CAROLINE THOMPSON · CELEBRANT IN LANCASHIRE & BEYOND
Your Questions
Answered.
At the Heart of It
Planning With Confidence
It’s completely normal to have questions when you’re planning something this important. Here are the things I get asked most often. If your question isn’t here, just drop me a message and I’ll be happy to help.
Booking and Plans
What is the booking process?
We start with a free consultation to make sure we’re a good fit. If you’re happy to go ahead, I’ll send over a contract to secure your date. From there, we start building your ceremony together.
Can we meet in person?
If you’re local to Blackpool or the surrounding area, I’m happy to meet in person. Otherwise, we can meet over a video call if you’d prefer.
Where do you work?
’m based near Blackpool in Staining. I cover Lancashire, the Lancashire-Yorkshire border and the South Lakes easily, and I’m happy to travel further afield.
Pricing & What's Included
How much do you charge?
£700 for wedding ceremonies, and £350 for naming ceremonies.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. If anything extra applies (usually travel if you’re far away), I’ll tell you upfront.
Do you offer payment plans?
It’s 50% upfront to secure your date, and the remaining 50% two weeks before the ceremony.
Why do different ceremonies have different prices?
A wedding takes time in getting to know you and your partner, crafting your story from scratch, tweaking drafts, checking in with your venue and suppliers as needed, and making sure everything runs like clockwork for your ceremony. A naming ceremony or celebration of life is just as personal and meaningful, but the process is naturally a bit more streamlined.
The Ceremony & Style
What does a "bespoke" ceremony actually mean?
It means I start from scratch and your ceremony is completely customised to you. I write your ceremony based on our chats and your questionnaire answers. The ceremony should feel like it’s a true expression of you rather than a guess at who you are, featuring your stories and the things that matter most to you.
Do you do same-sex ceremonies?
Yes, absolutely.
Do you do non-religious ceremonies?
Yes. They can be religious, non-religious, or somewhere in between. What matters to me is that the words said and actions taken matter to you.
Can we include spiritual or cultural elements?
If it’s part of who you are and makes you feel at home, then yes. We’ll weave it in so it feels natural and meaningful.
Do you do outdoor ceremonies?
Yes I certainly do!
How long does a ceremony usually last?
Most ceremonies are around 20 to 30 minutes long, but we’ll find the rhythm and length that feels right for you.
On the Day
What time will you arrive?
Usually 45–60 minutes before, so I can check the space, coordinate with suppliers (where applicable) and check we’re good to go.
What happens if we're running late?
It happens and that’s OK! We’ll go with the flow and I’ll adjust as needed.
I have other suppliers like a DJ and a photographer - will you coordinate with them?
Yes! For weddings, I’ll coordinate closely with your team on the day to ensure all our cues (like your entrance music if applicable) hit perfectly. For naming days and smaller celebrations, I’ll always check in with anyone running your sound or taking photos before we start so we’re all on the same page. My background is in live radio and major events, so coordinating and timings are second nature to me.
Qualifications & Experience
Are you trained and insured?
I trained with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy and I’m fully insured.
Are you experienced?
I trained with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy and before that, I’ve been unknowingly preparing for this role for over 25 years. All those years in live radio, hosting huge events, leading and coaching teams of people and DJing celebrations mean I’ve already mastered skills that are key to being a great celebrant. I’m also continuing my training as I expand into Celebrations of Life, so rest assured you’re in very capable hands.
Still Have
Questions?
07988 270 890
caroline@loveinanortherntown.com