple?

📷 James Soale Photography

28/08/2023

I'm so happy I was able to help Julian plan his brother's ceremony. For me, it's not about having to be the ceremony leader, it's about being able to help people create the ceremony that works for them. If you like the idea of having a celebrant/personal ceremony or a ceremony in a place that doesn't have a licence but you'd actually prefer a family member or friend to perform it, let's chat! I can help write the script and coach your person, or I can simply run a planning workshop with the 3 of you.

22/08/2023

I am so excited to announce that I'll be representing my Celebrant services at in Bristol this October!!

The Un-Wedding Show is a fabulous event for couples who are looking for something a bit different for their special day. They want to make new traditions and have something completely unique to them. And what better way to make a unique wedding ceremony than having a celebrant!

If you've booked a ticket be sure to come and say hello!

21/08/2023

Every month I give you a wedding planning journal prompt to mull over. Of course, you can actually answer these for any gathering you might be planning, whether it's a big 0 birthday or celebrating simply being an awesome human being! This month we’ll think about your entrance.

Does the thought of an aisle walk make you feel sick? Or are you really excited by the idea of all eyes on you for once! Do you want to walk with a parent/s and if so what does that mean to you?

Remember there’s no right or wrong when it comes to your entrance - while most people still opt for the traditional father and bride, if that doesn’t work for you, dig into what does. Let go of the “shoulds.”

14/08/2023

Painswick Rococo Garden is an absolutely stunning place to have an intimate wedding ceremony. Walk down one of the longest aisle walks in the country, say your vows outside the stunning Red House, then enjoy fizz and nibbles as you wander the grounds. Then enjoy a wedding meal with your guests in or just outside the Bothy. Check out these wonderful shots from a photoshoot there recently. Contact Emma for more details.

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07/08/2023

One of my favourite parts of a wedding ceremony is being able to tell a couple's story. It's a real privilege to get to know a couple during our planning session and learning about how they became a couple and why and how we've ended up here on the day.

As your celebrant we work together to decide what is important to include, what stories illustrate your relationship, and also what to keep private between you.

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31/07/2023

I absolutely loved working with this couple. They thought really carefully about what they wanted for their wedding ceremony and were very keen for it to be meaningful. Our planning session was so much fun and we left no stone unturned when thinking about everything to consider.

It was a real joy to create and perform a ceremony which was a perfect blend of formal and fun. That's the beauty of a celebrant ceremony - it can be whatever vibe that works for you!

03/04/2023

Magical Ceremonies with a Touch of Mischief!

Hi I'm Beth and I'm a Bristol-based celebrant (though I'm happy to travel). Here's a little idea of how I work with you:

I'm all about weaving magic and a little mischief into weddings - whether that's through adding in rituals or storytelling, or both!

My favourite thing about working with couples is when we have our planning workshop. This is where all our ideas come to life!

Instead of a questionnaire, I send you both a set of questions and things to consider about your ceremony. This gives you both time to think about what truly matters to you before we meet up and plan over coffee and cake! (or zoom if you're far away :P)

Then I write you a detailed plan that you fact check and sense check, leaving you the choice to leave the final script as a surprise on your big day, or to read it through beforehand.

In the meantime, we keep in touch as much as you need - if you come up with new ideas, or you want something included/excluded - and I see the whole ceremony as a collaboration between us all.

Then comes the day itself and I aim to match your vibe as much as possible - you want calm? I'll be super serene, you want party from the off? I'll be in my gladrags ready to get the crowd going. And everything in between!

Once the day has been and gone and I've come down from the rush of love and gorgeousness that was your wedding, I send you a little surprise final gift in your inbox. But I'm not telling what... you'll have to find out if you book with me!

If you want to find out more or check my availability, send me an email or contact me via my website and let's get chatting!

Many thanks to for this fab shot and for the incredible set! Also to for the venue!

(other participants of the shoot not shown)
Outfits:
Brides leather jacket:
Brides shoes:
Makup:
Hair stylist:
Jewellery:
Models: Sophie & Adam
Cake:
Videographer:

25/03/2023

What ritual would you choose?

There are so many types of symbolic elements you can add to your wedding ceremony.

This fabulous shoot I took part in last year was so much fun. It was a Dracula themed wedding and so it made sense to think of black and red as a theme.

