A Proper Welcome to Family Life
A naming ceremony is a non-religious (or however-religious-you-like) way to welcome a child into a family and a community.
There's no font, no specific words you have to say, and no rules about how old your little one needs to be. Some families do it as a newborn welcome. Some do it for a toddler who can actually join in. Some do it as a blended-family ceremony, marking the moment two families became one.
It's whatever your family wants it to be.
The ceremonies
I write
How We'll Work Together
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We meet
You email me, we arrange a date and time to meet (often at your home, with everyone there if it's easy), and we have a relaxed chat about your family and your hopes for the day.
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I write your ceremony
A full draft comes back to you. We revise until every word feels right.
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I deliver it on the day
In whatever venue you've chosen, with whatever rituals you've decided on. Afterwards I'll send you digital copies and stay in touch for any future family celebrations.
What's In Your Package
- A relaxed, unhurried meeting (in person, at home if you'd like) to talk about your family and what you're picturing
- A bespoke ceremony, written for your child, your family and your guests
- Revisions and changes until everything feels right
- Delivery of the ceremony on the day, in any venue you choose
- Digital copies of all your ceremony material afterwards
- I'll stay in touch for any future celebrations
Lovely Things to Include
A naming ceremony works beautifully when it feels personal to your family. A few ideas:
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Guide parents (or godparents):
the people you've chosen to support and guide your child as they grow. They make their own promises during the ceremony.
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Candle lighting:
for siblings, grandparents or the wider family.
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Promises from family:
parents, siblings, grandparents and guide parents can all make their own pledges.
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Blended family elements:
ceremonies that welcome step-siblings, half-siblings and bonus parents into the family alongside the new little one.
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A reading or song:
chosen by family members.
If you want to do something nobody's ever done before, brilliant. Tell me about it.
Yes, It's a Real Thing
A naming ceremony doesn't have legal standing. Neither does a christening. The legal part of welcoming your child happens when you register their birth at the registry office. A naming ceremony is the family-and-community part, the bit where the people who love your child stand up and say so out loud.
It's also a lovely option for families who want all the meaning of a christening without the religious framework, or who want to bring together different traditions in one ceremony.
Ready to
Plan
a Welcome?
Drop me a message with a rough date and a sentence or two about your family. I'd love to hear from you.