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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