Naming Ceremonies

One of the purposes of a Baby Naming Ceremony or Naming Day is to formally introduce the new baby or young child to its wider circle of extended family and friends.

This is an important rite of passage for you and your child as those who love and support you welcome its youngest member into their community circle. You know how important this is, you are already making plans for your baby’s Naming Ceremony.

Sometimes the Naming Ceremony can be part of a larger family celebration. This can often be the child’s first birthday, a family reunion, an anniversary or another special occasion.

It is important to remember that the baby or child is the focus of the naming ceremony, and if the baby is still very young then it’s important to keep the ceremony itself reasonably brief. A happy, stress free baby or young child makes the ceremony more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone, but as we all know - babies will be babies - with even the most perfect of them having the occasional 'moment'!

Your Naming Ceremony can include some or all of the following:

Welcome to Ceremony – Civil Celebrant
Introduction of Guests of Honour – baby, parents, godparents, grandparents, other
Information about baby or child – date and place of birth; meaning, history or origin of baby’s name; his or her position in the family: first child, youngest grandchild, etc

Blessings – Traditional, Cultural, Religious and or Non-religious Blessings may be included in the Naming Ceremony

Ceremonial event such as Candle Ceremony, Water Ceremony, Sand Ceremony

Gifts of poetry and or song may be presented to the baby and his or her family during the ceremony by siblings, grandparents, family members and or friends

Wishing Albums (not provided). An Album of Wishes, Blessings or Special Thoughts can be collected and compiled for the baby or child. Guests are invited to bring a written wish for the baby with them and place them in a Wishing Box (not provided). These can be read out by parents, Godparents or Life Guides, friends or family members after the Naming Ceremony and then later placed into the Wishing Album with photos.

Balloon release - not provided

Doves - not provided

Butterflies - not provided

No matter what form and inclusions you choose for your Baby’s Naming Ceremony or Naming Day, it will be my privilege to help you plan the ceremony and to conduct it for you.

I will be pleased to send you a copy of my Baby Naming Information package.

Disclaimer - it won't really be my fault if the baby cries during the ceremony.