A virtual committment ceremony
Now how is this for a love in lockdown story. Tribe member Karen from Standout Ceremonies recently conducted a Zoom wedding ceremony (other video calling facilities are available!). The Coronavirus hit down in the UK just weeks before Beth and Jonty’s planned humanist wedding day. It’s just a little taster of what’s to come in their real wedding day later this year and a fabulous opportunity to celebrate their nearlywed day.
Let’s hand over to Karen to find out more about their nearlywed day
“[Beth & Jonty] … embraced the idea and dressed up for the occasion. They lived the day as if it were their wedding, having a first dance and cutting a cake. Neighbours even spotted them through the window and brought celebration banners into the street!
[They] … were keen that none of the unique features of their ‘real’ wedding later in the year were revealed so it was a completely different ceremony. We used different vows, promising ‘I will’ rather than ‘I do’ and saying, ‘I lend you this ring just for today’. I performed an adjusted traditional handblessing including ‘these are the hands that will be there for you in September on your wedding day’.
Beth and Jonty are both big Disney fans so of course I had to include some Disney references; particularly Cinderella with the whole concept of living a day of magic before the clock striking 12 and putting everything back to normal (for a few months at least!).
The ceremony ended with party poppers as they were pronounced ‘Almost but not quite Husband and Wife!”
Highlights from this Zoom wedding Day
“The ceremony really changed a day I was so upset about into something we looked forward to and an event people could get out of their pjs for! I’m even more excited for our postponed wedding date, now we’ve had a taster we can’t wait to do it for real!” Beth
Top tips for a zoom wedding
So what to do if you’re debating a zoom wedding of your own! Here’s our top tips from Karen and the UW team.
USE AN EXPERIENCED CELEBRANT
They'll help you find the right words to create the vibe you want. Check out our celebrant tribe members to find the right one for you!
HAVE FUN
Right now it’s more important than ever to find joy in the world and having an excuse to dress up and openly celebrate with your loved ones is a wonderful experience to you and to them.
GET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS INVOLVED
Get everyone to let off party poppers and do a virtual ‘cheers’. It really works despite you all being miles apart!
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE DECOR
Or the technology. If someone accidentally is on mute or their camera upside down you'll all have a giggle. It all adds to the uniqueness of the occassion.
Congratulations to Beth and Jonty!
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