Celebrant-led wedding ceremonies are a perfect match for DIY weddings! Why? Celebrants create personalised wedding ceremonies which weave the couple’s story through the script. There is scope for so much creativity and an opportunity to reflect a couple’s personality, humour and values. Celebrant-led wedding ceremonies are one of a kind and it is that uniqueness which motivates couples to DIY invitations, decor, food and other elements which make their day truly special and personal. I’m Sam, a wedding celebrant based in Bristol.
At present there are over 100,000 members in a Facebook group for couples who want to DIY their wedding days. That is a significantly-sized membership and indicates that it is the personal touches along with being budget-conscious that are both factors for many couples who are in the process of organising their weddings.
As a wedding celebrant based in Bristol, I have now worked with a few couples who have DIY’d significant parts of their wedding days. Shauna and Ian’s wedding took place at Stroud Cricket Club last August. The pavilion is just the most beautiful shade of grey-blue surrounded by a beautifully green pitch. Quite the striking combination on a vibrantly sunny August day and the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony.
Their vision was very much about creating something meaningful for them and their guests with budget being a consideration. Their aim was to create a really lovely day without breaking the bank. They proved that this is possible to achieve.
Sunflowers featured in the wedding party’s bouquets and decor. Shauna grew these in her garden and created the bouquets herself. She chose to incorporate a couple of potted rose trees and finished off the floral arrangements with a variety of silk and fabric flowers and garlands bought online.
The ceremony incorporated a handfasting with individual cords. Shauna matched the colour of the cords to the decor and wedding party outfits.
The couple made the food themselves. Using a roll of builder’s hessian as table covering helped to create an organic feel when combined with the sunflowers and other homegrown plants.
Shauna made and decorated the wedding cake herself as well as the decorated cookies as favours. There was even a crisp wall – a very popular wedding addition in 2024. For wedding furniture, the couple borrowed tables and seating from a local primary school which helped to keep costs down.
All in all their day cost them £4000 proving that a wonderful day can be experienced on a budget. They covered the legal marriage registration costs, celebrant fee, venue hire, bouncy castle, games, decorations, invitations, welcome drinks, food, cake, flowers, dresses and suits. The couple say that further savings could have been made.
It highlights that the most important elements of a wedding day are bringing together family and friends to celebrate the couple; and creating the right atmosphere in which to do so. Shauna and Ian achieved both.
Hello! I’m Sam, a wedding celebrant based in Bristol who works with engaged couples to create unforgettable ceremonies to be treasured. I deliver wedding ceremonies anywhere! Get in touch to discuss your wedding ceremony! And visit my socials to see what else I have been up to – Instagram and Facebook.