Namings
We know you’re likely to have lots of questions. Have a look at what we’ve been asked before and do contact us if there’s something we haven’t covered.
Where can we hold a naming ceremony?
Since namings are an entirely private occasion and have no legal status, the choice of venue is entirely up to you. Many namings are held in people’s houses or gardens, in village halls, function rooms, or even at the park.
Can we have a joint birthday party and naming?
Absolutely – and you’d be in great company! A great number of the naming ceremonies our celebrants conduct are combined with a first birthday party; it’s a double celebration at a time when you might well have gathered friends and family together anyway.
Can I appoint ‘godparents’ at a naming ceremony?
Most families choose to appoint adults to play a significant role in their child’s life; indeed that’s often one of the main reasons people have opted to hold a naming ceremony in the first place. The popular name for a non-religious ‘godparent’ is ‘guideparent’ but some families go for a more light-hearted term like ‘sparent’ or ‘oddparent’!
What happens at a naming ceremony?
Each ceremony is written specifically with each family for their circumstances, which means there is no set format. That said, many namings last between 20 and 30 minutes and we’re always conscious of little people’s attention spans when creating ceremonies, and less can certainly be more…
The ceremony might include readings of some sort, parental promises or commitments, the appointment of guideparents, some kind of formal ‘welcoming’ or ‘naming’ of the child, information about them as an individual and some tears and laughter!
I’d love a naming ceremony for my child but hate public speaking. Do I have to say anything?
Though most naming ceremonies involve parents making some kind of commitment or promises to their child, you can do this by simply answering “we promise” to questions asked by the celebrant, for example, or perhaps just one parent could speak. If no one wants to speak we can read the promises on your behalf. The most important thing is that you enjoy the day.
My grandmother is very religious and I don’t want her to be offended. Will a naming ceremony be okay?
Absolutely. We recognise that every ceremony will be attended by guests of many faiths and of none, and feel that everyone present should feel comfortable and involved. Namings focus on the child as an individual, the joy and responsibility of parenting and those close to the child. Religious people find namings just as moving and enjoyable as those who live their lives without faith.
I’d like to say why we chose my child’s name. Can we do this?
Yes, and in fact that’s often a highlight of the occasion.There is nearly always an interesting story about how the child’s name came to be chosen and it can be lovely to recount this. The same goes for any middle names and, on occasion, surnames.
Are naming ceremonies chaotic with lots of small children around?
They can be, but we think that’s half the fun! We are well used to the unpredictability of working with lots of young children around. We can suggest some tips to keep slightly older children interested, but mostly the relaxed atmosphere and child-oriented occasion mean that any disruption from smaller children is unlikely to cause problems.
Where can we hold a naming ceremony?
Since namings are an entirely private occasion and have no legal status, the choice of venue is entirely up to you. Many namings are held in people’s houses or gardens, in village halls, function rooms, or even at the park.
Can we have a joint birthday party and naming?
Absolutely – and you’d be in great company! A great number of the naming ceremonies our celebrants conduct are combined with a first birthday party; it’s a double celebration at a time when you might well have gathered friends and family together anyway.
Can I appoint ‘godparents’ at a naming ceremony?
Most families choose to appoint adults to play a significant role in their child’s life; indeed that’s often one of the main reasons people have opted to hold a naming ceremony in the first place. The popular name for a non-religious ‘godparent’ is ‘guideparent’ but some families go for a more light-hearted term like ‘sparent’ or ‘oddparent’!
What happens at a naming ceremony?
Each ceremony is written specifically with each family for their circumstances, which means there is no set format. That said, many namings last between 20 and 30 minutes and we’re always conscious of little people’s attention spans when creating ceremonies, and less can certainly be more…
The ceremony might include readings of some sort, parental promises or commitments, the appointment of guideparents, some kind of formal ‘welcoming’ or ‘naming’ of the child, information about them as an individual and some tears and laughter!
I’d love a naming ceremony for my child but hate public speaking. Do I have to say anything?
Though most naming ceremonies involve parents making some kind of commitment or promises to their child, you can do this by simply answering “we promise” to questions asked by the celebrant, for example, or perhaps just one parent could speak. If no one wants to speak we can read the promises on your behalf. The most important thing is that you enjoy the day.
My grandmother is very religious and I don’t want her to be offended. Will a naming ceremony be okay?
Absolutely. We recognise that every ceremony will be attended by guests of many faiths and of none, and feel that everyone present should feel comfortable and involved. Namings focus on the child as an individual, the joy and responsibility of parenting and those close to the child. Religious people find namings just as moving and enjoyable as those who live their lives without faith.
I’d like to say why we chose my child’s name. Can we do this?
Yes, and in fact that’s often a highlight of the occasion.There is nearly always an interesting story about how the child’s name came to be chosen and it can be lovely to recount this. The same goes for any middle names and, on occasion, surnames.
Are naming ceremonies chaotic with lots of small children around?
They can be, but we think that’s half the fun! We are well used to the unpredictability of working with lots of young children around. We can suggest some tips to keep slightly older children interested, but mostly the relaxed atmosphere and child-oriented occasion mean that any disruption from smaller children is unlikely to cause problems.