Create Your Own Ceremony Book Series

Who Wears the Pants in Your House?

I was just going back through some old ceremonies and I came across this delightful one which I will always remember. This young couple were bright and vivacious and full of enthusiasm. I would like to share just one part of the ceremony that I wrote for them. I asked if they had any surprises planned (a great question for celebrants to ask!) and they said, 'well, actually yes!' When they told me what they were doing I was happy to support them. I have changed their names and a few details to maintain their privacy as it has been a long time since we have had contact.  ... read more

Butterfly Release for a Wedding Ceremony

I was recently asked for some information on the wording for a butterfly release for a wedding. With the butterfly ceremony I ask my couples to consider what the butterfly symbolises for them (some examples might be: beauty, transformation, freedom, softness etc) I then incorporate their ideas into the wording before the release. There is a well known quote about sending wishes on the butterfly wings (since they make no sound and can tell no-one this secret wish) up to the heavens for them to be granted. It is an  opportunity to invite the wedding guests to make a wish for the couple as the butterflies are released.  ... read more

The Power of Music in a Wedding Ceremony

Roger and I watched a beautiful program yesterday on the effect of music on people. It was a insightful look through the eyes of the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra and their world tour. In one part of the program they were working with beautiful Chinese bells that when played captured my attention and lifted my spirits. They were delicate and yet commanding. It reminded me of a stunning ceremony I conducted down by the banks of the Never Never River at the Promised Lands in the Bellinger Valley.   ... read more

Values and Intentions for a Wedding

In my file clean-up I rediscovered another part of a ceremony that I had written some time back:

Since you first met your friendship has grown from strength to strength. You have shared many wonderful moments and created a fabulous history together. In the planning towards your wedding day and the writing your own vows you have become aware of your intentions and values that give meaning to this ceremony and also to the marriage itself. You have considered the direction you wish to travel and the vision that you wish to sustain.

You both deeply value the honesty, trust and respect that you uphold in your friendship; and your intentions are that you wish the very best for each other; that you will be kind and considerate in the ways in which you communicate; that you will be generous in giving thanks and, if conflict comes, that you will strive to fight fairly; that you will respect each other as the very best of friends; that you will share and care for each other through all that comes - the good times and the challenges; and that you both wish to have a beautiful family and grow old together holding hands for many years to come.