Other Ceremonies – adoptions, step families, renewal of vows
Reasons to be cheerful!
While Humanist ceremonies to celebrate a Wedding, Partnership or Naming are the most frequent ones I do, there are many other occasions in life when the focus which a short ceremony can bring can enhance an occasion.
Adoption – A ceremony to celebrate and welcome a child or children into their forever family. I will work closely with the family, including the child if appropriate, to produce a ceremony which acknowledges the bond between the parents and their child. Symbolic actions can be included which help the child to understand the bond with their new family and strengthens their memories of their special day. A joyous event which includes close family and friends.
Step Families – An ideal way of celebrating and uniting a new family. I will work with you to choose appropriate poetry or readings and help each member of the family to write any commitments they wish to make to each other. The children are included as much as possible to an event which is designed to help to strengthen the bond between step parents and children while acknowledging, if relevant the importance of the relationship with birth parents. The important role of the blended wider family is also considered.
Coming of Age – All societies acknowledge the importance of the transition between child and adult – for the young person and for their parents. Non religious people can feel the lack of anything to mark this important change beyond the consumption of a lot of alcohol! What ever age you feel is significant, 13, 16 or 18 your own special ceremony will allow parents to express their pride in and hopes for their child and their continued commitment to them as they enter adulthood; and young people to acknowledge what they have received from their families and their hopes and plans for the future.
Renewal of Vows – A renewal of vows can be a lovely way to mark a significant anniversary, the end of a difficult period for the family or the start of a new phase of a relationship, for example retirement, empty nest or change of occupation or home.
These are just some examples, why not contact me to discuss ways to mark a significant transition point in your life ?