Dawn Kemp - Celebrant
  • HOME
  • CEREMONIES
    • FUNERAL >
      • SERVICES AVAILABLE
      • HUMANIST CEREMONIES & FAITH SERVICES
      • BOOKING YOUR FUNERAL CELEBRANT
      • FUNERAL OPTIONS
    • NAMING & WELCOMING
    • WEDDING & VOW RENEWAL >
      • RITUAL & SYMBOLIC ACTS
      • VIP AREA - COUPLES
    • INCLUSIVE: LGBTQ+ and ALTERNATIVE CEREMONIES
  • REVIEWS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

Blog

January 06th, 2023

6/1/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Inspiration for your wedding, civil partnership or vow renewal
3 Ideas – 3 Venues – 3 Suppliers
Picture
Ideas

Eloping 
Eloping became is synonymous with Gretna when the 1754 Marriage Act prevented couples from England & Wales marrying under 21 unless they had parental permission, so many young lovers dashed to this first village over the Scottish border to be hitched without restriction.

Elopement is still popular, but for different reasons. Some couples like the secret rush of ‘running away’ to be wed; others see their union as something deeply personal and for them alone. Just as smaller weddings have become popular, some couples take the next step and dispense with the big do, and the fuss and expense of organising it, and keep things simple.

There can be more to it than popping to the local register office for 10 minutes. For couples who want a small but special event, there may still be planning to do – such as finding a wedding planner or travel counsellor specialising in elopement in your chosen county or country.

Some couples opt for a celebrant ceremony after the legalities, in a place meaningful to them or breathtakingly beautiful – atop a wild moorland, a dappled woodland, in an ice cave, or barefoot on a beach. Not forgetting the right photographer to accompany them too and record their magical elopement.
 
Entertainment
Weddings can be long events, and many couples give thought to how to keep their guests entertained (other than at the bar). Here are a few.

  • The ceremony itself
If you’ve chosen a celebrant-led ceremony, the fun starts right away, and your guests can enjoy being part of your ceremony, not mere witnesses to it. They can be part of symbolic acts – such as ‘warming’ the rings as they are passed around, placing a ribbon or cord in a hand tying – or underscore the vows by answering ‘We Do!’ to group promises personal to the couple.

  • Post-ceremony to reception
Between the photographs and meal, hired lawn games are popular – croquet, mini golf, giant chess, Connect Four or Jenga, space hoppers etc.

For the reception, there are lots of table activity options – from custom jigsaw puzzles, ‘Guess Who’ with guest pictures and ‘Find Your Partner’ clues on the reverse of the place setting. Many are paper based – such as best man speech bingo, betting cards or finish the sentence (also called mad libs), date night ideas/best advice slips to go in a wishing jar, trivia quiz on the couple, and I Spy or scavenger hunt challenges (such as taking photos of a kiss, a group selfie, chinking glasses etc) with a hashtag to share them with online.

For hired entertainment, how about a magician, fire eater, stilt walker, poi performer, arcade game or photo booth? Not forgetting the music of course – your musician, band or DJ to get the party started.

Of course, the newlyweds or couple are the star, and either your best man/woman or the celebrant (if you’ve hired them to stay) can orchestrate their games. A popular choice is the Shoe Game – a Mr and Mrs (or Mr/Mr, Mrs/Mrs) type quiz with each partner holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s to raise to answer the questions with.
  
Entry
The archetypal image of the start of a British wedding that we’re used to is of a groom waiting at the head of the aisle anticipating turning round for his first glance of his bride as she processes down the aisle to meet him.

There are no rules though; you can mix it up according to what suits you best, plus, the bridal-party style entry may not work for those wanting a more equal ceremony, same- or other-gendered couples, or those celebrating a commitment ceremony, civil partnership, or vow renewal who don’t want a traditional ‘weddingy’ feel.

