A Gentle Guide by Shelley Bell Celebrant Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us, it can also be one of the most emotional. As the lights twinkle and families gather, we may feel the presence — and the absence —…
Category: Wedding Ceremony
Top 10 Most Popular Wedding Songs, Top 10 Most Popular Funeral Songs & Why Music Matters in Every Ceremony
Music is the heartbeat of any ceremony. Whether it’s a wedding overflowing with joy, a funeral filled with reflection and love, or any milestone moment in between, the right song speaks directly to the soul. As an independent celebrant, Shelley Bell Celebrant knows just how transformative music can be—it grounds…
Real Wedding – Zoe and James
In this look back at one of 2025’s most colourful weddings we can see how little pops of colour can make such a difference to a neutral palette and how your furry family can be a part of your celebrant led ceremony. Where: The Boundary at Garons Park, Southend, SS2…
Real Wedding – Melissa and Daniel
In this month’s Real Wedding Blog we meet Melissa and Daniel, a couple who took a while to get to their wedding date, “this was not eyes locking across a crowded room, love at first sight. More a slow burner or to be more accurate a steady smoulder.” Where: Chalkney…
A Vegan Wedding in Essex: Compassion, Style & Celebration
“A way of living that seeks to exclude as far as possible and practicable any exploitation or cruelty towards animals.” — Lisa Flahant That beautiful quote from Lisa Flahant captures exactly why more couples are choosing a vegan wedding — not just as a style choice, but as an expression…
Top 10 Personalised Wedding Ceremony Ideas You’ll Love in 2025/26
Discover the top 10 personalised wedding ceremony ideas for 2025. From handfasting to personal vows, Shelley Bell Celebrant shares unique ways to make your big day truly yours. Why Personalisation Matters in Weddings Your wedding ceremony should be more than just words — it should reflect you. More and more…
How to Write the Most Fabulous Wedding Speech Ever!!
Wedding speeches are like champagne—bubbly, heartfelt, and best when not overdone. But crafting the perfect one? That’s a cocktail of creativity, timing, a sprinkle of humour, and just the right amount of sentiment. Whether you’re the best friend, sibling, parent, or even a dog-sitter with a mic, here’s your ultimate…
Why Breaking the Traditional Wedding Rules Might Be the Best Thing You Ever Do.
Why Breaking the Traditional Wedding Rules Might Be the Best Thing You Ever Do Weddings are a celebration of love, not a checklist. And while tradition has its place, more and more couples are realising that the most memorable and magical weddings are the ones where the rulebook gets tossed…
Elopements: The Intimate, Intentional Way to Say “I Do”
Once whispered about as secretive and spontaneous, elopements have grown into a modern, meaningful way for couples to celebrate their love. No longer about running away in the dead of night, today’s elopements are beautifully crafted, deeply personal experiences that reflect a couple’s unique bond. So, what exactly is an…
Embracing Love Without Limits: A Guide to Non-Binary Weddings.
Weddings are evolving to become more inclusive, diverse, and deeply personal celebrations of love. Non-binary weddings, in particular, are challenging traditional expectations and creating new ways to honor a couple’s unique identity. From language choices to dress codes and the essential role of a celebrant, here’s how a non-binary wedding…