I drew the line at blood though! :p

First we had a hand tying where the couple had a cord made from white, red and black ribbon to symbolise their intentions, their passion and their undying love for each other.

Then we had a unity ritual of pouring and drinking wine to symbolise their coming together as one. The couple each poured a small amount of wine from their own cups into one cup then they took turns to drink from it.

These are just two examples of how a ritual can be added to a wedding ceremony for more magic, meaning and depth.

As a celebrant I try my best to suggest rituals I think the couple will suit, but I try my best not to just shoehorn in something just because I think it would be fun.

You can see more of the photos from this amazing wedding shoot on Wedding !

A huge thank you to everyone that added their amazing talents to make this such a fab day!
Planner, Stylist, Stationery & flowers:
Venue:
Photography:
Outfits:
Brides leather jacket:
Brides shoes:
Makup:
Hair stylist:
Jewellery:
Models: Sophie & Adam .holtom.1 .lees.79
Cake:
Celebrant:
Videographer: Waystone Films

22/03/2023

Wedding Rituals

There are so many rituals to choose from, all with their different flavours, it can be difficult to decide which one works best for you as a couple.

I've spent quite a while looking at all the different types of ritual I've come across in weddings and wedding blogs and I've roughly distilled them into 4 categories.

Within each category you can create something that is truly fitting of you as a couple, the type of wedding you're having and the venue you're having it in.

⭐Unity - the coming together of two people, two families, to create a new family unit.

⭐Rings - the outward symbol of your inner journey together

⭐Vows - the words you say and the promises you make and will strive to uphold

⭐Future - the wishes for your journey, as well as your acknowledgement this is the beginning of a new adventure.

I hope those four categories help! You don't need all four, heck, you don't NEED any of them (apart from vows in a legal sense) but you might want to mark these events in some way during or after your ceremony.

Share this with a friend who is planning their wedding.

20/03/2023

Wedding Planning Journal Prompts

Whether you've just got engaged or you're knee deep in planning, I hope you find these journal prompts helpful.

They don't have to be written down in reems of text if that's not your style. Maybe you doodle it or mind map it instead. Or maybe you use these as discussion prompts with your fiancee.

It could be a lovely date night idea where you get yourselves a favourite drink, put on some music you both love and then discuss openly about your wishes for your wedding day and your marriage.

Which journal prompt do you like best?
Can you think of any others that are helpful for engaged couples?
Share them below!

17/03/2023

Funeral Jargon Buster

Here are just some words you might come across when you're arranging a loved one's funeral.

I hope you find it helpful and while you may not need it right now, this will always be viewable on my Instagram and page so you can always return. You might also want to save this for another day too.

Let me know if there are any other words that came up in this you'd like to understand better - I can add them in the comments!

Share this with a friend who might be in need of this too.

15/03/2023

Where would you like to end up?

Would you like to be buried or cremated? (or an alternative)

Would you like to be placed in a final place in particular or scattered somewhere?

I'm still undecided personally. Sometimes I think I want a woodland burial and other times I think I want to be cremated and scattered in some of my favourite places around the country.

I like the idea of being completely free like the wind to go anywhere, but I also like the idea of being completely rooted into the earth and resting fully.

As with all these things, there's no right or wrong, only what's right for you.

It's a good discussion to have at anytime - we think we have all the time but truly we don't.

If you feel comfortable to, please do share what you think you'd like to happen to you when you die in the comments below. Then tell your loved ones so they know too.

13/03/2023

Planning a funeral can be a minefield.

Perhaps you never discussed what they might have wanted. Or perhaps you'd discussed it but the most they ever said was "oh I don't want anything." Or perhaps they told you they want it to be only a happy occasion but you're now feeling painfully sad.

While I'm not advocating ignoring the wishes of your loved one, I do stand by the words in this post - "a good funeral honours not just the person who has died, but those they loved as well."

⭐Let's imagine your loved one was religious but the rest of the family wasn't, or the other way round - you are all religious but they were a strident atheist. There are ways a funeral service can include some religion e.g. prayers, songs, a blessing without it having to be a full blown church service.

⭐Let's imagine your loved one wanted a completely celebratory affair, but to be honest you're all feeling so angry or upset with the way their life ended. We can hold a space that allows for all the emotions needed to be let out - even within a celebration.