Other ideas include:
  • Both entering together, hand in hand, walking or dancing down the aisle to your song
  • Entering simultaneously but separately, taking different paths in before joining
  • Reversing the gender roles – the bride waits and the groom enters
  • For themed ceremonies, you might enter by alternative means – on horseback, by zipwire, carried on a palanquin, or unrolled from a carpet like Cleopatra!
  • Having a non-straight aisle and seating layout: a cabaret style layout allows you to weave round guest tables and say hello, and a heart shaped could permit you to each come in around the sides to meet at the top of the heart
 
Links
Venues

Elsham Hall, N Lincs
www.elshamhall.co.uk/weddings/
Elderflower Events, Rural Lincolnshire
www.elderflowerevents.com
Elm Tree, Hundleby
elmtree.co.uk/weddings/

Suppliers
Elizabeth Kate Bridal, Crowle
www.elizabethkatebridal.co.uk/
Enchanted Garden, Grimsby
www.enchantedgardenflorists.co.uk/
Essence Flowers, Scunthorpe
www.essenceflowers.co.uk/
0 Comments

The Wedding Industry Awards 2023 - Lincolnshire Finalists

1/11/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
✨C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S✨

Congratulations to all the Lincolnshire finalists in The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) 2023!

Some of these are placed in the East Midlands Category; others under Yorkshire & North East, rather than by county, so wouldn't it be handy to have all the ones in the county together? Well, here you are!

Here's the A-Z of local suppliers by category for Lincolnshire.

BRIDAL RETAILER
Bellamme Bridal - Lincoln
Bellamme Bridal
Bridal Reloved Caistor - Caistor
Bridal Reloved Caistor
Champagne & Lace - Grainthorpe
Champagne & Lace Bridal Wear
 
CAKE DESIGNER
Cakes by Zoe - Lincoln
Cakes by zoe lincoln
Purple Pumpkin Cake Company - Stamford
The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company. Bespoke cake design
The Cake Queen - Lincoln
The Cake Queen - Lincoln
 
CATERER
The Hungry Plaice - Holbeach
The Hungry Plaice
 
CELEBRANT
Dawn Kemp – Celebrant - Cleethorpes
Dawn Kemp - Celebrant
 
EVENT TEAM
Abbey Farm Weddings – Woodhall Spa
Abbey Farm Weddings
The Rolling Scone – Lincoln
The-Rolling-Scone
 
FLORIST
Flowers by Katie – Grimsby
Flowers by Katie
Sandra’s Flower Studio – Gainsborough
Sandra's Flower Studio
The Florist by Blush – Gainsborough
The Florist by Blush
 
HAIR STYLIST
Fusion Hair Co – Grimsby
fusion hair co
Louisa Sarah Hair & Makeup Artist – Sleaford
Louisa Sarah Hair & Makeup Artist
Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing – Lincoln
Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing
Rebecca White Bridal – Sleaford
rebeccawhitebridal
Samantha Kate – Lincoln
Samanthakmakeup
 
PHOTOGRAPHER
Pink Photographics – Sleaford
Pink Photographics
The Jasmine Cottage Studio – Ulceby
The Jasmine Cottage Studio

VENUES
Abbey Farm Weddings – Woodhall Spa
Abbey Farm Weddings
Cleatham Hall – Gainsborough
Cleatham Hall
 
 VENUE STYLIST
Elegance by Laura Elizabeth – Lincoln
www.facebook.com/Eleganceby.le/
Lincolnshire Wedding Prop Hire – Lincoln
lincolnshireweddingprophire.co.uk
Love in the Limelight – Cleethorpes
www.facebook.com/loveinthelimelight/
Ruby & Co Events – Lincoln
m.facebook.com/Rubyandcoevents/
The Blissful Bride – Bourne
www.facebook.com/The.blissful.bride.tribe/

To see the finalists for the separate regions, see: 
https://www.the-wedding-industry-awards.co.uk/finalist/2022/region
0 Comments

A-Z of Weddings: D

25/8/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
inspiration for your wedding, civil partnership or vow renewal
​3 Ideas – 3 Venues – 3 Suppliers
Picture
Destination
 
