Posts by Steve Pritchard-Jones
Why I’m Active on Social Media as a Celebrant – And Why It’s Personal, Not Commercial
“You’re everywhere.” It’s something I hear quite often. YouTube. TikTok. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn. And usually, it’s followed by: “Isn’t it all a bit too commercial?” It’s a fair question—but it’s based on a misunderstanding of what it means to be a celebrant. This profession is built on people, not products Unlike many services, being a…
Read MoreMeeting Your Celebrant for the First Time: Weddings & Vow Renewals
So, you’ve had your initial discovery call with your celebrant, you’ve filled in the booking form, and you’ve paid the booking fee to secure the date in the celebrant’s diary.
The next thing… is the face-to-face meeting to get the ball rolling.
(Yes — this is where it all gets real. Slightly exciting… slightly “what have we signed up for?” 😄)
You walk in thinking it’s just another meeting. Another step in planning.
But somewhere between the introductions and the first shared laugh, it becomes something much more meaningful.
Helping You Find the Right Place to Gather, Remember & Celebrate in Telford and Shrewsbury
When someone we love passes, one of the most important moments afterwards is simply being together. Finding the right place for a wake—somewhere warm, welcoming, and comfortable—can make all the difference. It’s where stories are shared, laughter gently returns, and memories are kept alive.
To help, I’ve put together a guide to wake venues across Telford & Shrewsbury 💚
Read MoreWhat Not to Say in a Eulogy: Gentle Guidance for a Meaningful Tribute
Writing a eulogy is one of the most personal things you will ever do.
Most advice focuses on what to include — but knowing what not to say in a eulogy can be just as important.
When emotions are high and the room is full of people who are grieving, sensitivity matters. A few careful choices can make the difference between a comforting tribute and an awkward moment.
Read MoreWriting a Eulogy? Start With These 4 Simple Stages 🤍
Being asked to write a eulogy is an honour — but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’re staring at a blank page wondering where to begin… take a breath. It doesn’t need to be perfect.It doesn’t need to be poetic.It just needs to be sincere. Here’s a simple 4-stage structure that can make writing…
Read MoreWriting Your Vows for a Renewal of Wedding Vows 💍💛
Renewal vows are different — and that’s the magic ✨
On your wedding day, vows are based on hope.
At a renewal, vows are based on experience.
You’re not promising to stand by each other through difficult times — you already have.
Through the ordinary days.
The extraordinary ones.
The flat-pack furniture arguments. 🛠️😆
The holidays that didn’t quite go to plan. ✈️🙈
And the thousands of little moments that quietly made up your life together.
That’s what makes renewal vows so powerful.
They’re real.
Read MoreHow to write a eulogy without falling apart ✍️💛
A eulogy isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s simply the story of someone you love.
Read MoreCelebrant or Humanist – What’s the Difference?
When planning a funeral, wedding, renewal of vows or baby naming ceremony, many people wonder about the difference between a celebrant and a humanist. The two roles are often confused, but understanding the distinction can help you choose the right type of ceremony for you or your family. What does a celebrant do? A celebrant…
Read MoreA Christmas Reflection: Interment of Ashes ✨🎄
Christmas is a time of light, love, and memories. For many families, it’s also a moment when we feel the absence of loved ones a little more deeply.
One gentle way to honour them is through an interment of ashes — creating a peaceful place to visit not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Honouring a Life of Service: Funerals for Members of Public Service Organisations
Across the UK, countless people dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to organisations rooted in service — groups like the Freemasons, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, the Women’s Institute, and many more. Membership of these organisations often reflects a deep commitment to community, friendship, and charity.
When someone who has lived by these values dies, their funeral becomes much more than a farewell. It becomes an opportunity to recognise a lifetime of service and to celebrate the impact they’ve made on others.
At Top Note Ceremonies, I work closely with families to create funeral services that honour both the individual and the organisation that meant so much to them.
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