ALL YOUR HUMANIST

CEREMONY QUESTIONS ANSWERED ...

WHAT NEXT?

“We are interested in finding out more… what now?”

GREAT – get in touch with me and lets have a chat! There is no obligation to book, just an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to find out more about the type of wedding ceremony you want. Email me or send me a query using the form at the bottom of my homepage.



HUMANISM... SAY WHAT?

“What is a humanist ceremony?”

A unique celebration of you and your relationship, free from religion or convention. You can create a totally personal and bespoke ceremony that is right for you. But non-religious doesn’t have to mean non-traditional and many couples still enjoy bringing in traditional elements of a wedding ceremony but the main thing is – it is totally up to you!



“What is humanism and do you talk about it a lot in the ceremony?”

To me, Humanism is about celebrating our relationships with family, friends and our partners. It is about treating all those that we encounter with dignity, respect and kindness regardless of their perspective, background or beliefs. A friend once said it very clearly… “so basically humanism is just not being a d**k??!” and yes…. I suppose it is! In terms of talking about humanism in your ceremony, I believe that the day is a celebration of you and your relationship and whilst it is important to explain the type of ceremony you have chosen to have I do not personally feel a need to go into significant detail about humanism itself. I hope that if your guests enjoy the ceremony they will be naturally inquisitive about what it is all about!



“We’re not actually humanists – or at least we don’t think we are. Can we still have a humanist wedding ceremony?”

Of course! Humanism is about inclusivity. Besides, if you are non-religious and look to science, reason, empathy, and compassion in order to live an ethical and meaningful life, then you’re amongst those with a humanist outlook without even realising it!



“My grandmother / aunt / dad etc. is religious and I don’t want them to be offended. Will a humanist wedding be okay?”

Nearly every ceremony is attended by guests of different faiths and of none, and we feel passionately that everyone present should feel comfortable and involved. I always say at the beginning of each ceremony “they have chosen to celebrate their commitment to one another through a humanist wedding ceremony which is not anchored in religion but instead allows for them to reflect their own personalities, their beliefs and their aspirations for a marriage together, I do hope that whatever your background you will find this an enjoyable and significant occasion.”



“What happens at a wedding ceremony?”

Each ceremony is written specifically for the couple; there is no set format. But as a guide, a typical wedding might include readings or poems, information about the couple and why they are choosing to marry and perhaps some music. The couple will make vows or commitments to each other and often exchange rings.



“How long does a humanist wedding last?”

It depends on what you want to include, but as a guide around 30-45 minutes.



“All sounds great but I have a wedding to plan…..does having a humanist ceremony involve a lot of work?”

I’m not going to lie to you….because humanist weddings are so personal they do take a little more time to plan than a church or registry wedding. I need to get to know you and hear all about your adventures so far in order to create something totally unique and authentic to you, but it’s well worth the effort. In terms of what exactly is involved – usually a couple of meetings with me and some time going through some questions by yourselves - most couples crack open the vino and have a blast reminiscing so it really isn’t work at all! Promise!



LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

“We’d like to get married outdoors. Is this crazy?”

Absolutely not. Indeed al fresco weddings – whether in public places or at private venues – often have a wonderfully relaxed and intimate feel to them. That said, in case the UK weather lives up to its reputation, I always advise there is a plan B: this might be an indoor venue close by or simply the provision of lots of umbrellas!



“We got married abroad and want another ceremony for friends and family here. Can you do this?”

Yes, I’d be happy to create such an occasion for you – in fact many wedding ceremonies take place under similar circumstances. We can make the humanist ceremony a wedding in itself or think of it as a celebration of your marriage – whatever suits you best. That said, in practice most couples in such circumstances choose to make promises to each other and (re)exchange rings.



LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

“We’d like to get married outdoors. Is this crazy?”

Absolutely not. Indeed al fresco weddings – whether in public places or at private venues – often have a wonderfully relaxed and intimate feel to them. That said, in case the UK weather lives up to its reputation, I always advise there is a plan B: this might be an indoor venue close by or simply the provision of lots of umbrellas!



“We got married abroad and want another ceremony for friends and family here. Can you do this?”

Yes, I’d be happy to create such an occasion for you – in fact many wedding ceremonies take place under similar circumstances. We can make the humanist ceremony a wedding in itself or think of it as a celebration of your marriage – whatever suits you best. That said, in practice most couples in such circumstances choose to make promises to each other and (re)exchange rings.



WHAT NEXT?

“We are interested in finding out more… what now?”

GREAT – get in touch with me and lets have a chat! There is no obligation to book, just an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to find out more about the type of wedding ceremony you want. Email me or send me a query using the form at the bottom of my homepage.



LET'S TALK WEDDINGS