Destination weddings take place away from the area the couple reside in. It’s not always somewhere abroad; it may be a county or two away. There are specialist wedding travel companies and wedding planners who are experts in helping you plan your destination wedding, and check you’ve thought of practical issues, such as vaccinations, whether there are requirements debarring your preferred destination, such as lack of marriage equality or residency requirements (although some may only require you to be there a few days beforehand), the time left on your passports, necessary paperwork (birth or adoption certificates, deed poll etc), and obtaining a CNI (Certificate of No Impediment) if required. Places that are easier to marry in include: New York, Italy, Gibraltar, Cyprus and the Caribbean.
If you’re thinking of marrying abroad, check here first: https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad
 
It’s a popular way to enjoy a holiday feel celebration with your guests, and it may work out cheaper to marry abroad than in the U.K. If it’s an intimate wedding, you may be paying for your guests to join you. If you are having a U.K. celebrant go with you, as well as their fee, you’d pay their travel costs and basic accommodation. Do check if the ceremony will be ceremonial only or be legally binding. There are helpful guides at: https://www.thecelebrantdirectory.com/tag/destination-wedding/
  
Diamond
 
A diamond ring worth three months of the proposer’s salary is the expectation for an engagement ring, but why? Let’s look at the giving of a ring, and then where diamonds come in. Historically, weddings were less about love matches and more about an exchange contract: joining families, political allegiance, and ownership. Engagement rings of iron, and later gold, were worn in Ancient Rome as a sign of mutual obedience and a wedding promise.
 
In the 1940s, de Beers, the British company mining South African diamonds, advertised with the strapline ‘a diamond is forever’ popularising the diamond as the gem of choice. There is a notion that diamonds are rare – when in fact they are (now) a relatively common precious stone. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are rarer, as is gold. However, good, clear diamonds are scarcer, pushing up the price. They are prized for their brilliance and durability – with a maximum 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Increasingly there is awareness of ethical diamond mining, with fairer wages and conditions.

There are plenty of diamond alternatives, and to the casual eye, few will know the difference, without a test (E.g., the breath fogging, or reading newsprint under the diamond) but unless they’re a jeweller with a loupe to hand, that’s probably a bit rude!
 
If a diamond ring is not for you (or indeed, no ring, or rings for you both – why not?); that’s fine – remember, it’s only carbon under pressure!
 
Dress

About 80% of brides will wear a white bridal gown, or white with an undertone of colour – ivory, champagne, eggshell. It is seen as the ‘traditional’ colour, but this is relative to time and culture.
 
White as a marker of ‘purity’ is at odds with contemporary mores, and may be a concept that is retrofitted. Blue is the colour associated with the Virgin Mary, and in Spain, the Catholic tradition is a black dress with lace mantilla representing a bride’s pledge to her spouse ‘until death do us part’- it was a common colour in Germany too. Queen Victoria wore white to wed Albert, and when he died, adopted black as mourning wear. Sunday black fell out of favour, and white rose in popularity.
 
White may have become the norm, not as a symbol of virginity, but of social status and wealth – being impractical and hard to keep clean. White is a ‘western’ colour; in India it is associated with funerals, so brides are more likely to wear red, as in China, where red brings good luck and prosperity.
 
Increasingly, brides, whether first time or not, opt for colour and practicality, and may swap a dress for a trouser suit or jumpsuit. Eco-minded brides may hire or buy preloved, and consider the ‘what next’ – converting their dress, or donating it to make angel gowns. 

Links:
Venues D

Remember – a celebrant-led ceremony of any type can take place at any venue; it doesn’t have to be licensed for civil weddings/partnerships. Here are some venues for a Lincolnshire or Yorkshire wedding.
 
