RENEWALS

The Renewal of Vows is also known as a Re-Affirmation Ceremony. There may be a considerable history to the relationship by the time a renewal of vows is decided upon. There may be even children of the partnership.

In crafting such a ceremony it can be very important to reflect the journey that the couple have been on since they met and committed to one another. You can also include your hopes for the future as a couple or as a family.In making their vows some couples choose to re affirm their original vows. Others decide to re write their vows in celebration of who they are as a couple at present, and who they wish to be in the future.You may wish to renew your vows as a celebration of the evolution of your relationship, or as a ceremony for people who were unable to attend your wedding. Whatever the reason, vow renewal ceremonies are a marvellous way to deepen your commitment to one another.

NAME GIVINGS

Naming Ceremonies may take many different forms, some examples follow:- A Naming Ceremony can be part of a Wedding Ceremony, where children from different partners are acknowledged by the new partners as being part of the new family. A Naming Ceremony can be an event all to itself. This ceremony is used when the parents do not want a religious ritual, but would like to acknowledge and celebrate their child's entry into the world. The parents may choose when to have the naming, and at what age they think it suitable. There are usually godparents or guardians chosen for the child who can take part in the ceremony.

Ideas for a Naming Ceremony

• Butterfly release to signify new life
  
  A book which guests may sign with wishes for the future of the child. This is usually given to the child on a significant birthday when they are old enough to appreciate the sentiments involved
  
  A balloon release with hopes and wishes for the child inside
  
  Lighting of Candles by the Parents and Godparents or Grandparents with spoken affirmations of their role in nurturing the child
  
  Celebrant may speak about the value of family unity and the influence of family and friends in the care and welfare of the child
  
  
• A Presentation Certificate of Naming signed by the parents and God Parents

TRANSITION

As we move through life our paths lead us to many crossroads.  It is at these places that ceremony helps us to transition to the next stage of life with a deeper connection to what we believe.
Wether it be graduating university, moving house, coming of age or any event in which you feel a ceremony is needed. As with all ceremonies, a transitional ceremony is only limited by your imagination


COMMITMENT

The content and style of every commitment ceremony is unique and tailored to the wants and needs of each individual couple. Your ceremony can be as traditional and formal as you like, or completely relaxed and unstructured. A commitment ceremony usually replaces the wedding ceremony for same sex couples or souple who for whatever reason cannot legally marry. Generally speaking, a commitment ceremony may contain the following elements:

Vows
This is the declaration by the couple of their intent to be committed to each other. They may make promises and define what that commitment means to them. The couple may choose to use existing vows for this section, or to write their own. The celebrant can help with ideas and suggestions.

Readings/Music
Commitment ceremonies often include music, poetry or readings about love. A couple can look to famous quotes or personal writings for inspiration. It may be a great time to play the song you first danced to together or read a love letter or poem from one partner to the other.

Exchange of Rings
The couple may wish to exchange rings. Some words may be said about what the rings symbolize, for example:

"I give you this ring as an expression of my love and commitment to you"
"This ring symbolizes the wholeness of our union" or "I'm pleased to give you this ring as a symbol of the promises I've made to you today, and a public statement to the world that I love only you."The couple may wish to say something else at this stage or not exchange rings at all. As was mentioned before, the ceremony's contents are a personal choice.

Proclamation of Commitment
The celebrant announces to the guests that the couple is now united, and invites the couple to kiss.