Congratulations on the birth of your child or children and guiding them through the early stages of their life.
A Naming Ceremony is a wonderful way to welcome a new member, of any age, to your greater family or wider community. As a mother of two grown children and having recently become a grandmother, I particularly enjoy these happy occasions as I feel a Baby Naming Ceremony brings family and friends together to form a loving, supportive team for the young person or people to be nurtured.
It is also a special time to forge memories that you will look back on for the rest of your lives by formalising the naming of your child through a memorable, affirming ceremony.
ABOUT THE CEREMONY
A Baby Naming ceremony is usually held to celebrate the arrival and naming of a new baby. Usually, they are held at the same time as a First Birthday Party, however this can vary.
A celebrant preforms a non-religious ceremony where the child is welcomed into the family and wider community. The parents make promises, grandparents may also be involved and good friends or family members are nominated as ‘Life Guardians’.
Many people choose to use the services of the celebrant who married them to carry out this special occasion.
There are no legalities involved with a Baby Naming Ceremony. They are more just a recognition of the gift of life and love and the miracle of birth.
Rituals may be performed – such as sand ceremonies, lighting of candles, wishbooks, balloon releases, a rose petal blessing, fairy dust blessing, or the writing of a poem about the child – and of course, the cake.
SUGGESTED RITUALS
A WISHING BOX
Guests can write their special wishes for the child or a nice little card for the child to read when they grow up.
TIME CAPSULE OR TREASURE BOX
The Time Capsule is a great idea and can be of significant value to a child who gets to open it on their 18th or 21st birthday.
You can invite a guest to bring an item to place inside which symbolizes something they wish for the child. Items can symbolize peace, hope or pebbles from someone’s favourite beach, so the child may always have a special place to go and think, a joke book that he/she may always keep, a treasure from a grandparent, a pressed leaf or flower that they may appreciate nature.
CANDLE CEREMONY
A simple ceremony where parents (grandparents, godparents and siblings optional) are given candles which are used to light the baby's candle. A blessing is spoken for each candle lit and the baby's candle is a keepsake to remember the support given at the welcoming of his or her life. This can be a ritual added to any other ceremony, blessing, dedication or naming as well.
RELEASE OF BALLOONS
Choose a coloured balloon to give to each family member and friends and ask them to add a special note of love, hope, peace and wisdom which will be released into the air for the future.
TREE PLANTING
A beautiful gesture with strong symbolism. As your child is nurtured and grows, you will also nurture the tree for the rest of your life and you and your child can visit the tree to renew your positivity on life.
THE NAMING
Welcome and Introduction
Poem / reading
Recognition of siblings (if any)
Naming of the baby / child / adult
Parents’ Promise
Special Symbolic Rituals (eg: Wishing Box, Time Capsule, Candle Ceremony)
Acknowledgement of Godparents / Life Guardians
Welcoming child to your family and friends
Declaration of love and ongoing support to be given
Poem or blessing
Signing of the Commemorative Naming Certificate by all parties
Presentation of Certificate and closing words
Presentation of child for kisses, cuddles and photos
My services include:
An initial no cost obligation-free meeting to listen to your ideas and discuss how we can create a meaningful and unique ceremony together. We will discuss the process of writing your ceremony, choosing godparents and possible rituals you would like to include.
If you would like to proceed, I would ask you to complete a booking form, sign my Service Agreement and pay a non-refundable booking fee to secure my services. The balance is to be paid one month before the ceremony date.
Access to my Ceremony Resource Booklet with possible readings, poems and quotes and music suggestions.
A second meeting, where we will discuss the first draft of your ceremony. During the week after this meeting, I will email you the first draft of your ceremony.
I will provide:
A professional quality PA system with MP3, CD, USB and Bluetooth. (Please note that I am unable to operate buttons for cued music or sound while performing the ceremony)
I will dress appropriately to make sure I complement your ceremony and reflect your dress code.
You will receive (if you wish):
A professionally printed Commemorative Baby Naming Certificate.
A bound copy of your Baby Naming Ceremony Script.