Dower House Hotel, Woodhall Spa
https://www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/thedowerwoodhallspa/
https://www.instagram.com/thedower/

Doddington Hall, Lincoln
https://www.doddingtonhall.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DoddingtonHallAndGardens/
https://www.instagram.com/doddingtonhall/
 
Dunedin Country House, Hull
https://www.dunedincountryhouse.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/DunedinCountryHouse
https://www.instagram.com/dunedincountryhouse/
 
Suppliers D
Dandrew Photography
https://www.dandrewphotography.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/DandrewPhotos
https://www.instagram.com/dandrewphotography/

Danny Inwood Photography
https://www.dannyinwoodphotography.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Dannyinwoodphotography/
https://www.instagram.com/danny_inwood_photography/

Debbie Roe Photography (Family & Newborn)
https://www.facebook.com/people/Debbie-Roe-Photography
https://instagram.com/debbie_roe_photography
0 Comments

A-Z of Weddings: C

9/8/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Inspiration for your wedding, civil partnership or vow renewal
​3 Ideas – 3 Venues – 3 Suppliers
Picture
Ideas

Candles

Candles are a popular decoration for weddings, as part of the décor, or part of the ceremony. Check with your venue whether lit candles are permitted; of course, many venue stylists use LED candles to great effect.

A unity candle ritual is a beautiful symbolic demonstration of the joining of two lives and two families. A large pillar candle is flanked by two slim taper candles. Traditionally, the two taper candles are lit by the couple’s mothers (but it doesn’t have to be), and then the couple use these to light the large candle, to create a shared flame.

Candles can be customised with your names, monogram, the date, and a design that matches your décor. If you’d like to incorporate other people, such as children, a display of tea lights in a heart or spiral looks pretty. For safety, it’s an idea to have a wooden splint and a small glass of water to hand.

If you’re remembering a lost loved one, a candle is a touching way to incorporate them within your ceremony. It’s up to you whether you’d like to light the candle as part of your ceremony with a few words of remembrance and a pause for reflection, or simply to have it there as a guiding light throughout.
 
Civil
This word is used in different ways, and it can cause confusion.
‘Civil marriage’ or ‘civil partnership’ is the term used by registrars to refer to the legal registration of a couple’s relationship. It’s distinct from religious marriage, conducted by a recognised faith leader in a place of worship.

Civil marriage is secular – the service cannot include religious content. Some couples may not have their preferred music or readings, if they are considered ‘religious’, but the lines are vague.
E.g. Robbie Williams ‘Angels’ or Aretha Franklin’s ‘Say a Little Prayer’ may be permitted, but ‘Pie Jesu’ or ‘Ave Maria’ might not be - you need to discuss this with a registrar.
So: LEGAL REGISTRATION, NO RELIGION PERMITTED

‘Civil celebrant’ means a celebrant not affiliated to any belief system or worldview, whether that is religious/spiritual, or a humanist organisation. Civil celebrants reflect the wishes of their clients; their personal beliefs are irrelevant. Whether a couple require an entirely secular wedding or vow renewal ceremony, or if they’d like some touches of faith – spiritual music playing, singing a hymn, or having a spiritual reading or poem, a civil celebrant will accommodate that.
So: NO LEGAL REGISTRATION, ALL BELIEFS EMBRACED

‘Civil Ceremonies’ is a celebrant training company, that enables celebrants to achieve the only nationally recognised qualification for civil celebrants – the NOCN Diploma (it’s where I trained in weddings). A couple of other training providers offer this too.
 
Cocktails
Marriage is like a cocktail – different elements combine to make something unique. Mixed in the right combination, it’s the perfect recipe for a happy couple and a lush cocktail.
Who doesn’t love a pretty cocktail or mocktail!?
If you’re partial to them, they can be part of your ceremony too.

Here are some ideas. Why not have…
  • Cocktail toast instead of bubbly.
  • Signature cocktails served on arrival or at reception – a classic, or new one created for or by you (just 2 or 3 ingredients is best – keep it simple, and practise).
  • Cocktail mixing ritual, where you create your cocktail yourselves as part of your ceremony. It fun and looks great where there’s a colour change.
  • Shared unity cocktail – seal your promises with a sip from a pretty flute, goblet, or quaich (a two handled Celtic cup)
  • Your cocktail (re)named for the day, connecting to something personal – favourite TV, movie or music.
  • Ingredients that symbolise marriage, or your past and future hopes – bitter and sweet, bright and fun, traditional and modern. E.g. coconut for the exotic honeymoon you’ll share, cranberry to remember the Christmas you met, honey as that’s your pet name for your beloved. 
 
