Local celebrant, Claire Mountain gives us her top tips for choosing a celebrant
"Choosing a celebrant to officiate at your wedding blessing, renewal of vows, or any other commitment ceremony will not disappoint you. Celebrants have the luxury of being able to conduct bespoke ceremonies wherever and whenever they like. We are an award- winning company here in Wales that help couples from all walks of life to achieve their dream day their way. Here are some of my top tips for finding the perfect celebrant:
"Are they trained, and if so, who was their training provider? You can ask for proof of a diploma from the NOCN, which is the only nationally recognised qualification.
"Is your celebrant associated with the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC)? This association regulates, monitors and encourages celebrants to continue with the CPD training.
"Is your supplier insured? All celebrants should have not only public liability insurance of over five million but also public indemnity of five million.
"Does your venue know your chosen celebrant, or could they recommend one they have worked with before that does a good job?
"Do they have a website, where you can view feedback from other clients?
"Always meet and speak with a celebrant free of charge before you book their service. Once you have chosen someone who you feel fits the bill, make sure there is a contract in place between you. A good celebrant will never ask you for more than a booking fee upfront. Here at Mountain Celebrations, we only invoice for the ceremony 28 days before the actual date.
"After you’ve booked, make sure that they have sent you a full draft of the ceremony, this way should the unthinkable happen, you have a full copy of what was going to be said, and a friend or a member of staff from the venue can step in.
"The beauty of using a celebrant is they can officiate your ceremony at any venue, licenced or not, so go bold and chose something outside in this beautiful country of ours. Alternatively, have a second venue that you can use, such as someone’s garden, park, beach, or any indoor venue such as hotels, restaurants, or even a public house.
"Any good celebrant will have your vows printed out on a separate sheet to hand to you should you forget your words on the day."
How to treat the father-of-the-bride this Father's Day
Father's Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the father of the bride. After all, he's been there through the wedding planning, the emotional speeches, the last-minute panics and probably more than a few budget discussions too. Whether the wedding has already happened or it's still to come, Father's Day is a brilliant opportunity to show him just how much he's appreciated. If you're looking to do something a little more exciting than buying another novelty mug or pair of socks, wedding experts The Stag Company share their favourite experiences that can make the day feel extra special.
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Unearthed Festival returns to Pembrokeshire from 19th June
From the 19th until the 21st of June this summer, the Unearthed Festival returns to Pembrokeshire for its 14th year. Headlining the main stage is Roni Size, Bristol's most decorated musician, whose Mercury Prize-winning album New Forms (credited to Roni Size & Reprazent) took drum & bass from underground clubs to global stages in 1997. Joining him is Omega Nebula, the Bristol-based husband and wife duo whose future-dub sound — rooted in Jamaican sound system culture, dub reggae and bass — has built one of the city's most passionate live followings. Bristol DJs and producers Optimystic and Sanial complete a line-up.
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Enjoy Family Fun and Festivals in Swansea Bay this June
From the roar of jets over Swansea Bay to open-air theatre in the grounds of a Norman castle and world-class performances across the Gower Peninsula, Swansea Bay is gearing up for one of its best and busiest summers yet! Enjoy family fun and festivals in Swansea Bay this June, with the 50th Anniversary Gower Festival starting the seasonal events from the 29th of June until the 12th of July. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Gower Festival transforms historic churches, chapels and village venues across the peninsula into intimate performance spaces, attracting internationally acclaimed musicians and artists from around the world.
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Say it with chocolate: Tony’s Chocolonely’s personalised wedding bars
Ethical chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely is helping couples add a personalised touch to their wedding celebrations with its customisable chocolate bars, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wedding favours. From engagement announcements and bridesmaid proposals to place settings and guest gifts, the brand's personalised bars can be tailored with names, photographs, table plans or bespoke messages, creating a keepsake that guests can enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.
