Avoid The Wedding Ceremony Blur – Tips From A Yorkshire Celebrant
Posted: 27th August 2025
Balance not blur
There’s something about those minutes before a wedding ceremony begins that makes it one of my favourite parts of a wedding. The air is buzzing with anticipation and excitement, there’s truly no feeling like it. If I could bottle that up, I absolutely would! But all that heightened emotion and nervous energy can sometimes tip into overwhelm, and when it does, the ceremony can feel surreal or like a blur, and this is what we want to avoid.
The key is balance. A wave of anticipation combined with just the right amount of nerves helps you to stay present, soaking in the atmosphere instead of drifting through it. That’s why, when I plan and write ceremonies, I always build in ways to help you and your guests feel grounded and fully alive in the moment. Revelling in the joy… not being swept away by it all.
As a celebrant in Yorkshire, I often help couples create this balance so their ceremony feels relaxed, personal and truly unforgettable.
Breaking the ceremony ice
Early on in the ceremony, I like to weave in a moment that breaks the ice. How we do this depends on the couple – maybe it’s…
- a playful surprise
- an unexpected joke that gets everyone laughing
- a big cheer
- a call and response to get guests involved.
These small moments allow people to exhale, release nervous energy, and, most importantly, they give you a chance to relax into the ceremony from the very start. And managing this anticipation and energy doesn’t take away from the magic, it simply keeps the experience real and present.
Take a look at the guest shout out we included in Alicia and Danny’s garden ceremony… the ice was well and truly broken!
Connect like a couple
Another way to stay present is to give yourselves permission to connect in whatever way feels natural. Hold hands, hug, kiss, chat, laugh, cry – it’s your wedding day after all, and this moment is yours, so do what feels right. If you want to kiss as soon as you meet each other down the aisle, go for it! You don’t have to wait until the very end. Staying physically connected reminds you that you’re in it together, and it keeps you grounded.
Your photographer will also want you to stay connected as it helps them capture photos which are natural, not awkward.
Always authentic
Authenticity is everything. Your ceremony should feel genuinely yours, not like a script you’re forced to follow. If traditional elements don’t resonate, I help find ways to tweak them or leave them out entirely. Trust your gut – if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Celebrants excel in creating ceremonies that feel personalised, unique and real. That’s one of the main reasons couples look for a Celebrant in Yorkshire, because we have the freedom to make this happen. A ceremony that feels completely authentically yours allows you to be fully present in the moment.
The Celebrant skillset
As a Celebrant, whether I’m leading a wedding, a funeral, a naming ceremony or a vow renewal, I know that guests often look to me for cues. Can I laugh? Can I cry? Can I clap? Can I cheer? People sometimes need guidance on how to engage. That’s why I build moments into your ceremony where guests have permission to participate and connect. When people feel this freedom, emotions flow naturally, and everyone genuinely celebrates the love, joy, and excitement as you take that next step into married life. The result is a ceremony that is heartfelt, memorable, and meaningful and never stiff, formal or nerve-wracking!
What are you waiting for…
Are you ready to create a ceremony that feels uniquely yours and fully embrace that in-the-moment feeling? Get in touch and let’s start planning your perfect day.
With love,
Your Celebrant,
