Please check out my new website:
www.soulmateceremonies.com.au
Thanks
Susan
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Naming Ceremonies
A Naming Ceremony
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.
Of course this is discussed with the children before the ceremony and is done with the full agreement of all of the parties involved. Sometimes a presentation Certificate of Family Unity is given to the family and signed by all parties. This would obviously make the ceremony longer than a normal Wedding. Usually the Marriage is completed first, followed by the Naming Ceremony.
Care should be taken here that the child's age be taken into consideration, as they may not be able to maintain focus for their ceremony for a lengthy amount of time. Naming and Godparent certificates may also be issued.
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
*Displaying photos of relatives who cannot attend
*Lighting of Candles by the Parents and Godparents or Grandparents with spoken affirmations of their role in nurturing the child
*Parents may speak about their hopes for the child
*I could 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
Again this ceremony structure is only limited by your imagination.
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.
Of course this is discussed with the children before the ceremony and is done with the full agreement of all of the parties involved. Sometimes a presentation Certificate of Family Unity is given to the family and signed by all parties. This would obviously make the ceremony longer than a normal Wedding. Usually the Marriage is completed first, followed by the Naming Ceremony.
Care should be taken here that the child's age be taken into consideration, as they may not be able to maintain focus for their ceremony for a lengthy amount of time. Naming and Godparent certificates may also be issued.
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
*Displaying photos of relatives who cannot attend
*Lighting of Candles by the Parents and Godparents or Grandparents with spoken affirmations of their role in nurturing the child
*Parents may speak about their hopes for the child
*I could 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
Again this ceremony structure is only limited by your imagination.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Wedding Ceremonies
Your wedding is about you-the couple. I am here to assist you, not to take the lime light. Below is a short overview of how my ceremonies are structured.
THE ENTRY & THE MUSIC
It doesn’t have to be the bridesmaids, then the bride with her father leading the way. You can all walk in together or you can walk in with who ever you like. It can be your children, mum and dad or even your best friend.
Choose a song or piece of music that you both really like for this bit. Live music is really good here but not essential. I also have a selection of music for you to choose from.
MY INTRO
I talk about you, the couple. I talk about your happiness, how you met, some special moments you have shared together, and what lies ahead for you. This is what the celebration is all about.
THE INTERLUDE
This usually takes the form of a reading, poem or a song, performed live. You don’t have to do this.
THE MONITUM FROM THE MARRIAGE ACT OF 1961
The government requires me to recite some stuff about marriage and the law.
It will go something like this or words to this effect
Now, I Susan Ellis, a civil celebrant,am duly authorised by the law to solemnise this, your marriage according to the laws of Australia.
Before you XXXX, and you XXXX,are joined together in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these, your family and friends, I am bound, as you know, to remind you publicly of the solemn, the serious and the binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others and is voluntarily entered into for life.
THE GIVING AWAY
I like to congratulate your parents or whoever raised you. They really appreciate it and it makes them feel very special. This is called the “giving away” of the bride and / or groom.
‘Who presents this woman to be married to this man?’ and vice versa. Or simply; ‘Who presents this couple to be married here today?’ Your guardians can respond in unison, ‘We do!’ Or the question can be asked of your guests and they will then respond in unison. Of course, you don’t have to do this either. I can also speak on behalf of your guardians and thank your guests for joining them on this special day.'
THE ASKING
This is the part where I ask you a question and you in turn reply with an “I will” or an “I do”. I have a variety of ‘Askings’ for you to choose from or you can write your own question for me to ask.
Sample:
‘XXXX, will you take XXXX to be your wife, Will you love and cherish her, Stand by her whatever may come, Will you give your relationship all it requires and deserves, So that you can live the rest of your lives together in love and happiness?’
Or something a bit more traditional….
‘XXXX, will you take XXXX to be your wife Will you love her, comfort her Honour and keep her, in sickness and in health and, forsaking all others, keep only unto her, So long as you both shall live?’
THE VOWS
You have to do this by law. It’s the part where you make promises to each other. Best to repeat after me. You may wish to write your own. Or you may want to look at more of my examples when we meet at our consultation.
Example Wedding Vow Wording
When writing your wedding vows, consider whether you want them to be classic and traditional, such as these:
I, XXXX, call on the people here to witness that I take you, XXXX, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward. For better for worse, for richer for poorer. In sickness and in health
For the rest of my life.
Do you XXXX take XXXX to be your lawful wedded wife / husband?
(each responds, "I do.")
Will you love, respect and honor her / him throughout your years together?
(each responds, "I will.")
Or if you want to personalize your wedding vows to reflect your relationship. These are good examples, although you could certainly get more personal:
'I, XXXX affirm my love to you, XXXX as I invite you to share my life.
You are the most beautiful, smart and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together.
I take you XXXX to be my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.'
or:
'XXXX, I love you.
You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.'
Also remember that you can both say the same vows, or you can say completely different ones. You can also ask your friends and family to participate in your wedding vows:
'XXXX do you take XXXX to be your lawful wedded wife / husband?' (each responds, "I do.")
