WHAT DOES A NAMING CEREMONY INCLUDE?

A ceremony is usually built around the proclamation of the chosen name(s) of the respective individual(s) and promises of support for them.

It might also include any of the following:

• Introduction to the individuals to be named and parents as appropriate.
• Use of and inclusion of supporters e.g., family, friends, guide-parents.
• Readings – poetry, prose and Music
• The individual’s story so far and their character
• Symbolic acts – e.g., lighting of candles, sand-blending, tree planting
• Public declaration of support by the gathering
• Parental and/or family aspirations for the named individual
• The story of the name choice
• Presentation of the named individual

WHY CHOOSE A HUMANIST CEREMONY?

Almost all parents or families choose to have a humanist ceremony because they do not wish to have a religious ceremony and see this as a more meaningful and personal alternative.

Whilst humanism takes a non-religious point of view on life, it is by no means anti-religious and so this is often a way to keep everyone in the family happy, even when a christening has been dismissed.   I aim to make ceremonies as fully inclusive as appropriate, and whilst I do not conduct ceremonies that include acts of worship, it is possible to include music and readings with a spiritual context and content, as well as moments of private reflection according to your wishes.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

My fee for Namings is currently set at £300.

This is for a ceremony lasting approximately 20 minutes and delivered at a venue within a 30-mile radius of the city centre.   [Ceremonies further afield may be subject to a negotiated additional travel or accommodation cost but this will be discussed at and then included in a final fixed quote following a first meeting.]

A deposit of £100 is required on mutual agreement to proceed which secures your chosen date in my ceremonies calendar.

The balance is due two weeks before the ceremony date.

WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE?

This includes:

• A first no-fee, no commitment meeting (usually online) to discuss your requirements.
• A subsequent final fixed quote on agreement to proceed.
• Securing of your chosen date exclusively in my calendar.
• An extended first meeting (live or online) to discuss content and shape of the ceremony.
• Experienced advice on suggestions for music and readings.
• Consultation process and design of ceremony.
• Drafting and re-drafting of script by e-mail as many times as necessary.
• Live delivery of ceremony by highly experienced and skilled celebrant.
• Copy of presentation script following the ceremony itself.
• Assurance of quality through accreditation status, including public liability and indemnity insurance plus a network of celebrants able to stand-in in the event of my sudden incapacity.

WHAT NEXT?

 Please contact me asap to arrange the first no-fee, no obligation meeting to discuss your requirements.   nickpcelebrant@gmail.com