⭐Let's imagine your loved one was adamant they didn't want a funeral or for you to mourn them in any way. But now they have died you feel you want to mark their passing in some way. You can still hold some form of memorial, whether with the coffin or not -perhaps even acknowledging their request to not have anything.

I think sometimes when people die, they think they're doing us a favour by telling us not to mourn them. But anyone who's lost someone knows it's not always that easy just to forget about someone and move on. We can definitely do this sensitively in a way that respects the person who has died but gives you a chance to grieve and say goodbye.

What's your opinion? Do you think we should only do what our loved one wanted? Or do you think the mourners should also get a say in what happens? Let me know in the comments below.

09/03/2023

Do you want a meaningful ceremony?

For many of us, getting married to someone and saying our vows in front of loved ones is a pretty big deal.

And while planning our wedding can be fun (if a little stressful sometimes) it can be easy for us to get lost in table placements and logistics and sort of forget about the ceremony itself.

Whether you're having a civil ceremony or a celebrant lead ceremony, you can make yours meaningful in super simple ways by thinking about your intentions e.g.

⭐️ together, talk about the vows you're planning to say to each other (whether written or provided) - what do they mean to you and how do you feel about upholding them?

⭐️ think about all the guests you have invited - why is it important those specific individuals are there? Talk with each other about special memories with those people.

⭐️ think about the story of how you both got to where you are today. What overarching themes or stories have impacted you as a couple?

For more ideas on how to add in symbolism or story or meaningfulness into your wedding, my blog has lots of ideas.

https://evertold.co.uk/blog

07/03/2023

Who says you have to have an epic storytelling section or a ritual in your wedding to make it meaningful?

Even if you've opted to have a very "no frills" type ceremony you can still weave in lots of meaning here.

These are just a few simple ideas which might pique your interest and will hopefully spark even more ideas together!

Tag a friend who is planning their wedding.

04/03/2023

Every wedding story is different.

Here's mine... so far...

So back in 2019, my husband proposed and pretty much the next day decided to just get on with it!

He'd been offered a secondment in Japan so it made things a lot easier if we were married. We decided to do a quick registry office job then plan a big celebration for when we were due to return in April 2021.

Then Covid happened. Japan got cancelled and weddings began to be restricted. Even with over a year to go, the world was so uncertain we made the decision to cancel the big celebration.

Considering we were already married (and the day was just as beautiful without all the bells and whistles) it just seemed weird to be planning something where we might have to uninvite half the guests!

It was the right call though because fast forward to the weekend we were due to get married at weddings were still limited to 30 guests (and the bluebells in the woodland we were doing it didn't actually come up till a couple of weeks later!)

Instead, our lovely photographer took us around our local park and did a wedding photoshoot which, to this day still feels so special.

We had our new puppy with us, and we wandered around the park and had a picnic as the sun started to set. Other park users shouted congratulations and one big kid asked if I was marrying my dog 😏.

We were content for a while with our wedding story. Until we started going to weddings again and remembered how much fun they are. So we decided to plan a big get together to celebrate our anniversary and our birthdays (they all happen within the same week!)

So this November we'll be having a wedding/vow renewal/birthday hybrid celebration for our 4 year anniversary. It's a weird number to celebrate but it fits with a certain person's big 0 birthday!

It feels strange because it feels a little soon for a vow renewal but a little too late for a wedding - but I trust my wonderful celebrant to help us create the most fitting ceremony for us!

Whatever your story for how you got to this moment, a celebrant can help you tell it in a heartfelt, meaningful, and often entertaining way!

01/01/2023

Happy New Year one and all!
Whether you've hit the ground running with press ups and jumping jacks, or whether you're saying a big fat NOPE to any resolution making, I hope you'll join me for an evening of planning the year ahead.

Every year in January I set aside a little time to think about all the celebrations, big and small, I want to observe or participate in and I create a big poster that sits in my downstairs loo.

When guests come to stay they can see all the big and small ways I wish to celebrate with people - seasonal events, TV and sporting events, personal celebrations like birthdays and weddings, religious or public observances.

This year I'm inviting people to join me as I walk you through tips on how to decide what moments do matter to you, how you can plan those in better so they don't pass you by, and how you can communicate their importance with your loved ones!

