When someone we love dies, there can be an awful lot to think about at a time when your brain may feel like it’s running on empty. There are decisions about practicalities, paperwork, flowers, music, venues, transport and a whole host of things you probably didn’t have on your to-do…
Tag: family
Real Wedding: Hannah and Andy
In this blog we will be looking back to a balmy summer day in a woodland setting for Hannah and Andy’s wedding. Who: Hannah and Andy Where: https://browningbros.co.uk/teybrook-orchard When: July 2026 First Contact: Unusually I had a contact from one of my cousins to say that a work colleague was getting…
What 50 Years of Living Has Taught Me: The Power of Ceremony, Kindness and Letting Go.
There is something wonderfully reflective about reaching your fiftieth birthday. People often ask if I feel older. The truth is, I feel grateful. Fifty years have given me stories, laughter, heartbreak, friendships, adventures, lessons and more cups of tea than I could ever count. They’ve taught me that life isn’t…
Welcoming Your Child with a Naming Ceremony: The Beautiful Alternative to a Christening.
Welcoming Your Child in a Way That Feels Right for You The arrival of a child changes everything. Whether you’re welcoming a newborn baby, an adopted child, a stepchild joining your family, or celebrating a child later in life, many parents feel a deep desire to mark the occasion with…
Top Celebrant Wedding Trends for 2026/27: The Future of Personalised Weddings
Top Celebrant Wedding Trends for 2026/27 If there’s one thing I’ve learned from creating hundreds of bespoke ceremonies, it’s that couples are becoming increasingly confident about doing weddings their way. Gone are the days when everyone felt obliged to follow the same wedding rulebook. Today’s couples want authenticity, personality and…
What Does a Funeral Celebrant Do?
When someone we love dies, the world can feel as though it tilts slightly off its axis. In those moments, clarity, compassion, and gentle guidance matter more than ever. This is where a funeral celebrant steps in, not just as an organiser of ceremonies, but as a steady hand and…
Sober Hen and Stag Do Ideas: Meaningful, Joyful & Completely Hangover Free Celebrations
There is something beautifully refreshing about a celebration where everyone remembers the punchlines, the dancing, and the heartfelt toasts the next day. Sober hen and stag dos are rising in popularity across the UK, and not because they lack sparkle. Quite the opposite. Couples are choosing connection over chaos, memories…
Honouring Our Loved Ones at Christmas and Special Life Events
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 —…
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…
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…