'Do you promise to love and cherish her / him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her / him, for so long as you both shall live? (each responds, "I do.") Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves toward one another as becomes Husband and Wife? (Together they respond, "We do.") Do you together promise you will love, cherish and respect one another throughout the years?' (Together they respond, "We do.")
THE RING CEREMONY
Don’t forget the rings! The Best man usually holds onto the rings for you, but you can have someone else bring your rings to you. See example below, but there are many ring ceremonies to choose from or you don’t have to say anything at all.
'Xxxx- This ring means that I give myself to you, a seal of my unending love.'
Vice versa.
Another poem or reading can be done here, or we go straight into…
THE DECLARATION
I pronounce you husband and wife. You kiss. Everyone congratulates you. You can sign the papers in front of your guests or mingle with your guests first, have a champagne and then I will steal you away when the time seems right to sign the papers. Remember to choose a piece of music to play in background during the signing.
My job is done! You are married and ready to celebrate with your soul mate, family and friends. x
THE ENTRY & THE MUSIC
It doesn’t have to be the bridesmaids, then the bride with her father leading the way. You can all walk in together or you can walk in with who ever you like. It can be your children, mum and dad or even your best friend.
Choose a song or piece of music that you both really like for this bit. Live music is really good here but not essential. I also have a selection of music for you to choose from.
MY INTRO
I talk about you, the couple. I talk about your happiness, how you met, some special moments you have shared together, and what lies ahead for you. This is what the celebration is all about.
THE INTERLUDE
This usually takes the form of a reading, poem or a song, performed live. You don’t have to do this.
THE MONITUM FROM THE MARRIAGE ACT OF 1961
The government requires me to recite some stuff about marriage and the law.
It will go something like this or words to this effect
Now, I Susan Ellis, a civil celebrant,am duly authorised by the law to solemnise this, your marriage according to the laws of Australia.
Before you XXXX, and you XXXX,are joined together in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these, your family and friends, I am bound, as you know, to remind you publicly of the solemn, the serious and the binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others and is voluntarily entered into for life.
THE GIVING AWAY
I like to congratulate your parents or whoever raised you. They really appreciate it and it makes them feel very special. This is called the “giving away” of the bride and / or groom.
‘Who presents this woman to be married to this man?’ and vice versa. Or simply; ‘Who presents this couple to be married here today?’ Your guardians can respond in unison, ‘We do!’ Or the question can be asked of your guests and they will then respond in unison. Of course, you don’t have to do this either. I can also speak on behalf of your guardians and thank your guests for joining them on this special day.'
THE ASKING
This is the part where I ask you a question and you in turn reply with an “I will” or an “I do”. I have a variety of ‘Askings’ for you to choose from or you can write your own question for me to ask.
Sample:
‘XXXX, will you take XXXX to be your wife, Will you love and cherish her, Stand by her whatever may come, Will you give your relationship all it requires and deserves, So that you can live the rest of your lives together in love and happiness?’
Or something a bit more traditional….
‘XXXX, will you take XXXX to be your wife Will you love her, comfort her Honour and keep her, in sickness and in health and, forsaking all others, keep only unto her, So long as you both shall live?’
THE VOWS
You have to do this by law. It’s the part where you make promises to each other. Best to repeat after me. You may wish to write your own. Or you may want to look at more of my examples when we meet at our consultation.
Example Wedding Vow Wording
When writing your wedding vows, consider whether you want them to be classic and traditional, such as these:
I, XXXX, call on the people here to witness that I take you, XXXX, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward. For better for worse, for richer for poorer. In sickness and in health
For the rest of my life.
Do you XXXX take XXXX to be your lawful wedded wife / husband?
(each responds, "I do.")
Will you love, respect and honor her / him throughout your years together?
(each responds, "I will.")
Or if you want to personalize your wedding vows to reflect your relationship. These are good examples, although you could certainly get more personal:
'I, XXXX affirm my love to you, XXXX as I invite you to share my life.
You are the most beautiful, smart and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together.
I take you XXXX to be my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.'
or:
'XXXX, I love you.
You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.'
Also remember that you can both say the same vows, or you can say completely different ones. You can also ask your friends and family to participate in your wedding vows:
'XXXX do you take XXXX to be your lawful wedded wife / husband?' (each responds, "I do.")
'Do you promise to love and cherish her / him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her / him, for so long as you both shall live? (each responds, "I do.") Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves toward one another as becomes Husband and Wife? (Together they respond, "We do.") Do you together promise you will love, cherish and respect one another throughout the years?' (Together they respond, "We do.")
THE RING CEREMONY
Don’t forget the rings! The Best man usually holds onto the rings for you, but you can have someone else bring your rings to you. See example below, but there are many ring ceremonies to choose from or you don’t have to say anything at all.
'Xxxx- This ring means that I give myself to you, a seal of my unending love.'
Vice versa.
Another poem or reading can be done here, or we go straight into…
THE DECLARATION
I pronounce you husband and wife. You kiss. Everyone congratulates you. You can sign the papers in front of your guests or mingle with your guests first, have a champagne and then I will steal you away when the time seems right to sign the papers. Remember to choose a piece of music to play in background during the signing.
My job is done! You are married and ready to celebrate with your soul mate, family and friends. x
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