There'll also be inspiration on seasonal and local celebrations if you're not sure where to begin.

Sign up here https://2w4ckugop8a.typeform.com/to/yTy1wRLn

20/11/2022

World Celebrants Week Day 7
My best advice for couples or families

As a journaling aficionado I can wholeheartedly recommend journaling for any time in your life but especially when you're going through a life event like a wedding, naming ceremony or a funeral.

Of course in the immediate throes of grief, you might really struggle to get your thoughts down on a piece if paper. But it really does help to have an outlet for your feelings. Even just a sentence a day, or even recording basic events like people that visited will all help.

For weddings, I'd really recommend checking out my journal prompts (see my blog link in bio) which will help you to uncover what you really want from your wedding and what aspects are making you feel a bit weird. Then you can be stronger in your convictions when you decide on things.

Then for life in general, I'm a huge fan of journaling! It doesn't have to be a daily page of stream-of-consciousness. It doesn't have to even be writing at all. You could start an art journal, a music journal where you create a playlist based on what songs meant something to you each day etc. maybe even a video or a voice diary.

The ability to let our our immediate feelings and the ability to look back at them and how far we've come from that time is so magical and powerful.

Sign up for my End of Year Reflection Journaling session in my bio to learn more!

19/11/2022

World Celebrants Week Day 6
What made you want to become a celebrant?

I thought I'd do this a little bit differently today. The general gist of my journey into celebrancy is that I'd attended a celebrant wedding, and previously a celebrant funeral, and I was completely in awe!

The seed was sown, then a few years later, unhappy in my job I started to train. Then 6 months ago I was made redundant so decided to make it my full time job!

I thought I'd use this opportunity to encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming a celebrant. Here are 3 reasons why this is a fantastic job - whether you want to specialise in one type of ceremony, whether you want to just do it for friends and family, make it your full career or even have it as a hobby!

If you have any more questions about becoming a celebrant send me a DM and I'd be more than happy to chat!

Tag a friend who you think would make a good celebrant!

18/11/2022

World Celebrants Week Day 5
Who is your Celebrant Inspiration?

I couldn't possibly choose just one person because every celebrant I've met in the last year has been so incredibly kind, welcoming and inspirational!

I'm a proud member of the and all the members of the collective have such strong values of integrity, authenticity and collaboration.

I also couldn't be without my regular meet ups with various Bristol celebrants who are always on hand to cheerlead each other, give each other tips, and offer support with things that might be out of our wheelhouses e.g. social media or tax returns.

And finally, I'm continually inspired by celebrants on Instagram and TikTok especially who always showcase such fantastic ideas that I'd love to try with my couples and families.

Celebrant work can be lonely if you don't connect with other celebrants. But if you enter the world with an openness to share and learn, you'll find yourself among some of the best friends and colleagues!

Tag your celebrant friend and inspiration!

17/11/2022

World Celebrants Week Day 4
What are your celebrant superpowers?

This has been a fun exercise in working out what makes me proud to be the celebrant that I am.

We're all different and bring a full range of skills and life experience to celebrant work. And that's the beauty of it - there's no one right way to be a celebrant!

I love to see how my previous careers, certain life events, my own personality and my hobbies and interests have shaped me into this celebrant who is empathetic, brings a bit of magic and can make even the most tenuous link seem so profound!

Tag a friend who might be looking for their celebrant!

16/11/2022

World Celebrants Week Day 3
What I love about being a celebrant

There are many things to love of course but I think if I could choose one thing it's meaning making.

I'm a huge fan of making as much as possible in a ceremony link together and create even more meaning.

This could be something as simple as referencing the entrance song lyrics into the farewell part of a funeral. Or it could be the way the rings are presented in a wedding ceremony.

I love listening to couples and families tell their stories and thinking up ways we can represent them in their ceremonies. Sometimes it's a case of me retelling it, but other times it might be displaying an object that gets referred to in the ceremony.

Everything, big and small can carry a meaning or a symbol - colour choices, flower choices, even the day you choose to hold the ceremony. And that's what I love best, is helping us to uncover and make the links into a really meaningful ceremony.

(Pictured: Ant and I enjoying a picnic as part of our wedding shoot. It was a wedding gift from our friends and we send them a picture every time we use it!)

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Evertold Ceremonies