Namings & Welcomings

Do you want to share your joy at the birth of your baby and welcome them into your world? Would you like to publicly announce your child’s name? Are you keen to recognise your new role and responsibilities as parents? Do you want your child to be free to choose their own religion, or none, when they grow up? Do you wish to combine different religious or cultural backgrounds in a single ceremony?

If so a baby naming or welcoming ceremony could be appropriate for you. It is a wonderful alternative if you do not want a traditional christening or other religious ceremony.

Our name is very significant; it gives us our identity, connects us to our family and is part of who we are. An occasion to share your choice of name welcomes your child and helps them take their place with wider family and friends. As parents you can make commitments and express your hopes for your new family.

You can choose guardians or supporting adults, who will promise to love, support and guide your child throughout their life. You can also involve siblings and grandparents.

A naming ceremony can take place wherever you like: in your home or garden or at a special venue. I will work with you to design a ceremony that truly expresses your thoughts, hopes and feelings. You can include music, poems, hymns, readings or blessings. You may also like to include a few rituals to symbolically welcome your child such as lighting candles, planting a tree or signing a naming book. We can also include family traditions or cultural customs that support your own beliefs and values.

I am also happy to design ceremonies to welcome and name older children, families coming together from previous relationships, or for adopted children who are joining a new family.