What is a Celebrant?.
The role of a celebrant is not commonly known in North Wales
and people may be surprised to learn that it is a role that helps to achieve
everything that a loving family or couple would wish for during important
milestone events in their lives.
Whether from the birth of a child, to their first important
birthday, to their wedding and the subsequent birth of their children the human
cycle goes on, all important calendar dates in a person’s lifetime and its only
right and proper that families should celebrate those events in the manner that
they would wish.
Not everyone wishes for traditional religious ceremonies or
perhaps just want a symbolic element of religion to be a part of their
celebration, as Celebrants we can help to provide any type of ceremony whether
non - religious, part religious or
following family traditions or chosen themes, it is really up to the family we
serve, we will help deliver exactly what they want and wish for.
Naming ceremonies
The birth of a child is perhaps the most important event in
a person’s life, and the naming of a child is a special moment that lives on
parent’s memories for the rest of their lives, most people think that the
normal traditional church christening ceremony is the only option available to
them, however the only legal requirement is for a family to register the birth
at their local registrar, parents can host a Naming ceremony at their own homes
or at a venue of their choice a Celebrant will work with the family to develop
a ceremony that will capture that special moment including special promises and
readings from parents, grandparents and
chosen lifelong mentors. A memorable occasion marking a milestone event.
Weddings
When young couples make plans for their special wedding day
they want it to be the best day imaginable, a day where two families unite
together as one and is understandable that such a day has to be specifically
planned to include all of the happy couples wishes,’ whatever they may be’,
again there are numerous options available to them whether they be traditional
church weddings, or registrar weddings or even getting married abroad. Perhaps
what they don’t realise is that the only legal requirement for two people to
get married is to attend a very short service at their local registry office
and sign the marriage register, this is also available at a very low cost many
registrars charging around 50 pounds for the basic ceremony. Once the legal
requirement is met the couple can hold a Celebrant wedding ceremony of their
choice at any venue of their choice and at any time in front of all their
family and friends, the only limit is their own imagination. Celebrant weddings
can include traditional, ring ceremonies or non-traditional elements such as
Unity candles and hand-fasting, or any theme that they wish. A special day for two special people to enjoy
and remember for the rest of their lives together.
Funerals
One of the most emotional and upsetting times in our
lives is when we lose someone we love, though it is clearly a sad time for
families we should also remember that even in death there is a life to
celebrate, a life that has no doubt touched the hearts of many and provided a
positive platform for their children to go and succeed. But the traditional
church funeral service may not be ceremony that grieving families want, it may
also not have been wanted by the deceased but there are other options available
and Celebrants can provide help and guidance in helping to plan and deliver a
Celebration of life ceremony that truly reflects upon the life of the deceased
and allows families to be involved in the planning and content of the service
including choosing readings and taking part in the service themselves. There
are also other options available which include a short family committal service
at the crematorium followed by a larger memorial service at a venue of the families’
choice or a memorial service first followed by a short family committal service
all officiated by a celebrant and of course no time limitations on the length
of service provided, once again there is choice and there are many options
other than normal traditional routes. Funeral services can be held anywhere
whether it be a local club or community centre even at the family home all you
need is the permission of the owner(s).
Special birthdays, Anniversaries, Renewal of Vows, family celebrations.
Celebrants can help plan and deliver any service, ceremony
or any event to mark a milestone period in people’s lives including special
birthdays,family celebrations, renewal of vows, memorial services, if you are
making plans to celebrate an important event, Milestone Celebrant's can help you.
Ian A Gunning MBE