Links:

Venues - C

Remember – a celebrant-led ceremony of any type can take place at any venue; it doesn’t have to be licensed for civil weddings/partnerships. Here are some venues for a Lincolnshire or Yorkshire  wedding.

Carlton Manor Hull
https://www.instagram.com/carltonmanoryorkshire
https://facebook.com/carltonmanoryorkshire

Cave Castle Hotel
https://www.facebook.com//cavecastle
https://www.instagram.com/cavecastlehotel/

Cleatham Hall Gainsborough
https://www.facebook.com/CleathamHall
https://www.instagram.com/cleathamhall/

Suppliers - C
​

Chris Waud Photography
https://www.facebook.com/christopherwaud
https://www.chriswaudphotography.com/

Coates Couture
https://www.facebook.com/CoatesCouturebridal
https://www.instagram.com/coatescouturebridal

Crosskills Florist
https://www.facebook.com/CrosskillsFlorist
https://www.instagram.com/crosskills_flowershop
0 Comments

A-Z of Weddings: B

11/7/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
A Couples' Cornucopia: Ideas for Your Wedding
3 Ideas – 3 Venues – 3 Suppliers

Each week the A-Z taster presents ideas for your wedding, civil partnership or vow renewal. Mini blogs of just 200 words introduce you to each idea.
 
Up to 3 Venues and 3 Suppliers are featured each blog.
As far as possible, these are local Lincolnshire businesses.
​A mix of established and new, large and small, traditional and alternative. 
Picture
Ideas

Barn

Barn weddings surged in popularity about a dozen years ago, and no wonder. Airy, rustic surroundings with a warm and laid-back vibe, and plenty of room for guests. Barns are perfect for more relaxed ceremonies, and ideal for couples that wish to dispense with formality, and express a bit of personality.

If you’ve not attended a barn wedding, it may conjure up images of guests seated in a circle on hay bales, chewing on straw, holding a pitchfork. That’s not usually the way it is, but there’s nothing to stop you having that if you’d like a farm-themed ceremony! Think exposed wooden beams, warm terracotta brickwork, draped greenery or bunting, romantic fairy lights – how gorgeous!

People feel at ease in a charming barn, each with its unique character; whether hundreds of years old or built for purpose. The size of many barns means you may hold the ceremony and reception in the same room, and have more control over the decoration too. Some barn wedding venues are ‘blank slate’ and so you can create your own ambience – a perfect backdrop whether rolling with the romantic rustic theme, boho bride, cottage core, or chic contemporary with a casual feel.
 
Blessing
Couples sometimes contact me asking ‘It’s our anniversary soon. Do you offer something like a blessing?’ Yes, I do. An anniversary is the perfect occasion to reflect on your relationship – all those times you’ve been through together, the highs and lows, the adventures and the challenges, how you’ve grown and changed as individuals, and where you see yourselves heading now.

Traditionally, a blessing is an invitation to ask for divine protection and favour. So, what is a celebrant-led blessing? It’s not legally binding, and not (usually) like a religious blessing, although you may have readings that reflect and honour your beliefs and traditions if you wish.

It's an affirmation of your relationship, and any symbols that represent your commitment to one another. You may have a re-dedication over your wedding rings - perhaps because you have new rings if one was lost or no longer fits, or simply wish to make your promises once more.

A ‘ring warming’ is a lovely way for your guests to bless your rings. You don’t have to be married to have a blessing ceremony; it’s a lovely way to mark any couples’ or family ceremony, or a life transition, especially when family & friends are present to also ‘give their blessing’ to you.
 
Booking
The first thing to be booked by a couple for their celebration is usually the venue, a year or two ahead. The earlier the better if you are using a place approved for civil marriage. With an unlicensed venue, you’ve more leeway, but it’s still recommended to put down a deposit as soon as you can.

