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Meg Stanier Celebrant | Your Ceremony Planning Journey | UK Wedding and Family Celebrant

Writer's picture: MegStanierCelebrantMegStanierCelebrant

Updated: Jan 24

Bride and Groom smiling in front of seated guests, celebrant reading script

If you're still on the fence about hiring a wedding celebrant for your ceremony, this guide is for you!

In this week's post, I will take you through my entire process, from the first point of contact to your special day. Discover what I offer and how I can make your wedding ceremony an unforgettable experience.


If you've landed on my website or stumbled upon one of my many Instagram reels (obsessed), and you're thinking "I want to learn more about celebrants or get to know Meg," then get in touch with me today! You can reach me via DM, call, email or my website's contact form. Be sure to include your event or wedding date so I can promptly confirm my availability!


Let's chat!

I'll get back to you as soon as possible! I'll be so excited to message back, especially if I'm free on your date and will arrange a zoom call or in person chat (depending on location) at your earliest convenience! Being self-employed, I'm very flexible and offer early morning and evening zooms for couples who work varying hours. But if I'm unavailable on your desired wedding/event date (sad times), I'm happy to recommend a few other celebrants in your area with a similar style.

Wedding celebrant with script in hand, under boho pampas arch

What to expect during our discovery call!

Our discovery call is an opportunity for me to learn more about your wedding plans, your preferences for the ceremony, and to get to know you better. We'll also discuss the planning process and available payment options.


Please feel free to ask any questions regarding me, celebrants, or your special day – I'm here to help!

Hiring a celebrant is a personal decision that requires thought. It's important to ensure that I'm the right fit, you like my personality and that you like the way I work. Don't feel pressured to make a decision immediately. I don't believe in rushed bookings; I'd rather you book me because you feel I'm the right person for you. So, I'll reserve your date for a week to give you ample time to think it over.


I'll also send an email after our call/meeting, detailing everything we've discussed so we have it in writing, attached will also be my couples quiz and T&Cs to look over!


You've chosen me as your celebrant! What happens next?

You'll pay a £200 deposit to confirm your booking & sign the T&Cs.

Once that boring bit is done, the fun begins! I'll ask you to get a date night organised (wine, cocktails, tea and snacks... whatever you enjoy!) and spend some time filling out your couples quiz! This is so I can learn more details about your story together so far, it'll cover how you met, what you thought of each other when you first met, your favourite memories, dreams for the future and YOUR thoughts on what marriage means. So enjoy the time reminiscing! I'll also ask about ceremony logistics (e.g. time, location) and family/bridal party names.

Celebrant reading from dark green script folder

Let's get writing!

After you sent your lovely answers back, i'll start planning your unique wedding ceremony. At this stage I'll be in contact with suggestions based on your answers and keep you updated on how everything's going with the first draft of your bespoke ceremony script! My goal is to ensure that your special day is everything you've ever dreamed of and more, that you have creative control and feel comfortable putting forward your ideas!


You've got Meg mail...

Once I've completed writing your tailored ceremony script, I'll shoot it over to you for review... but keep in mind, this is only the first, rough draft. I want you to read what I've created for you so far, make comments, add your own wording if you like and make suggestions.


Don't be shy, say what you think! It's your script, we will work closely as a team throughout!

Groom and bride holding pillar candles during their barn ceremony as guests watch on

Meeting again!

I'll also ask for your availability for an in-person meeting, either at your venue, home or other location (depending on where you're based). This meet-up will be used to catch up, have a laugh, discuss wedding planning, confirm any friends/family involved in your ceremony and to go over any questions you may have. We'll also review your script in person and, if you're interested, I can showcase any symbolic elements you've requested such as handfasting, sand ceremonies, and wine box ceremonies. Additionally, we can discuss pricing for any extras you may want to include (all optional).


Back to writing!

It's time to amend your script with any comments and optional extras you may have added. We'll keep returning it back and forth until you're completely happy with it. I'm still available throughout to answer queries and to help with vow writing. I aim to have everything complete 4 weeks before your ceremony, which is when your final payment is due. This way, we can all relax and know everything is ready for your big day! I have a relaxed and organised approach to planning as I think if I'm calm, you will be too! One less thing to worry about in the lead up to your fabulous day!

Groom laughing as bride reads her vows

Vows

While I typically advise against last minute submissions, there is one exception: vow writing. these can be complete 1 week before to allow time to design/create your vow cards and to give you a little extra time to write them. Please don't hesitate to send them over & I can give advice or reassure you they're amazing!


It's nearly here...

One week before your special event, we will send your venue a complete breakdown of your wedding, vow renewal, or naming day. This ensures that they are aware of the logistics, timings, and any additional props needed (such as a table). I'll also double check your ceremony script and print the final version, pack my ceremony bag with your elements, vow cards and other lovely bits. It's nearly TIME.

Groom laughing, celebrant with script in shot. Guests in the background watching on in boho chapel.

It's happening! Everybody stay calm!

It's here, your wedding day has finally arrived, eeeeeeeek!

With excitement in the air, love on the agenda, we'll be in the celebration zone to kick off your big day with your one of a kind ceremony.

I'll have arrived at least one hour before to talk to your other suppliers about logistics and timings so everyone's on the same page and to make sure everything is running smoothly.

I'll officiate your ceremony with passion, personality and bubbly energy. Paired with your unique script, your ceremony will be such a memorable moment and set the tone for the rest of your day.

Wedding reading cards with wisteria design on lavender material

A celebrant is for life, not just your wedding day!

The party doesn't end on your wedding day. You'll get a delightful keepsake folder overflowing with ceremony memories, waiting in the post after the big day! This will include a copy of your script, any vow or reading cards, decorative certificate and other components created for your personalised ceremony.


This was a quick guide to the way I plan ceremonies!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Let's collaborate to create a ceremony that's truly special for you! Remember, every couple is unique, so be sure to check out my real wedding blogs for inspiration from previous couples & read reviews!


Meg's extra services:

Bespoke poetry which tells your story (£45) Learn more...

Speech Writing (£45)

Stationery - All couples who hire Meg get 20% off bespoke stationery via The Ink and Foil Studio


Looking forward to meeting you!



Thank you to Photographers:







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