- Introduction and welcome
- Acknowledgement of any children of the marriage
- Unity Candle (with your children) – ask for details
- Reading – maybe by one of your guests or friends
- Blessing of your Parents (if appropriate)
- Renewal of vows
- Re-dedication of rings
- Giving of new rings or gifts
- Words from previous wedding guests (Often Best man, bridesmaid or Bride’s father)
- Second reading – maybe one of your children
- Inclusion of specially chosen music
- A short speech by a friend or family member, possibly the original best man
- A short speech by the couple
- Marriage Blessing
- Declaration of Years of Marriage
- Signing of certificate
- Witnesses and closing words
Hand fasting Some of the statements and the ritual of casting and closing the circle will be modified to match the specific tradition
that the couple follow: A Full Celtic Handfasting will include the following:-
The ceremony is usually held outdoors;
(it is sensible to have a back-up location in case of rain).
- A circle is formed.
- Candles will mark the four cardinal directions, and friends often hold the candles.
- An altar is located near the centre of the circle – toward the East.
- Wildflowers may be spread inside the circle.
- The bridal couple stand to the east of the circle.
- Friends and family are gathered around the circle.
- A bell is rung three times to indicate the start of the ritual.
- The couple approach the circle from the east – the direction of sunrise; this symbolizes growth in their relationship.
- An explanation is given to the guests regarding the significance of the ritual to be performed.
- The circle is cast.
- An honouring statement will be recited at each of the four directions.
- The couple each declares their intent to join with the other.
- They exchange rings and vows.
- The celebrant invites them to drink from the Loving cup. Each drinks separately. This symbolizes the need for a balance between being apart and being together in their future life together.
- The couple will face each other, joining both their hands.
- Cords or ribbons are used to “bind” the couple’s hands.
- If this is just to be a handfasting for a year and a day it may be loosely tied; this symbolizes that the handfasting is a commitment, but one that is not an onerous one.
- One year and a day after being handfasted, the couple may return to the celebrant and repeat their vows with the cords or ribbons tightly knotted to make it binding. This symbolizes the intent to have a permanent relationship. This ritual is the source of the expression “to tie the knot.”
- The couple each say chosen words to the other, expressing their love and their hopes for their future together.
- The bindings are removed.
- David then pronounces the couple according to how they wish to be announced.
- The handfasted couple join hands and jump over a broomstick. This symbolizes the effort required to make a committed relationship work.
- The Circle is now closed.
- It is stated the handfasting is concluded: “The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the Old Ones go in our hearts. Blessed be.”
- The bell is rung three times.
- The married couple then go clockwise around the circle, greeting friends and family.
- David, with the married couple and witnesses, sign the commemorative handfasting document.
Funerals
My services to you include:-
- A meeting at your home, or wherever you prefer, to talk about what kind of ceremony would best suit the person who has passed away.
- We will discuss their life and maybe consider family members or friends who would like to take part.
Children can be involved as often they provide the most colourful and vivid memories which can be incorporated into the service. - Discussing and arranging any particular music to be played on entering or leaving?
- Considering favourite poems or readings?
- Considering any spiritual or religious content eg The Lord’s Prayer or a favourite hymn?
- Do you have any favourite memories or interesting stories?
- The Ceremony will be prepared including writing a tribute for you, or assist family and friends in delivering their own tributes.
- Your Funeral Director and I shall work closely together, with members of staff at the crematorium or burial ground, ensuring the Ceremony proceeds according to your wishes.
- On the day of the ceremony I shall be there with you, to conduct the Service.