Having your ceremony at home or outdoors? Even more flexibility. Wait? You can have your ceremony anywhere? Yep. You can’t (at present - changes soon hopefully) REGISTER a MARRIAGE other than at a place of worship or a place licensed for registrar services. You can have your WEDDING CELEBRATION anywhere, subject to the owner’s permission.

Unlicensed premises are often cheaper than licensed venues, and you’ll not pay hundreds of pounds extra for the registrars to attend. I’ve had couples swap venues, and change to a celebrant-led ceremony because it was more them. This is the beauty of celebrant-led weddings, civil partnerships and blessings or renewal of vows.

Choose the place you *really* want for your ceremony, and have it led by your celebrant, your way. Ideally, book your celebrant around the same time as you book your venue. You might be disappointed if you leave it too late, so for venues and celebrants, book ASAP.

Links:

Venues: B

Remember – a celebrant-led ceremony of any type can take place at any venue; it doesn’t have to be licensed for civil weddings/partnerships. Here are some venues for a Lincolnshire or Yorkshire wedding.
 
Bardney Hall
https://www.bardneyhall.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/bardney_hall/?hl=en
 
Blue Dragonfly Tearoom
https://www.facebook.com/thebluedragonflytearoom/
https://www.instagram.com/dragonflytearoom/?hl=en
 
Bunny Hill
https://www.bunnyhillweddings.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/bunnyhillweddings/?hl=en
 
Suppliers: B
​

Bridal Reloved Caistor
https://en-gb.facebook.com/bridalrelovedcaistor/
https://www.instagram.com/bridalrelovedcaistor/?hl=en
 
Brush and Pen
https://www.facebook.com/brushandpenuk/
https://www.instagram.com/brush_and_pen_uk/
 
As the A-Z omits numbers, instead of the second letter, here's a two:
2ofharps
https://2ofharps.com/
https://www.facebook.com/2ofharps
0 Comments

A-Z of Weddings: A

4/7/2022

 
Picture
3 Ideas – 3 Venues – 3 Suppliers

Each week the A-Z taster presents ideas for your wedding, civil partnership or vow renewal.  Mini blogs of just 200 words introduce you to each idea.
Click ‘Contact’ if you want to know more.
 
Up to 3 Venues and 3 Suppliers are featured each blog.
As far as possible, these are local Lincolnshire businesses.
​A mix of established and new, large and small, traditional and alternative. To be fair, each is presented without comment (unless an explanation is needed), and with a link to social media or the website so you can find out more.
Picture
Ideas

Aisle
Walking down the aisle towards the one you love. Aww, whose heart doesn’t skip a beat?
Traditionally, with bride and groom, the groom stands at the top of the aisle, waiting for the moment he can turn and catch the first glimpse of his beloved as she makes her entrance.

If you want to break with tradition, especially for equal marriages and civil partnerships, you might mix it up. Both of you could come in together, hand-in-hand, or walk from different doors or corners of the room and come together at the top of the aisle. I say walk. Dance if you like! Enter on a motorbike, Space Hopper, or be carried in Cleopatra style and unrolled from a rug! It’s your big entrance – do it your way! Have an escort if you’d like – a parent or even a pet.

Whether you’re marrying inside in a function suite, in a barn or tipi, or outdoors in woodland or on the beach, there are many ways to reflect your style in the aisle (that rhymes!).
Red or white carpet, a custom printed runner, rugs or skins, or barefoot on sand – what’s your preference? Lined with candles, vases of flowers, leaves or grasses, scattered petals, trees or rustic logs, shells, rocks or stones, perhaps with an archway under which you can pause to relish the moment.
 
Alternative Ceremonies
Alternative ceremonies are for couples who break the mould – and they remove any traditional elements that aren’t ‘you’, such as being ‘given away’ or wearing a white dress, because that’s expected. Wear a black dress or a trouser suit if that’s what makes you feel great. It’s not only about style though. It’s a celebration of who you are and is a reflection of your personality, and beliefs (if any).

