Add-On Services

I offer lots of choices for Unity (ritual ceremony) and Music Add-Ons. Click on the picture of the Add-On you are interested in below for further information.

Handfasting

What is Handfasting?

Hand-fasting is a symbolic unity ritual in which a couple stand face to face as their hands are tied together - hence the phrase, tying the knot! As your hands are bound, you can recite words that express your commitment to one another.

What Does Handfasting Symbolise?

Handfasting ceremonies date back over 2000 years. An ancient Celtic tradition, it was originally used to symbolise a betrothal, during which a druid priest would declare that the couple would be bound together. This engagement would last a year, as a sort of 'trial marriage', after which you'd decide to opt in or opt out. In later times, it was used in a marriage ceremony, in lieu of the presence of a priest. Today, Celtic handfasting rituals symbolise the binding together of their separate lives and the commitment they're making together.

What's a Handfasting Cord?

A handfasting cord is a ribbon, or long piece of fabric used to bind your hands. Some couples use one or two cords, others use several. You can use simple lengths of lace or ribbon, but some couples take fabric that's significant to them, whether it's from a family heirloom, made or gifted from family members, or cord in colours or patterns that have a significance. Couples with children often choose a ribbons to represent each child. You can also buy handfasting ribbons online. A single handfasting cord should be about one to two metres long, so it can loop around your wrists and hands.

Price

Can be added as optional Add-On... FREE OF CHARGE as part of the price of the main celebrant service.

Sand Ceremony

What is a Sand Ceremony?

Well, it's a simple tradition that sees a couple pour sand from two (or more) separate vessels into one. The act represents two people uniting as one, the vessel containing their combined sand symbolising the marriage of their hopes, dreams, and values. It's a very visual act, perfect for outdoor weddings, that can be personalised in so many ways, including using a sentimental vessel such as a family heirloom, using multiple types of sand to represent other family members like children, or using sand from the couples favourite beaches.

How Can We Personalise Our Sand Ceremony?

There are so many ways to make a sand ceremony your own from choosing sentimental vessels to pouring sand that you and your partner gathered from a place that is meaningful to you (you can also purchase sand online!). While traditionally just the couple tying the knot takes part in the ritual, other family members can be involved too. This is especially lovely if you have children or are uniting a blended family. Some people choose coloured sand for aesthetic reasons, while others have the vessels housing the sand turned into a work of art like a glass sculpture which they can display in their home - all great options to consider but really, it's about what suits you and your partner and what makes it right for you. If you chose to seek sand from the beach, ensure it is dry before the big day comes around.

Price

Can be added as optional Add-On... FREE OF CHARGE as part of the price of the main celebrant service.

Quaich Ceremony

A quaich is a Scottish two-handled drinking cup, often referred to as the cup of life. Drinking from the quaich is one of many wedding rituals often included in independent wedding ceremonies.

The History Behind It

Drinking from a quaich is an ancient Celtic ritual that symbolises love, peace and trust between two or more people. Traditionally, in days of old at Scottish Clan weddings, since both hands were used to hold the quaich, there was no free hand to reach for their sword!

How It’s Done

You each pour your chosen drink into the quaich (whisky - and Irn Bru!). They mingle and join, representing your union and the blending of your families. Using both hands, you each offer the quaich to the other to drink from. You can sip the drink or drink the quaich dry.

You can even kiss the bottom of the quaich and place it on your head. Not strictly traditional, but good fun!

Price

Can be added as optional Add-On... FREE OF CHARGE as part of the price of the main celebrant service.

Release Wish Balloons

A good luck and good fortune ritual that can be used in many different ceremonies, eg. baby namings, weddings or funerals as part of the main ceremony.

Price

Can be added as optional Add-On... FREE OF CHARGE as part of the price of the main celebrant service.

Singer +/or Master of Ceremonies

You can choose to upgrade from the basic celebrant-only booking should you require the additional services of me as your Singer during the ceremony at funerals, the ceremony during weddings, the wedding breakfast during weddings or the evening entertainment during weddings.

When booked as Singer with celebrant duties, I will use appropriate backing tracks to accompany me.

This can also be booked (for weddings only) as me as your Master of Ceremonies for the duration of the day.

Price

Each ceremony is unique so price will be quoted separately depending on requirements.

Live Musicians

I have access to many other music industry professionals, so if you would like, for example:

- bagpiper
- a solo live guitarist
- piano player

or ANY solo instrumentalist to accompany me whilst I sing to add a really special moment to funerals or weddings or even a full live band for the evening reception for your wedding, I can help.

Price on enquiry dependent on requirements.

Choir

Add a choir to create an uplifting statement and create a special moment in either the funeral or wedding ceremony.

Price on enquiry.

D.J.

If a DJ is required for your evening wedding reception, I have access to a large range of other wedding entertainment professionals.

Price

Price on enquiry.