Ask a Celebrant Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:35:43 +0000 https://askacelebrant.buzzsprout.com en-gb © 2026 Ask a Celebrant yes 6f677d12-7d53-5b4e-b461-992c943f6f32 Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton episodic false Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah. We're Celebrants. We create celebrations of love and life.We get asked a lot about what people can and can't have a ceremony or celebration for. We're going to share our thoughts, experiences and ideas to answer your questions on topics from relationship celebrations to funeral and life celebrations.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton https://storage.buzzsprout.com/2qn42y25iw252pxu90q4qybuyppd?.jpg Ask a Celebrant Direct Cremations - considering choices and impact Direct Cremations - considering choices and impact In this episode Berni and Dinah talk about direct cremations. There has been an increase in these services and our concern is that the long-term implications are not really explained, or considered, when these are recommended.

Join us as we talk about what a direct cremation is, who to speak to about arranging one that feels caring and appropriate and what you can do to make sure those left behind have a chance to gather and express their shared grief. 


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> In this episode Berni and Dinah talk about direct cremations. There has been an increase in these services and our concern is that the long-term implications are not really explained, or considered, when these are recommended.

Join us as we talk about what a direct cremation is, who to speak to about arranging one that feels caring and appropriate and what you can do to make sure those left behind have a chance to gather and express their shared grief. 


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-17729598 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0100 1566 full false Helping people with specific needs at a time of loss Helping people with specific needs at a time of loss In this episode Berni and Dinah talk about their experience working with families who have specific or special needs. 

Death is a very challenging time for everyone, and if you consider additional needs for those with a disability or who live with challenges, it can be highly traumatic.

We look at ideas and little ways we, in the profession, can do better.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> In this episode Berni and Dinah talk about their experience working with families who have specific or special needs. 

Death is a very challenging time for everyone, and if you consider additional needs for those with a disability or who live with challenges, it can be highly traumatic.

We look at ideas and little ways we, in the profession, can do better.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-15581322 Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0100 2081 full false Community matters Community matters In this episode, Berni and Dinah met in Llandovery town square to support a community event. It leads to an unscripted (as always) chat about community and how much it matters to us.
Community is such a massive support at times of grief, too and we talk about how we noticed the way our rural community comes together for each other at times like this.
Community is about the best of times too, like sitting in the sunshine (briefly) to listen to a talented friend. We hope you enjoy the episode. 


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> In this episode, Berni and Dinah met in Llandovery town square to support a community event. It leads to an unscripted (as always) chat about community and how much it matters to us.
Community is such a massive support at times of grief, too and we talk about how we noticed the way our rural community comes together for each other at times like this.
Community is about the best of times too, like sitting in the sunshine (briefly) to listen to a talented friend. We hope you enjoy the episode. 


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-15115352 Wed, 22 May 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1616 ask a celebrant, grief, community support, full false Autumn and seasonal myths! Autumn and seasonal myths! Welcome to Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah. In this episode we're talking about the myth that there is a season for weddings - amongst other things.

We'd encourage you to choose when you celebrate based on your own desires and whim - not those of marketing messages!

Did you go against the wedding season myth and have an autumnul or winter ceremony? We'd love to hear what your experience was.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Welcome to Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah. In this episode we're talking about the myth that there is a season for weddings - amongst other things.

We'd encourage you to choose when you celebrate based on your own desires and whim - not those of marketing messages!

Did you go against the wedding season myth and have an autumnul or winter ceremony? We'd love to hear what your experience was.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-13821769 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100 1752 full false A bit of self love A bit of self love This month, we're talking about the impact that our self-talk and the media, have on our body confidence. We both hear 'I want to lose weight before the ceremony' from so many of our couples. It's sad. Especially when you consider that you've just been asked to spend the rest of your life with someone, and you think 'they'll love me more if I could lose some weight'. 
Join us as we talk about how everyone has felt this way. We all tell ourselves these negative stories.
We also share some words from the fabulous Pix by Vix - who recently took photos of us both for our businesses. She's a brilliant photographer and also someone who encourages empowerment and self-love. You can find more about Vix on her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/_pixbyvix/ 

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> This month, we're talking about the impact that our self-talk and the media, have on our body confidence. We both hear 'I want to lose weight before the ceremony' from so many of our couples. It's sad. Especially when you consider that you've just been asked to spend the rest of your life with someone, and you think 'they'll love me more if I could lose some weight'. 
Join us as we talk about how everyone has felt this way. We all tell ourselves these negative stories.
We also share some words from the fabulous Pix by Vix - who recently took photos of us both for our businesses. She's a brilliant photographer and also someone who encourages empowerment and self-love. You can find more about Vix on her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/_pixbyvix/ 

