Naming Ceremonies

Naming Ceremonies are an important occasion for parents and other family members. It gives recognition to the significant event that has taken place in your lives through the arrival of your child. It is an opportunity to introduce your child to family members and close friends, and to formally name your child in their presence. It is also a wonderful time to celebrate your happiness with people who matter to you. A naming ceremony is a non-religious ceremony. However, if parents specifically request a prayer or religious reading, this can be included.

One of my greatest delights is conducting a naming ceremony for a couple that I have performed a wedding ceremony for on a previous occasion. The naming ceremony provides the opportunity for the couple to express their feelings and emotions in a meaningful and enjoyable way as their family grows and develops.

Like all ceremonies I present, it is entirely over to the couple as to the form the ceremony will take. For example, I have taken a naming ceremony for a lovely two-year-old boy held in a hall with 70 guests that included family and friends. It was a special time for the family to gather and it was an opportunity for friends to mingle and enjoy the ritual of a ceremony.

Other ceremonies have been held when babies are tiny and in pretty little gowns and held when out of town family have been present. The occasions have been celebrated in private homes, chapels and in gardens. Like weddings much of the enjoyment is finding the right venue and inviting people along to enjoy the event with you. Please contact me if you want to discuss holding a naming ceremony for your child.

We held a naming ceremony for our daughter when she turned one and it coincided with her Auckland Grandmother visiting. It was held in our home with 20 people present and for us it was an opportunity to acknowledge the blessing of having a daughter .