Not all ceremony spaces are created equal
I've had to constantly duck under a faux cherry blossom tree to stop my hair getting caught in the branches.
I've had to work around enormous oak lecterns (do not look good in the photos).
Squeeze into teeny spaces at the front, making my exit right to make sure I'm not in the big kiss shot a bit trickier.
And I've been in rooms surrounded by 360-degree light, which are completely beautiful, but make squinting throughout the ceremony a necessity. Or challenge the screen brightness of even the most proficient Kindle.
So, what does make a great ceremony space?
Personally, I love being outdoors
I love the “no walls” freedom and weather all around us.
Yes, you need a decent sound system. I always bring my own even when the venue has one — no one wants a microphone that glitches during the big words. Backup to the plan, always.
And obviously there are things to think about. Can everyone get there? Is there some shade, somewhere comfortable to sit, and what happens if it absolutely chucks it down? Ideally the indoor option is somewhere you actually like too, given the British weather's tendency to do whatever it fancies.
But maybe there is a bandstand set up ideally for a ceremony, and lovely as that is, take a look at the other areas outside too.
One of my favourite places for being super creative with their spaces is Château du Garde in Bordeaux. I know, fancy... do not go looking it up yet, you will get lost in a world of complete gorgeousness and you will never read the rest of my blog.
If there is even the hint of a bluebell wood or grand old oak tree, I can't resist thinking how this could be used for your day.
And if we can't be outdoors...
When I go to look around a venue, I love to see what “other” spaces could make a great ceremony space.
Sometimes the obvious choice is the obvious choice. But other times — especially when you've got a bit more freedom, a choice of different rooms or a tipi that's usually for the drinks reception — having a rethink can open up all sorts of ideas.
Of course, we need to work out whether everyone fits. And can hear. And isn't spending the whole ceremony peering around a pillar to see you.
But that's the sort of thing we can look at when we're wandering about.
I am a total sucker for an old chapel
Like the ones at Walton Hall or Rudding Park, or the freshly renovated chapel at Hogarths.
And don't automatically think that means you need something religious. Ask the venue what's possible in their chapel, because with someone like me — an independent celebrant who writes and leads your ceremony — we can do a bit of a religious thing if you want.
Christmas carols anyone? YES ME.
Or you can go completely non-religious and just enjoy the fabulous architecture and acoustics.
And if there is an obvious space?
See how it could look differently. There isn't just one layout.
Stand in the middle with your guests all around you?
Go runway style, where the guests are more catwalk-like, facing each other with the ceremony in the runway?
Or shift everything around 90 degrees.
You do need to think about who can see what, and leave a bit of room for everyone to move about. Including me getting out of that kiss photo, or Auntie Anne to get to the front with her handfasting ribbon.
Your venue will usually have created the space the way they have for all sorts of good reasons. But they will also probably have a hundred different ideas that they’re itching for someone to try.
Or ask your celebrant. I love a wander around somewhere and a “what about over there?”
Ooh, I haven't even started on what a completely different ceremony could look like in a non-conventional wedding venue...
A pub. An old cinema. A cow barn. Granny's house.
You don't need to wait for wedding law changes to have a celebrant-led ceremony somewhere like that. The legal marriage bit needs to happen separately, but the ceremony? With the owner's say so and a few practical things worked out, we can get very creative with where that happens.
But that is a blog for another day.
I can't wait to hear what you have planned.
Becky xx