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-13064812 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0100 1944 wedding body, body image, empowerment, body confidence, celebrant, ask a celebrant, what is a wedding celebrant, 1 10 full false talking about life celebrations talking about life celebrations We met at The Castle Hotel in Llandovery and had the most gorgeous lunch as we talked about life celebrations. It may seem strange to talk about the end of life and include moments of laughter and joy. But what's the point in it all, if we don't celebrate those we have lost?
We understand that grief is a very personal experience. We all need different support and there is no right or wrong way to experience grief. As Independent Celebrants we are here to be part of the team that supports others at this point.
It is such an amazing role. We both feel so lucky to do this work.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> We met at The Castle Hotel in Llandovery and had the most gorgeous lunch as we talked about life celebrations. It may seem strange to talk about the end of life and include moments of laughter and joy. But what's the point in it all, if we don't celebrate those we have lost?
We understand that grief is a very personal experience. We all need different support and there is no right or wrong way to experience grief. As Independent Celebrants we are here to be part of the team that supports others at this point.
It is such an amazing role. We both feel so lucky to do this work.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-12658780 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0100 1711 independent celebrant, ask a celebrant, life celebrations, alternative endings, talk about death, death and dying, grief, 1 9 full false 101 reasons to celebrate! 101 reasons to celebrate! In this month's episode, Berni and Dinah are talking about reasons to celebrate.
From the smallest to the biggest, there are many occasions in our lives that deserve to be noticed, to be acknowledged and to be celebrated.

We'd love to hear from you with your ideas for reasons to celebrate, to help us create the list of 101 reasons to celebrate.

And we'd love to hear about what you're already celebrating - do you have traditions that are a great way to celebrate? We'd love to share them with other couples and families.

You can share your ideas with Berni and Dinah on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Askacelebrant 
Or connect with us on Instagram:
Berni https://www.instagram.com/bernib_full_life/
Dinah https://www.instagram.com/dinah_celebrant/  


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> In this month's episode, Berni and Dinah are talking about reasons to celebrate.
From the smallest to the biggest, there are many occasions in our lives that deserve to be noticed, to be acknowledged and to be celebrated.

We'd love to hear from you with your ideas for reasons to celebrate, to help us create the list of 101 reasons to celebrate.

And we'd love to hear about what you're already celebrating - do you have traditions that are a great way to celebrate? We'd love to share them with other couples and families.

You can share your ideas with Berni and Dinah on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Askacelebrant 
Or connect with us on Instagram:
Berni https://www.instagram.com/bernib_full_life/
Dinah https://www.instagram.com/dinah_celebrant/  


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-11195338 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100 1715 1 8 full false Wedding Law Reform - what's it all about? Wedding Law Reform - what's it all about? This month, Berni and Dinah are talking about the White Paper on Wedding Law Reform and what it might mean for couples considering marriage.

You can find out more about the campaign here: 
https://independentcelebrants.com/legalising-celebrant-weddings-campaign-for-change/ 

And here is the letter you can personalise to your MP to ensure they are aware of the differences between the types of Celebrant. https://gccmovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/How-to-write-to-your-MP-GCCM.pdf 

We'd love to hear from couples who have had a wedding ceremony that was carried out by an Independent Celebrant - do get in touch if you'd be happy to share your experiences.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> This month, Berni and Dinah are talking about the White Paper on Wedding Law Reform and what it might mean for couples considering marriage.

You can find out more about the campaign here: 
https://independentcelebrants.com/legalising-celebrant-weddings-campaign-for-change/ 

And here is the letter you can personalise to your MP to ensure they are aware of the differences between the types of Celebrant. https://gccmovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/How-to-write-to-your-MP-GCCM.pdf 

We'd love to hear from couples who have had a wedding ceremony that was carried out by an Independent Celebrant - do get in touch if you'd be happy to share your experiences.


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-10947871 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100 1498 1 7 full false Talking about death in a way that feels comfortable Talking about death in a way that feels comfortable We're not very good at talking about death in our culture. We're getting better at it, but to be honest, it's not healthy to avoid this very important topic.
In this episode, we're talking about difficult conversations and how to start making them easier. There's information on Dulas and how their work is helping many people to prepare for their death with dignity and care. And as always, we're not scripted, just passionate about our work as Independent Celebrants and how we support and work with families.

Links promised in the episode:

to Aura Flights Scatter ashes in space | Aura Flights | United Kingdom

and Powys Health Board's My Life My Wishes My Life, My Wishes - Powys Teaching Health Board (nhs.wales)


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> We're not very good at talking about death in our culture. We're getting better at it, but to be honest, it's not healthy to avoid this very important topic.
In this episode, we're talking about difficult conversations and how to start making them easier. There's information on Dulas and how their work is helping many people to prepare for their death with dignity and care. And as always, we're not scripted, just passionate about our work as Independent Celebrants and how we support and work with families.

