Tomorrow evening my H2B and I are meeting the Humanist Celebrant to basically decide if this is the right person we want to go forward with for the wedding ceremony. What questions should I be asking? The financial side of things is all sorted out but any suggestions would be a great help :)
Met in Nov 2005
Engaged 13th June 2013
Becomes Mrs Stewart on 10th Aug 2015 Honeymoon in Florida!
My Diary Thread: My Alice in Wonderland Wedding Diary
CommentAuthorShowgirl
I have no idea. I'd probably tell them how you envision the day and see if they have any ideas/suggestions. Maybe ask how many weddings they've done before (and if its possible to contact the couple(s) for a reference/view footage of the ceremony being conducted). Oh and I'd ask them what information they'd need from you and if it's possible for you to have a read through a draft of the service they'll be conducting before the big day to make sure you're happy with it. When my friend died a few years ago, his parents hired a celebrant to conduct the funeral service. Apparently the first draft, whilst factual, just didn't quite sound like the friend we all knew. The celebrant was absolutely lovely and happily re-wrote it until the family were happy and he even contacted us all through the book of face for stories that could be incorpporated. He'd dedicated so much time to writing his service that by the time we all turned up for the funeral he was able to identify and welcome each of us by name and the whole thing just felt so personal. He then opened up the floor to anyone who hadn't already been asked to speak but felt they'd like to say a few words. If a wedding service is anything as personable as that funeral then you're in for a very wonderful, intimate and unique service. We decided not to go for a celebrant though as we both hate being the centre of attention and want the ceremony over and done with as quickly as possible.
CommentAuthorMrsManiatt
Id ask what music is allowed, like with registry offices they may not allow certain things. Also ask about readings and if there are any they can suggest. Maybe songs? Not hymns but I've heard of people having 'All You Need Is Love' sung instead. And ask about how the service will progress etc. :) xxx
CommentAuthorVictoriaL46
Had the meeting with him last night and the gist of it is... anything goes. The only thing that we HAVE to do is the legal stuff. As long as we have two witnesses and recite 14 legal bits of text the rest is however we want it. Any music etc so very relieved.
And Showgirl you are pin point accurate, the whole point of the ceremony is that it's about us. So he took us through the wedding "journey" of how he normally likes to conduct a ceremony and how before hand he will sit down with us a lot learning about how we met, how our relationship evolved and anything that really makes us... well us. He will engage with our guests as well so talk to and with them instead of just at them. Both H2B and I left very excited and I couldn't help but pull a cheesy grin when he said "... and then I would say I am proud to say you are now husband and wife"
Dammit being a year and a bit away!
Met in Nov 2005
Engaged 13th June 2013
Becomes Mrs Stewart on 10th Aug 2015 Honeymoon in Florida!
My Diary Thread: My Alice in Wonderland Wedding Diary
CommentAuthorFranM76
My Dad's funeral was a Humanist one - and it was absolutely spot on. It mentioned Dad and all about his life, his family, friends etc and everyone commented on what a lovely (but terribly sad) service it was. I would imagine a humanist wedding would be fantastic - you must be very excited. I found it to be a very fitting and personal experience, sounds great xx
Oh it's going to be such a magical service - make sure you get someone to film it, you'll want to play it back over and over again! I'm definitely going to book a celebrant to speak at a milestone anniversary down the line...
CommentAuthorVictoriaL46
Originally I wasn't wanting a videographer but now I'm seriously considering asking one of my guests I know I can trust to do this for us because again you're right showgirl, after having this explained to us I really want this to be a moment that I can pop in a DVD and watch back blubbering into a box of tissues for years to come :)
Met in Nov 2005
Engaged 13th June 2013
Becomes Mrs Stewart on 10th Aug 2015 Honeymoon in Florida!
My Diary Thread: My Alice in Wonderland Wedding Diary