Fun, friendly and inclusive ceremonies

Naming ceremonies

Naming ceremonies are important rites of passages where a new life is recognised and celebrated.  This celebration can be for a baby being welcomed into a new family and can potentially mirror some of the traditions seen in religious services, for example Christian Baptism. Instead of ‘Godparents’ you might choose ‘guideparents’

Naming ceremonies can also be about celebrating a new identity; this could include a young person being adopted into a new family or a trans or non-binary person affirming their gender.  Naming ceremonies are an opportunity for families, friends and community to embrace new life, new chapters and new editions to their folds.

Celebrant-led naming ceremonies give freedom to families and individuals to style their celebrations in a way that feels meaningful for them.  Designing a ceremony with me is a collaborative process; we will meet and discuss who the ceremony is centering around and what the significance of the day will be for them.  If the ‘named’ person is a baby or a small child then the service will revolve around their journey to being part of the family, perhaps touch on the joy their birth has brought, the blessings their loved ones want to bestow, hopes and dreams for their future etc.  This ceremony could include your favourite poetry and music.  We can also bring in religious and spiritual elements if that feels right and appropriate.

When designing all my ceremonies I work closely with families to establish the look and the feel of the celebration.  You may want the congregation to all write a lovely message for your baby, which could then be sealed inside a box for the child to open when they are older. It might be important for you to talk about your fertility and pregnancy journey which has led to this new life.  You may want to explore incorporating a candle or sand ceremony.  

If your Naming Ceremony is for an older child, or perhaps a child being adopted into a new family, you may want that young person to suggest ideas about themes, readings and music.  

If your Naming Ceremony is centred around the celebration of a trans or non-binary person affirming their identity then you can feel safe in the knowledge that I am a LGBTQIA+ ally and will work alongside you to create a ceremony that is safe, meaningful to you and full of joy.  

PRICING: 

Naming ceremonies from £350

  • An initial meeting 
  • Subsequent meetings if necessary
  • Access to my library of poetry, readings and resources 
  • First draft of the script and opportunity to make revisions 
  • Digital copy of the script to keep as a memento
  • Arrival at your venue 1 hour before 
  • Delivery of your ceremony!