Naming Ceremonies
“Paula made a fantastic celebrant, she is clearly a natural at this sort of thing. There were loads of comments from friends and family on what a great job she did. I’m really glad we asked her!” Philippa
Naming ceremonies are a great opportunity to welcome a child into a family or community; to dedicate yourself to a child’s upbringing; to appoint supporting adults (also known as godparents, ‘sponsors’, ‘mentors’, ‘supportive friends’ or even ‘ ‘Oddparents!’) who will promise a special concern for the child; to strengthen family relationships and friendships by providing the opportunity for a celebration!*
A naming ceremony is a special way of celebrating your child’s birth. It does not have any legal status and is non-religious, devoid of set patterns or formulae. Naming ceremonies can take place at the home of the parents, or other family members or at a chosen hall or other location. The ceremonies can take place during the week, or, more normally, at the weekend. The ceremony part usually lasts no longer than 20 minutes but should start punctually.
* Note a naming ceremony does not replace the need to register the birth at the local Registry of Births.
Who conducts the ceremony? You may chose anyone to conduct the ceremony – a close personal friend, a member of your families, one or both of the parents. They must be able to arrange and conduct the ceremony and speak in front of a large number of people. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable choosing a celebrant as this can add a real sense of occasion or means your guests can relax.
- Standard Elements
- Welcome
- Reading
- Naming Ceremony
- Parents’ Promises
- Supporters’ Promises
- Closing Words
Additional elements
- Reasons for the Names
- Hopes for the Future
- Parents’ Vows to each other
- Grandparents’ or Sibings’ Promises
- Remembering absent guests
- Special touches
- A toast
I can provide a template for you to write your own script or give you a script for you to review and amend. I also provide many poems and readings to give you as ideas. In addition I can provide suggested venues, order of service templates, checklists, ideas for promises and can offer children’s entertainment after the ceremony if appropriate.
A little about me:
- I am a mother, educator, storyteller, play therapist, playworker, youth leader, children’s party person, baby and toddler yoga teacher and naming celebrant.
- I have enhanced DBS clearance
Costs
From £100 – £150 depending on the day of the week and distance to the venue. Do enquire about additional fees if you wish me to do storytelling or other activity afterwards for the children.
You will need to pay for the hire of the venue with the management of the venue themselves, if not conducting the ceremony at home. Please email me for more details as I may venue suggestions.
Photo credit ID 67913634 @ Stanislav Petriaikin | Dreamstime.com