About Alicen Dines

My background

Alicen Dines, independent celebrant

I started my celebrant career as a marriage registrar with the Dorset Registration Service. I trained as a funeral celebrant in 2016 and set up my own business Beautiful Day Celebrant in 2017. I am now a full- time independent celebrant. I offer a wide range of beautiful, modern ceremonies for all life’s milestones.

My ceremonies are all 100% bespoke – in tune with the families and couples I work with. I love every aspect of being a celebrant. I meet amazing people every day and am lucky enough to work with them to create something really memorable and life-affirming.

After taking a degree in English Literature, I started work as a PR consultant, promoting brands including Gillette razors, Walkers shortbread and Rolls-Royce motor cars. I organised lots of events and met people from all walks of life. Over the years, I learnt a huge amount about other people’s perspectives on the world.

In the late 90s I spent several years working a presentation skills trainer for British Airways and London advertising agencies. I helped hundreds of people banish their fear of public speaking and enjoy giving a great speech. I still love coaching anyone struggling with a speech, or eulogy. If that’s you – please get in touch.

I recently completed a two year counselling skills course, which has been a great help in my celebrancy work. I am a member of the Good Funeral Guild, which promotes high standards of funerals. I am listed on www.thecelebrantdirectory.com and www.hitched.co.uk

How I work with you

For me, the most important thing, is getting to know more about you and finding out what are your wishes and hopes for the occasion. After that, we can begin to craft a bespoke ceremony, that feels just right for you.

You might already have strong ideas about what you want, or you might still be at the thinking stage. I have created all different kinds of ceremonies, from relaxed family gatherings at home, to formal celebrations in large venues. I can help you develop your ideas and give you advice on how to create a cohesive, flowing ceremony.

I am a warm, enthusiastic, empathetic person. I am proud of my high standards. Every ceremony I write is different; I don’t use templates. Being your celebrant, whatever the occasion will be my privilege. I look forward to making your ceremony everything you are hoping for.

These are some of the ceremonies I offer

And finally, my name!

People often ask me about my name. It’s pronounced the same as Alison and is an old nickname for Alice. It dates back several hundred years and has fallen out of use, so not surprisingly, there are very few other Alicens around.

I live in the arty, seaside town of Bridport, Dorset with my family, two cats and a crazy spaniel.