The Name–Giving Ceremony

To be honest, I had never been to a naming ceremony before I did my training to be a civil celebrant.

But when I started writing my first name-giving ceremony, I soon realised what a delightful occasion it could be.

Why? For a start, the ceremony can take place anywhere – at home, in the backyard, a restaurant, or in a park.

Also, it is non-religious and without any legal standing. That removes the need for solemnity or unnecessary ritual.

Above all, a name-giving ceremony is a joyous opportunity for family and friends to get together to celebrate the gift of a new baby.

The child will receive a Name Giving certificate and godparents too (if desired).

The ceremony can follow a similar format to a wedding ceremony:

Introduction
Background on the family or birth of the child
Recognition of other siblings if appropriate
The meaning of the name
Blessing or gift giving ritual
Acknowledgement and promises by the parents/grandparents/guardians/godparents
Readings/poems/song
Naming of the child
Additional creative flourishes (see below)
Presentation of the certificate
Conclusion

Some suggestions that you might like to consider to add colour and creativity to the proceedings are:

Releasing balloons (particularly if the ceremony is outside!)
Gifting the baby a message with guest’s photo for a keepsake box
Planting a shrub or small tree
Releasing butterflies
Lighting candles
Gifting a family heirloom

Whatever the format, wherever the venue, I would love to work with you to create the type of customized ceremony that reflects your hopes, wishes and dreams for your precious child.

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