General Chat

Hello Val My son had his two youngest named in civil ceremonies at the registry office. They were really lovely ceremonies with pieces of poetry & promises made to the children. They had supporting adults for the boys instead of godparents. During the first one they surprised us all by arranging with the registrar to renew their marriage vows. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. I would recommend the civil ceremony to anyone who doesn't have strong religious views. Vivienne

Nudging up for comments from the evening crowd!! Thanks. Val

My friend had her son named at the council civic Centre/registry office. Was very nice just like a Chirstening really with out the water, blessings and hyme. sue

Thanks for those thoughts, anyone else got any experiences to add? Val

We did our own as neither I or my husband are religious, but wanted to mark the occasion somehow. We had some close friends round including those who would be guardians/sponsors/mentors whatever you like to call them (in place of godparents). I made a little speech about why we had chosen the names we had for our kids and what they meant to us, then a friend read a poem she had written. Then the children had their pictures taken with their special aunties and uncles as a little keepsake for them. We had a cake and a BBQ in the garden. It was lovely. :o) I understand that the Humanist website (you will have to google it) has ideas and even tells you how to get an 'Official' to perform the ceremony. My kids now have the chance if they wish to be baptised into any religion they chose and we still had a lovely day to remember. :o) Claire xx

I believe they are non religious ceremonies that the parents organise and are usually very informal! I went to one and it was so lovely and they chose to do it that way as their faiths were different and they want the child to be able to make its own choices when its older!

Our grandson hasn't yet been christened although coming up for 1 yr old. Believe naming ceremonies are used as an alternative these days. What happens and who performs them? Val