Alt ceremony weddings are sometimes called an un-wedding, non-wedding or anti wedding to distinguish them from convention. They are often described as quirky, unconventional or bold. They may be designed around your heritage, style or lifestyle – pagan, steampunk, gothic, boho, vintage, rock ‘n’ roll; or themed by your interests and inspiration – rainbows, dinosaurs, film noir, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid etc.

Alternative venues and locations are popular – mystical woodlands, majestic coastlines, atmospheric caves, the giraffe house at a safari park, a brewery, a hot air balloon, or sky dive if you’re brave! It’s about understanding what is authentic and true to you, and what will make your day truly your own. Then going for it! Don’t want a big fuss? Elope! Do it your way.
 
Animals
Love animals? How about including them in your day, actually or symbolically? If you love horses, you could arrive by horse-drawn carriage or on horseback. Some companies provide llamas, alpacas or goats for your special day.

How about your pet? Check first with your venue or location, and consider their personality, to see if your pet could attend too. Dogs are popular, and look amazing dressed in bow ties and little suits. Your pet pooch could take on a traditional role - ring bearer, best dog, dog of honour or flower girl. If you have a pet sitter for the day, they might bring the pet along for a short while so they can be part of the day. Your celebrant ceremony certificate could have space for a witness paw print (scanned in digitally if it’s not practical on the day).
​
Your animal theme may be reflected in the wedding stationery or cake design. How about a 3-tiered cake with layers of leopard skin, snake print and zebra stripes?
You could include your pets in your vows too, promising to take care of them together, or to love your partner *almost* as much as them!
 
Links:

Venues - A
Remember – a celebrant-led ceremony can take place at any venue; it doesn’t have to be licensed for civil weddings or partnerships. Here are some venues for a Lincolnshire wedding.

Abbey Farm Weddings
https://abbeyfarmweddings.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/abbeyfarmweddings

Abby's Bistro
https://www.abbysbistro.co.uk/upstairs-abbys/celebration/
https://www.facebook.com/abbysupstairs/

Ashbourne Hotel
https://www.oakridgehotels.co.uk/ashbourne-hotel/
https://en-gb.facebook.com/AshbourneHotel/

Suppliers - A

A Booth and Beyond
https://en-gb.facebook.com/aboothandbeyondphotoboothhire/

Amy Lauren Weddings
https://www.amylaurenweddings.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/amylaurenweddings/?hl=en

Anna Belle Designs
https://www.instagram.com/anna.belle.designs/?hl=en-gb
https://en-gb.facebook.com/annabelledesigns/

    From Dawn

    Welcome to the blog. Contact me if there's anything you'd like me to cover about celebrants, ceremonies (including weddings, namings, funerals) or related topics such a s vow writing, funeral planning etc.
    ​Dawn x


    Archives

    November 2024
    July 2024
    March 2024
    August 2023
    April 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    November 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020

