Hardingstone Ceremonies

27/02/2026

Looking forward to meeting these and other fab suppliers at the Belbroughton Wedding Fair on 22 March.

26/02/2026

The crocuses were looking stunning in the sunshine yesterday, on my visit to Beeston Fields Golf Club yesterday. Offering a range of wedding packages, from small and intimate to large and lavish, this is a stunning venue and it was a delight to meet with staff.

22/02/2026

Looking forward to exhibiting at this - do come and say hello!

💍 Got engaged on Valentine’s Day? Congratulations!

If you’re starting to plan your big day, come along to our first ever Wedding Fair at Belbroughton Church Hall on 22 March, 12–3pm.

Meet local suppliers, gather inspiration, and take your first exciting steps toward saying “I do.” 💐

✨ Street food will be available — so arrive hungry!
🥂 Pre-register to receive a free glass of fizz on arrival.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

22/02/2026

I was enormously grateful to receive the most beautiful email this morning thanking me for a recent service. It is an extraordinary kindness that families so often find the time and headspace to write and thank me at such a difficult time; it means the world.

Grateful thanks for permission to quote from the family too.

"I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you did ...You were so professional, calm, and thoughtful throughout... the way you led everything made the day feel truly special... It was a comfort to have you there."

15/02/2026

Just had a wonderful conversation with the lovely Annie from On A Wick & A Prayer about Unity Candles. Lighting a unity candle is a beautiful ritual for a wedding, vow renewal, family blessing or naming ceremony involving lighting a larger candle from individual candles - the exact choreography, of course, varies for each bespoke ceremony.
Anyway talking to Annie - she can make bespoke candles for your ceremony in whatever form is required; single, double or more wicks, matching or coordinating candles - whatever feels right. Added to that, it's possible to actually help make the candles. Now isn't that a wonderful idea for a couple, hen do, mother & mother-in-law activity?!

The picture shows one example with the strip in the middle being a combination of the colours of the single candles!

14/02/2026

As always Donna Ashworth says it perfectly! May you feel loved today and always.

There are so many ways in which you are loved, my loves.

And on Valentine’s Day I think we should make it our mission to count them all.

One of my favourite loves of all is the way we women love one another. It’s what has kept our species alive! I am sure of it.

Love you all ❤️

Happy Valentines Day x

Donna xx

14/02/2026

Romance comes in many different forms - what does it mean to you?
In this article from a couple of years ago, I reflect on whether some days/months are more 'romantic' than others. Would love to know your thoughts.

What does romance mean to you and are some months more romantic than others?

12/02/2026

Working at Nene Valley Crematorium this morning. Great to meet the staff there who were super helpful. Today's service included an original poem by a family member and it was beautiful.

11/02/2026

Roses are, of course, traditional symbols of love and sales of roses soar at Valentine's - it's estimated more than 83million roses will be sold globally this Valentine's Day!
If you receive roses on Saturday, if they are accompanied by a proposal or you are on the receiving end of some other declaration of love - congratulations! May you relish the joy.
However, for many Valentine's Day can be tough reminding them of what they don't have. Remember love is not all about romantic love and not all about big declarations. Love expresses itself through family, friends, neighbours and more and is found in small acts of kindness as well as big gestures.
May you feel love this Valentine's Day.

09/02/2026

Honoured to be listed on the Fiesta Farewell website. This Warwickshire based organisation provides the 'resources and services to help people plan a bespoke celebration of life'.

Hi, I’m Catrina, a Heart-led Independent Celebrant based in Leicestershire. It is my absolute privilege to serve families by helping them to plan, write and deliver the perfect farewell for loved ones. I am also honoured to work with individuals planning their own funeral whether that is imminent ...

05/02/2026

On Monday evening it was the first Death Cafe for Kirby Muxloe in 2026. An excellent evening full of thoughtful and inspiring conversation. If you've ever wondered what it's like to attend a Death Café take a look at my latest blog. The next one in KM is 20th April, The Royal Oak, Kirby Muxloe, 7-9pm but if that's not convenient take a look at Death Cafe website - there might be one near you.

Wondering what happens at a Death Café? This article explains the mechanics of a Death Café and offers a range of ways in which attending one might be helpful.

03/02/2026

I was asked recently if it's ok to choose your own celebrant for a funeral - the answer is 'yes, absolutely'. Usually the Funeral Director will appoint a celebrant if that's what you choose and good FD's will match carefully celebrant & family, but if you know who you want just ask. If you've been to a funeral and liked the celebrant, they will usually be named on the OoS. If friends have recently arranged funerals ask them for a recommendation.