Baby Naming Ceremonies

The birth of a new baby is a time of joy and celebration, and most parents want to share that joy with family and friends.

However many parents these days feel that they do not want a traditional church christening, either because they do not hold any religious beliefs themselves, or because they may want their child to be able to choose their own beliefs as they get older.

A baby naming ceremony offers a beautiful alternative, giving you a chance to openly welcome your child and affirm your love and commitment to them surrounded by a loving circle of family and friends.

Our Celebrants are asked to conduct ceremonies for many different families: Married Couples, Unmarried parents, single parents, adoptive parents, step parents, parents who are of different religions and cultures, and lesbian and gay parents who have children.

Each ceremony is unique and individually written for you personally. There is no set pattern or script which must be followed. You are entirely free to choose readings, poems or music which you may like to include in the ceremony. You may wish to write your own vows and promises to your child. Prayers, hymns or blessings may be included in the ceremony, but this is entirely down to your own choice.

If you have older children, you may like to include them in the ceremony as well. If they are old enough they may like to read a poem, sing a song or play an instrument. If they are too young to actually participate in the ceremony itself, then it may be that you simply add a few extra words to welcome the older child as a “big brother or sister”, and reaffirm your love and commitment to your older child/children at the same time.

Although not strictly necessary, most namings include the appointment of a non-religious Godparent. You may still choose to use the title of Godparent, though you may prefer a different title for them, for example: supporting or guiding adult. These people will promise to take a special interest in your childs future and to be there as a friend and a source of welcoming advice for the child outside of the immediate family as he or she grows up. Godparents are encouraged whenever possible to write their own promises to the child, so that they can be personal and meaningful and will hopefully be promises that each can keep.

You like to light a candle to signify the light that will guide and protect your child throughout lifes journey.

A tree could be planted, which will grow and blossom with your child

You may wish to give your child a piece of jewellery, such as a bangle to signify your never ending love for them.

The baby could be passed around from guest to guest with each one of them greeting him or her and perhaps each one making their own small promise.

You may wish to mark the occasion with a book in which everyone present can write a their own special message for your child to read when they are older.

Parents often ask about the child being anointed with water, this is still possible, although it’s symbolic meaning may differ somewhat to that of a traditional baptism.

Where and When?

A baby naming ceremony can take place on any day of the week, although most are held at weekends. The ceremony can be held at any time of the day which is best your you and for your baby.

Your choice of venue is again entirely down to you. Many people choose to hold the ceremony in their own home or garden, whilst others will hire a hall, hotel or choose a much more unusual location. If you are to hold your celebration in a public place such as a park or the beach make sure you have permission (if necessary) - If in doubt, check with your local authority.

Although this is a formal baby-naming ceremony, it holds no legal status and your babys birth must still be registered at a local registry office within the legal time span.

Cost

As all our celebrants are self-employed their fees will vary slightly and will depend on certain factors such as travelling expenses etc. We recomend you speak to one or more celebrants first to find out exactly what their fees are for your chosen location.

The fee will include: one or two meetings with the family, writing and planning the ceremony in accordance with your wishes, preparing the ceremony of which a draft will be sent to you for approval in advance, and conducting the ceremony on the day.