Weddings
Demelza is a Birmingham-based wedding poet who brings her typewriter to your wedding, turning your special day into original, live poems you & your guests will treasure.
Live Typewriter Poetry
From £600 for a standard 4-hour booking.
Bespoke packages available depending on guest numbers, timings and requirements. Please get in touch to explore options.
Demelza brings her typewriter to your special day to write live poetry, creating keepsakes that your guests will treasure forever.
Inspired by conversations with your guests, Demelza produces in-the-moment typewritten poems; each one personalised.
Nostalgic, bespoke and quietly powerful, live custom poetry gives your guests an experience to connect with & a token to keep long after the day is over.
How Live Custom Poetry works:
1. Demelza brings the goods
On your big day, Demelza will arrive at the venue to set up. She'll bring her typewriter, handmade paper, tablecloth & sign.
2. You & your guests get involved
Demelza’s ‘Give me a word, get a poem’ sign inspires conversation with the guests, who sit and have a short chat with her.
3. Demelza turns conversation into custom poetry
Demelza takes inspiration from every interaction, writing each guest a personalised poem while they wait. Demelza’s current record is 3mins 18secs.
4. The poem is yours
Once Demelza has finished writing, each typewritten poem is your guest’s to keep.
What’s Included:
- Standard 4 hour booking (dependent on guest numbers)
- Vintage typewriter setup
- Personalised poems for each guest who requests one
- Handmade paper & materials provided
- Set up & pack down
to enquire about your wedding, fill in this form.
FAQs
How long does each poem take?
Each poem takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
How many guests can you write for?
For a standard 4-hour booking, I'd aim to write around 50-60 poems.
How much space do you need?
Live custom poetry is a tabletop service - I would only need a table & 2 chairs. I always bring a neutral tablecloth, my typewriter, sign & handmade paper.
Do guests have to sit down?
Not if they don’t want to! I’m happy for people to wait while I write but if they prefer to grab a drink or have a dance, they can come & grab their poem later.
Can you travel outside Birmingham?
I’m happy to travel wherever I am wanted! Travel is included within 30 miles of Birmingham, with an additional mileage charge beyond this.
What happens if a guest doesn't want a poem?
They don’t have to get one! Whilst I’m there for you & your guests’ enjoyment, there is no pressure to get a poem. I often find that guests who aren't sure wait until a little later in the day, then come back for a poem after seeing what others have received. There’s no right way to engage and that’s okay!
Do you provide the paper?
Yes! We handmake the paper. The default is an A7 white / neutral, but you are welcome to personalise your paper to your colour scheme should you have one and wish to. The fee for this is £50.
Can you write poems about the couple as well as guests?
Absolutely - I always make time to speak to the couple on the day to capture how they are feeling. I do also write them a surprise poem whilst they are busy enjoying their day!
I also write wedding poems specifically for the couple. Take a look here.
What’s the best time for poetry on the day?
Live custom poetry works particularly well during drinks receptions, when guests have time to mingle and chat, but I'm happy to discuss timings that work best for your day.