"Oh you're a humanist?"..............Short Answer - No...I'm an Independent Celebrant.

I've just spent a few days in Wales working with some previous clients from my consultancy world - and I also tacked on a few extra days to make the most of our last 2011 heatwave! As ever, people are interested in my growing celebrancy business and what that actually means.

I'm no longer surprised at the immediate response of "Oh, you're a humanist then?" The world is good at seeing things in black and white - it's an easy way to label things and put them into boxes. So you're either religious or if not, then you're an atheist - and that means humanism!

Now over recent times, that's been the growing trend - and humanism has developed in its' own right. The British Humanist Association (BHA) is evidence of this popularity and the celebrancy career has fitted neatly into this. But society isn't so black and white and often peoples' beliefs aren't always that clear cut.

My own values and beliefs steered me away from humanism. I'm much more comfortable being able to wander loosely, with curiosity - and to dip in and out of ideas and thoughts, rather than follow a clear cut line of beliefs. That's why when I entered the career of celebrancy, I chose the approach that best suited this lifestyle - an independent and 'middle of the road' stance. I chose to become an Independent Celebrant rather than a Humanist. For me, it was absolutely the right move.

My business which provides non-religious or semi-religious ceremonies and services gives you the best of both worlds. If you or some of your guests want a snippet of religion in there like a private prayer or hymn, then I can do this. If I was a humanist, the answer would be no........not at all. And if you don't want religion in at all, then my approach fits that too!

I'm finding that when given the choice, people actually quite like having the option to include religious or spiritual aspects into the service. It lets them value the beliefs of others as well as their own during a service or ceremony. It's not such a black and white approach after all.............But you do just need to know that you do have another option beside humanism - an Independent Celebrant.

If you're interested in finding out more, then visit the web site for our Professional Fellowship of Independent Celebrants - it describes our ethos and ways of working that might just appeal to you for your next celebration!

www.professionalcelebrants.org.uk