    Categories

    All
    2ofHarps
    Abbey Farm
    Abbys
    A Booth And Beyond
    Aisle
    Alternative Ceremonies
    Alternative Funeral
    Amy Lauren Weddings
    Angel Gowns
    Animals
    Anna Belle Designs
    Anniversary
    Approved Venue
    Ashbourne
    Ashes
    Ashes Jewellery
    Award
    Bardney Hall
    Barn Wedding
    Bequeathment
    Bereavement Services
    Best Man
    BIFD
    Bingo
    Black Wedding Dress
    Blessing
    Blue Dragon Tearoom
    Boho
    Booking
    Breeze Memorials
    Bridal Gown
    Bridal Reloved Caistor
    Bride
    Brush And Pen
    Bunny Hill Weddings
    Burial
    Carlton Manor
    Cave Castle Hotel
    Celebrant
    Celebrant Cost
    Celebrant Plus
    Celebrants Collective
    Celebrants Near Me
    Celebration Of Life
    Christmas
    Chris Waud
    Civil Celebrant
    Civil Ceremonies
    Civil Marriage
    Civil Partnership
    Cleatham Hall
    CMA
    Coates Couture
    Cocktails
    Code Of Practise
    Coffin
    Coffin Club
    Cooperative Funeralcare
    Coroners Report
    Cottage Core
    COVID
    Cremation
    Crematorium Diary
    Crematorium Service Diary
    Cremulator
    Crosskills Florist
    Dandrew Photography
    Danny Inwood Photography
    Death Announcements
    Debbie Roe Photography
    Destination Wedding
    Diamond Ring
    Dignity Funerals
    DipFD
    Diploma
    Direct Cremation
    Doddington Hall
    Dower House Hotel
    Dunedin Country House
    East Midlands Wedding
    Elderflower Events
    Elizabeth Kate Bridal
    Elm Tree Hundleby
    Elopement
    Elsham Hall
    Enchanted Garden
    Essence Flowers
    Fake Wedding
    #FCD24
    Fire Eater
    FSJ
    Funeral
    Funeral Celebrant
    Funeral Celebrant Day
    Funeral Celebrants Near Me
    Funeral Date
    Funeral Director
    Funeral Notices
    Funeral Planning
    Funeral Regulation
    Funeral Service
    GCCM
    Golf
    Green Funeral
    Grief
    Grimsby
    Grimsby Crematorium
    Grimsby Funeral
    Grimsby Live
    Groom
    Guess Who
    Guest Contributor
    Hull Funeral
    Humanist
    Independent Funeral Home
    Interview
    Jason Threadgold Funeral Director
    Jenga
    Kettle Funeral
    Law Commission
    Licensed Venue
    Lincolnshire
    Lincolnshire Celebrant
    Lincolnshire Co Op Funeral
    Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral
    Lincolnshire Wedding
    Lockdown
    Magician
    Memorial
    Midwinter
    Mr And Mrs
    NAFD
    Near & Near Undertakers
    NOCN Diploma
    Obituary
    Outdoor Wedding
    Pet
    Pet Funeral
    Preloved
    Press Feature
    Quaich
    Radio Humberside
    Red Wedding Dress
    Register Office
    Registrar
    Religious Funeral
    Renewal Of Vows
    Repatriation
    Ring
    Rustic
    SAIF
    Self Care
    Shoe Game
    Shroud
    Small Wedding
    Speech
    Statutory Ceremony
    Stilt Walker
    Symbolic Act
    The Wedding Industry Awards
    Treasured Memories
    TWIA
    TWIA23
    TWIA23EM
    TWIA23YNE
    Twilight Funeral
    Undertaker
    Unity Candle
    Video
    Wedding
    Wedding Band
    Wedding Cake
    Wedding Caterer
    Wedding Celebrant
    Wedding Cost
    Wedding DJ
    Wedding Dress
    Wedding Flowers
    Wedding Games
    Wedding Guests
    Wedding Hair
    Wedding Inspo
    Wedding Photographer
    Wedding Planner
    Wedding Reception
    Wedding Suppliers
    Wedding Travel
    Wedding Venues
    Wedding Venue Stylist
    Weekend Funeral
    When Is The Funeral
    White Wedding
    World Celebrants Week
    Yorkshire Wedding

    RSS Feed

SERVICES

​WEDDING
FUNERAL
NAMING

INFORMATION

ABOUT ME
REVIEWS
BLOG
FEES
 
​​​​​

Support

Ts & Cs / PRIVACY
CONTACT ME
​LINKS
Picture
​© DAWN KEMP 2025
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  • HOME
  • CEREMONIES
    • FUNERAL >
      • SERVICES AVAILABLE
      • HUMANIST CEREMONIES & FAITH SERVICES
      • BOOKING YOUR FUNERAL CELEBRANT
      • FUNERAL OPTIONS
    • NAMING & WELCOMING
    • WEDDING & VOW RENEWAL >
      • RITUAL & SYMBOLIC ACTS
      • VIP AREA - COUPLES
    • INCLUSIVE: LGBTQ+ and ALTERNATIVE CEREMONIES
  • REVIEWS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT