A naming ceremony is a beautiful way to welcome a new baby to the world. A non-religious ceremony, without any legal paperwork, a naming ceremony is usually held when a baby is between three to 10 months old. Typically, family and friends gather for an informal ceremony hosted by a celebrant. This is then followed by an event elaborate as a reception, or as simple as a picnic on a beach.
Organising a Naming Ceremony for Your Baby
A baby naming ceremony helps you to (formally) recognise and celebrate your child’s birth. A celebrant can help lead the ceremony, taking the stress away from you and ensuring the day runs smoothly. Choosing a celebrant to perform the ceremony also gives you as parents the opportunity to concentrate on your baby, and most of all, enjoying the day yourselves! Once you have chosen and booked your celebrant, they will arrange a time to discuss the ceremony with you. You’ll need to consider or know about:
- Your child’s name and the meaning/reason for choosing it
- Reason for wanting to hold a naming ceremony
- Venue for ceremony and reception
- Whether you want the celebrant to provide a naming certificate for you
- Any special events to occur during the ceremony, such as candle lighting, planting a tree or making wishes for the child
- If you want to appoint guardians for your child at the ceremony and what role they will play in it
- Readings you would like
- Any vows you want to say to your child
- How to include siblings in the ceremony
- If you want to create a keepsake, such as a sand jar or wishes box
The celebrant will also ask you about the order of events for the ceremony and if you would like guests to contribute in any form. Just like for a wedding ceremony, the celebrant will create a written version of the ceremony order of events and can offer suggestions on where to look for ideas if you need any. It’s also important to know that naming ceremonies are not just for babies. A ceremony can be held to welcome a fostered or adopted child into the family, as well as stepchildren too.
When choosing a baby naming celebrant, we recommend first deciding the types of characteristics you want in a celebrant. Then take a look through our baby naming celebrant directory to find people which match these characteristics. Once you have a shortlist, you can make contact and select the perfect celebrant for your celebration.