The Celebrant

03/11/2026

Keep in mind that many couples choose a themed wedding, so always dress according to their request.

Struggling with what's acceptable to don as a guest? We've got you covered.

02/16/2026

Planning a wedding is supposed to be exciting and it is! But between juggling vendors, guest lists, and everyone's opinions, it's easy to lose sight of what matters most: each other.

Here's the thing nobody tells you: the stress of planning can create distance right when you need connection most. One of you becomes the spreadsheet person, the other checks out. Suddenly you're roommates coordinating logistics instead of partners celebrating your future.

How to stay connected through the chaos:
Schedule time that has nothing to do with the wedding. Date nights where the W-word is banned. A walk where you don't talk about seating charts. Time to just be yourselves, not wedding planners.
Remember you're on the same team. When tensions rise (and they will), take a breath. You're not arguing about napkin colors—you're both just stressed and want things to be perfect. A little grace goes a long way.
Make decisions together, but divide and conquer. You don't both need to research every detail. Trust each other. If they say the photographer is great, believe them. Save your joint energy for the things that matter most to both of you.
Laugh about the absurdity. Someone will have a meltdown about something ridiculous. The cake will be the wrong shade of ivory. Your aunt will ask to bring her new boyfriend you've never met. Find the humor in it.
Check in regularly. A simple "How are you feeling about all this?" can open up space for honesty. Maybe one of you is overwhelmed and just needs to vent or needs the other to take something off their plate.

At the end of the day, you're planning one day to celebrate a lifetime. Don't sacrifice your relationship at the altar of the "perfect" wedding. Your marriage matters more than your centerpieces ever will.

How are you staying connected during wedding planning? Share what's working for you!

02/05/2026

Writing your own vows is one of the most meaningful choices you can make in a wedding ceremony. It turns a beautiful moment into a deeply personal one, where your words reflect not just your love, but who you truly are together.

The most powerful vows are not about sounding poetic or impressive. They are about honesty. Start by thinking about your relationship as it really exists, not just the highlight reel. What has your partner taught you? How have they shown up when things were hard? What small, ordinary moments make you feel most at home with them? These details are what make vows land emotionally, because they are unmistakably yours.

Personal vows often balance reflection with intention. Look back briefly at how you arrived here, the turning points, the quiet assurances, the laughter, the growth. Then look forward. What are you committing to in a real, lived sense. Not perfection, but presence. Not fairy tales, but effort, patience, and choosing each other again and again.

Write the way you speak. If you are warm and funny, let that come through. If you are thoughtful and reflective, honour that voice. There is no single right tone. The only rule is authenticity. Your partner should recognize you immediately in your words.

Finally, remember that vows are not a performance. They are a promise. If your hands shake or your voice wavers, that is not a flaw. It is proof that what you are saying matters. And that is what makes the moment unforgettable.

01/22/2026

These are our favorite wedding color ideas and palettes, curated from real couples' celebrations. Let these tried-and-true color combinations inspire your own wedding decor. Click the link in the comments to learn more. 👇🏼

01/22/2026

I am deeply honoured every time I am invited to lead a humanist funeral or celebration of life. These ceremonies are not about doctrine or ritual; they are about people. They centre on a life lived, the relationships that shaped it, and the very real impact one person can have on others.

As a Humanist Officiant, my role is to listen carefully and thoughtfully. I learn who someone truly was, what they valued, what made them laugh, and how they showed love. Together with family and friends, we create a ceremony that is honest, personal, and grounded in compassion and respect.

I never take this work lightly. Being trusted with someone’s story at such a tender moment is a profound privilege. It reminds me, every single time, that meaning is found in our connections, in kindness, and in the legacy we leave in the hearts of those who loved us.

01/13/2026

Planning a wedding in 2026 is less about following tradition and more about making intentional choices that reflect who you are and how you live. The most successful weddings now start with clarity of purpose. Before booking venues or choosing colours, it is worth asking what the day is actually meant to feel like. Intimate and relaxed. Joyful and energetic. Elegant and timeless. That emotional goal should guide every decision, not trends or outside expectations.

Guest experience is taking center stage. Couples are thinking beyond aesthetics and focusing on comfort, flow, and inclusion. This means realistic guest counts, accessible venues, thoughtful seating plans, and timelines that allow people to connect rather than rush. Quality time is increasingly valued over packed schedules, which often results in shorter ceremonies, fewer formalities, and more space for conversation and celebration.

Flexibility is essential. Costs continue to rise and availability remains competitive, so building contingency plans into your budget and timeline is smart planning, not pessimism. Many couples are choosing off-peak dates, weekday celebrations, or non-traditional venues to maintain control over both cost and experience. Transparency with vendors and clear contracts matter more than ever.

Personalization remains important, but it looks different in 2026. Instead of elaborate themes, couples are weaving meaning into small details, such as intentional ceremony wording, family acknowledgements, or values-based choices around food, sourcing, and sustainability. Authenticity resonates more deeply than spectacle.

Technology also plays a bigger role. Digital invitations, wedding websites, live-streaming options, and collaborative playlists are now standard tools rather than extras. Used thoughtfully, they can enhance communication and inclusion without replacing the human moments that matter most.

Above all, planning a wedding in 2026 means giving yourself permission to design a day that fits your life, not someone else’s expectations. When decisions are grounded in values, clarity, and care for the people involved, the result is not just a beautiful wedding, but a meaningful beginning.

12/18/2025

Do what is meaningful to you.

We asked planners to share the outdated wedding trends that don't belong on your vision board. According to these experts, it's time to retire pampas grass, sparkler exits, meaningless favors, and geometric ceremony arches. See the link below. ⬇️

12/16/2025

Managing family expectations- Your wedding is not a performance. It is a reflection of who you are as a couple. Designing a day that feels true to you is not selfish, it is honest. Start by getting clear together on what matters most, whether that is intimacy, meaning, or simplicity. When your vision is aligned, it becomes easier to explain and harder to challenge.

When talking with family, lead with intention, not defence. Share what feels meaningful to you rather than focusing on what you are not doing. Set calm, respectful boundaries and acknowledge the love behind their suggestions. Inclusion does not require giving up your values.

A wedding rooted in authenticity creates less resentment and more connection. When you honour yourselves first, you set the tone not just for your wedding day, but for the partnership you are building.

11/27/2025

Love this!

11/02/2025

If you like our That’s humanism! series, you can download our print posters – designed for schools but accessible for everyone – on the Understanding Humanism website. We'll pop a link in the comments.

09/21/2025

What a privilege to be part of Cailtyn and Roderick's wedding. Thank you for choosing me to officiate.