​Bringing family and friends together is a wonderful way to introduce your new child to the wider community in which they will grow and thrive. The ideal way to do this, if you do not wish to have a religious ceremony, is to have a naming ceremony.

There are a number of reasons why you might choose a Celebrant led ceremony. The naming of a child establishes their individuality. Within a Naming ceremony parents dedicate themselves to the upbringing of their child and make promises regarding their future hopes. There is also an opportunity for other adults to make promises of special concern for the welfare of the child as they mature into adulthood. 

For family and friends who witness the ceremony it is a time to reflect on the part they may play in the child's life in the future.

The most common types of Celebrant led ceremonies are Weddings, Namings, Commitment and Renewal of vows.
 
Weddings and Civil partnerships

These ceremonies are undertaken after a legal declaration at the Registry Office

There a number of reasons why you might choose to undertake the legal obligations and then have a  ceremony,  chief amongst this is the freedom to celebrate where, when and how you wish. 

Every ceremony I conduct is tailor-made to each couples requirements.   The ceremony can be held in a location of your choice, at a time to suit you and there are no limits to the number of people who can be present.

Your choice of music, poetry and readings can be woven into the ceremony.

Actions such as exchanging rings, lighting candles, a sand ceremony, releasing doves, exchanging love letters  or creating unique items to cherish are just a few of the things that can be included.

If you choose an Independent Celebrant then you can also include some religious elements, if you choose.


Naming Ceremonies and Welcoming ceremonies

A naming ceremony is suitable for children of all ages.  It is an ideal way of bringing family and friends together to formally welcome the newest member or members to the family.  It is also an appropriate way to welcome an adopted child or children from a previous partnership.

During a Naming ceremony parents make promises to their child or children and share their hopes and dreams for their futures.  Other adults too can pledge their support some as Supporting Adults who will play a significant part in the child or children’s lives or Grandparents.

A naming ceremony is a wonderful family occasion and can include elements such as tree planting, lighting a candle, a circle of support or gifts.

A Welcoming ceremony is very similar to a Naming ceremony and such ceremonies are often used to welcome an older child whose has been adopted. The aim of the ceremony is to acknowledge the new relationship and for the child  or children to be welcomed into their new family and community.
 
 
Commitment Ceremony

A Commitment ceremony is very similar to a Wedding ceremony in its structure and can be offered where a couple wish to acknowledge their love and commitment to each other without undertaking any legal contract. 

A Commitment ceremony can also be conducted before a legal marriage has been undertaken and may be used in situations where one partner may be still technically married.
 
 
Renewal of vows

Ceremonies can take place where, when and how you wish.

Where a legal marriage has taken place a couple might choose to have a Renewal of vows ceremony to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary.
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A Renewal of vows can also be incorporated into a family occasion to celebrate a Marriage which may have taken place abroad, normally more than twelve months previously.
 
 
 
 
 

Many couples choose to live together rather than marry; by doing this they may forfeit their legal status as a couple. So if you do not wish to marry then a Civil Partnership may be the answer.

Couples who enter into a Civil Partnership are regarded in the same way as a married couple. The position of civil partners in relation to financial arrangements mirrors that of spouses. 

The laws governing wills, administration of estates and family provisions applies to civil partners in the same way as to spouses. 

Although we rarely like to consider what will happen when a life partner dies it is worth discussing the financial position.  When a person dies without a valid will their property must be shared out according to certain rules.  These rules are called intestacy.

Only married couples or civil partners and some other close relatives can inherit under the rules of intestacy.

Cohabiting partners who are neither married nor in a civil partnership cannot inherit under these rules.

Now is a wonderful time to start thinking about planning a ceremony to celebrate that special occasion.

Perhaps you are considering getting married or entering a Civil Partnership.

Or is 2023 the year you celebrate a significant wedding anniversary ?

Maybe you have a new child whom you wish introduce your child to family and friends .

There are so many reasons to celebrate the significant milestones in all of our lives and a special ceremony is a wonderful way to do this.

I am always happy to talk about what I can offer so please whatever the occasion just get in touch.
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Each ceremony I create is unique.  The starting point for any ceremony is a conversation. If it is possible I prefer to meet people face to face or via a video call.

During our conversation we can discuss your ideas, I can make suggestions and we can get to know each other. 

Using all of this I then create a draft script.  The script may go through a number of revisions until it is exactly right. 

I consider it to be very important that not only the words are right but also the flow and that the ceremony speaks of all those present. 

There are many elements which can be blended to make the perfect ceremony and these include

• Poetry
• Prose
• Music
•  Actions such as lighting candles
• Religious content

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If I can help you with your ceremony then please contact me via my website.
 

​Choosing a Celebrant is a very personal choice; if you are able to speak to a number of Celebrants before making a decision then I recommend you do so.

Currently there are no requirements for Celebrants to have completed the National Qualification for Family and Couples ceremonies which is the recognised qualification for Independent Celebrants.

So always ask about a Celebrant's qualification and previous experience.  Unfortunately, there are people who are advertising their services as Celebrants who have little or no training at all and have simply downloaded something off the internet. 

Qualified Celebrants have had to undertake an extensive course and demonstrate that they can create and perform ceremonies to a high standard.

Personally I would also avoid “script only” services.  These companies offer an 'off the shelf' ceremony which can then be read by a friend or member of the family.  Using a friend or family member to conduct your ceremony can add pressure to your day for you and them. 

Finally, I would also advise that you use a Celebrant who belongs to a recognised Professional Association as they will hold the appropriate insurances.

 
Long and satisfying relationships take time and effort on the part of both partners.  The rewards for doing this repay the effort and then some.  So how can you start on the path to creating a successful partnership which will stand the test of time ?
 
Step1
Look for the things which interest and delight you both.  Plan to do these on a regular basis and talk about what you plan to do or have done regularly.

Step 2
Respect and treasure your differences.  It would be very boring if we were all the same but taking time to understand a partner’s approach to life and personality will help deepen the bonds you share.

Step 3
Be patient and learn to see things from your partner’s point of view.  With an insight into their thinking then you are more likely to be able to have meaningful discussions when your viewpoints differ.  After discussing allow each other time to reflect on what was said and see if you can find the middle ground

Step 4
Share your feelings and listen to your partner.  It is easier to address a problem if you talk regularly than waiting until a situation reaches melt down.

Step 5
​Learn to say thank you and do it often.  We all like to feel appreciated but sometimes life is hectic and we forget to thank those nearest to us.