Links promised in the episode:

to Aura Flights Scatter ashes in space | Aura Flights | United Kingdom

and Powys Health Board's My Life My Wishes My Life, My Wishes - Powys Teaching Health Board (nhs.wales)


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-10828700 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100 2068 ask a celebrant, Independent Celebrant, death dula, end of life dula 1 6 full false The loss of a much loved pet The loss of a much loved pet Our pets are part of our families. 
They are often our best friends. They show unconditional love and we are so fortunate to have such trusting and important relationships.
When a pet dies, it can be a very challenging time. Friends and family often don't know how to react.
In this episode we talk about the loss of a pet, and the very recent loss for Dinah and her family, of their beloved dog, Branston, who died last month aged sixteen. 

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Our pets are part of our families. 
They are often our best friends. They show unconditional love and we are so fortunate to have such trusting and important relationships.
When a pet dies, it can be a very challenging time. Friends and family often don't know how to react.
In this episode we talk about the loss of a pet, and the very recent loss for Dinah and her family, of their beloved dog, Branston, who died last month aged sixteen. 

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-10570872 Sat, 28 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100 1885 celebrant, ask a celebrant, Berni Benton, Dinah Liversidge, AOIC Celebrants, 1 5 full false Grief and memorials Grief and memorials To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-10364505 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100 1886 full false What kind of ceremonies can a Celebrant create for you? What kind of ceremonies can a Celebrant create for you? Welcome to the third episode of Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah and in this episode we're exploring some of the ways we can help you mark key moments and events in your life.

From  welcoming a new member of the family to marking a significant milestone in your relationship, a Celebrant can work with you to create a ceremony for it. If it's worth marking, then do it properly!

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Welcome to the third episode of Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah and in this episode we're exploring some of the ways we can help you mark key moments and events in your life.

From  welcoming a new member of the family to marking a significant milestone in your relationship, a Celebrant can work with you to create a ceremony for it. If it's worth marking, then do it properly!

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-10262226 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0100 2120 1 3 full false How can you celebrate your relationship without a big wedding? How can you celebrate your relationship without a big wedding? Welcome to episode two of Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah.
In this episode, we're talking about the impact that the last couple of years has had on many people who had to cancel their wedding plans. We've heard from stressed and concerned couples who don't want to go through it all again - only to be dissapointed.

So, we're talking about the alternatives. And as Independent Celebrants we help people create alternatives to traditional weddings all the time. 


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Welcome to episode two of Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah.
In this episode, we're talking about the impact that the last couple of years has had on many people who had to cancel their wedding plans. We've heard from stressed and concerned couples who don't want to go through it all again - only to be dissapointed.

So, we're talking about the alternatives. And as Independent Celebrants we help people create alternatives to traditional weddings all the time. 


To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn

Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-10091953 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000 1926 celebrant, weddings, independent celebrant, AOIC, vow renewals, outdoor weddings, non traditional weddings, 1 2 full false What is a Celebrant? What is a Celebrant? Welcome to the first episode of Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah.

In this episode, we are looking at what a Celebrant is and does. We're often asked what type of work we do and what that means.

We are both Independent Celebrants and we're delighted to be bringing you a monthly conversation where we answer your questions.

Do send us your questions for future episodes. We'd love to answer all your questions about anything in your life that you're celebrating.  From namings to vow renewals, weddings and elopements to life celebrations and memorials, we'll be covering it all,
You can find out more about us by visiting our websites or connecting with us on Social Media - all details below.

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Welcome to the first episode of Ask a Celebrant with Berni and Dinah.

In this episode, we are looking at what a Celebrant is and does. We're often asked what type of work we do and what that means.

We are both Independent Celebrants and we're delighted to be bringing you a monthly conversation where we answer your questions.

Do send us your questions for future episodes. We'd love to answer all your questions about anything in your life that you're celebrating.  From namings to vow renewals, weddings and elopements to life celebrations and memorials, we'll be covering it all,
You can find out more about us by visiting our websites or connecting with us on Social Media - all details below.

To connect with Dinah and see what she's currently speaking/training about visit her website: celebranttrainer or connect on LinkedIn 


To connect with Berni visit her website bernib or connect on LinkedIn



Contact Berni at:  https://www.bernib.co.uk/

Contact Dinah at: https://www.gratefulcelebrant.com/

]]> Dinah Liversidge & Berni Benton Buzzsprout-9846827 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000 1993 celebrant, Independent celebrants. Wedding celebrant, funeral plans, ask a celebrant, dinah liversidge, Berni Benton, alternative weddings, 1 1 full false