ABIGAIL
YARDIMCI
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ABIGAIL
YARDIMCI
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Frequently
Asked
Questions
How much does it cost?
My wedding ceremonies start at £750 + expenses. I will always agree expenses (travel / any accommodation) with you before settling on an overall fee. I don’t charge anything for the first 50 miles of travel. This may not be the cheapest quote you can find, but my service is absolutely worth it and so are YOU! I know finances can be tricky so I split my fee into three payments: 1.) deposit on booking, 2.) after the planning meeting and 3.) two weeks before your big day.
How does booking / payment work?
You can kick things off by getting in touch for a chat by email. Then we’ll sort out a Zoom call by means of a proper intro and you can ask anything you like as well as figure out if I’m the celebrant for you. You can take some time to make that decision – I’ll never put you on the spot. If you would like to go ahead and book me, I’ll get your date in my diary and I’ll send you a booking form. After that, it’s a £200 deposit to secure the booking and the rest can be paid in 2 x instalments before the big day
Where are you based and where can you go?
I am based in Brixham, South Devon in the UK so perfectly situated for Devon and Cornwall and the South East in general. I won’t charge you for my first 50 miles. However, if your wedding is further afield, I am totally willing to travel so do get in touch.
Is the ceremony legally binding?
In short, no. At least, not yet. In most parts of the UK including England and Wales, you can currently only legally get married in licensed venues with the ceremony conducted by a Registrar from the Local Authority, or in a religious church ceremony. Most couples will book the register office a few days before or after the main event so the Humanist ceremony is still the real heart of their union, even if it’s not legally binding. Humanists UK is on the case and actively campaigning to make Humanist weddings legally recognised in England and Wales. Read all about it on their website.
What if we don't know where to start?
That’s fine! The best wedding ceremonies start with the simple intentions to celebrate love and demonstrate commitment. We can work from there. I can be involved as little or as much as you like but if you’re feeling a bit clueless and overwhelmed I can offer guidance and lots of suggestions until you’re happy we’ve come up with a ceremony that delights you both.
Can we get a cheaper deal through the week?
By marrying on a week day, you may well be able to secure savings on venue, caterers, flowers etc but I’m afraid I can’t offer a discount. I am a lone worker and have to cap the number of ceremonies I book in each year to ensure each couple gets the best of me. The care and attention I take in planning, writing and delivering a wedding ceremony is the same regardless of the day it happens on. However, if you’re saving in other areas by having your wedding on a Tuesday, then splurging on THE most important part of the day, might feel more possible.
How much will you share on social media?
I will be guided by you on this. I do have an Instagram account and if you would like to give me some photos to share on there, that’s great. If not – that’s great too. I will never share anything without your permission.
What does the fee include?
Have a quick look at the ‘My Approach’ page to get a sense of what is included for my fee. It’s all of that plus a huge amount of commitment, attention and care. To me, every couple deserves an incredible ceremony that embraces everything they are to each other. You won’t get anything off-the-shelf from me.
Are you qualified?
Absolutely. I am trained and accredited by Humanists UK who are forerunners in Humanist celebrant training in the UK. Their training is high quality, robust and comprehensive and they train each of their celebrants to the highest standards. You can find out more about the training on their website.
Will you do destination weddings?
I LOVE to do destination weddings, so you can absolutely chat to me about this. I got married in Turkey myself so I know the challenges and delights of marrying abroad.
Do we get to write our own vows?
Of course! I’d actively encourage you to do this. The vows are the heart of the ceremony and will mean so much to you as a couple as you move into the next part of your life together. There are different ways you can come up with your vows including writing them privately and keeping them secret until the ceremony, using a ‘repeat after me’ kind of style or responding with, ‘I do’ to statements we’ve personalised together. The thought of writing your own vows might seem daunting, but I’ll help you from start to finish. I can give you some guidance on content and style and help you come up with something that’s an authentic reflection of your relationship and how you feel. You’ve got this!
We know what we want - will you take over with too many ideas?
No way. I’ll always listen to a couple deeply and respond appropriately to their vision. Yes, I’m creative and can help with ideas, but only when I’m asked to. If you’ve got a very definite vision of what you want, as long as it aligns with my Humanist values, I’m in!
What if the ceremony runs late?
Life happens! A ceremony can run late for a multitude of different reasons. Rest assured that when you book me for your wedding, I won’t take any other bookings for that day. That means I’ll be able to hang around until the bridal car’s flat tyre is changed or Aunt Maude’s late plane lands . . . I can help keep the guests calm and happy too, informing them of what is happening and why.
Do you do other types of ceremonies?
I can lead vow renewals so if that's something you're interested in, please do get in touch. I am also planning to train to lead Humanist funerals and naming ceremonies too so do watch this space and follow me on Instagram to find out when this happens.
