Naming Ceremony
Naming Ceremony
A Naming Ceremony is a beautiful way to welcome and officially introduce a child to your family and friends, pledge your love and support for your child, and rejoice as they begin their journey through life.
A Naming Ceremony is also an opportunity for significant people in your child’s life such as older siblings, special friends, cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts to confirm their special relationships with the child and declare their guiding and supportive roles.
A Naming Ceremony is not legally binding and does not have any legal status however this does not make the event less special.
I will create a unique Naming Ceremony to reflect your child and family. You will be presented with a beautiful Certificate as a reminder of this special day.
Rejoice as this child begins their journey through life
How long does the ceremony usually last?
A ceremony is usually about 30 minutes depending on the options you choose to include but if you would like short and sweet I can do that too.
Is there a Certificate?
Yes. A Certificate is signed during the ceremony by parents, supporting adults and myself. The Certificate is not recognised by Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Is the Naming Ceremony just for babies?
Naming ceremonies are not restricted to babies or infants and are applicable to anyone and at any age. A Naming Ceremony can also celebrate the uniting of adopted or step children within a family, or the official name change of an adult.
Can you perform a ceremony for several children?
Other family or friends can hold a ceremony created for them at the same venue on the same day, but not at the same time as yours.
Where are ceremonies held?
Just like weddings, a Naming Ceremony can be held at a venue of your choice – your home, a park, a reception centre.
Who can arrange a Naming Ceremony?
Any parent can make the arrangements, or anyone else who has parental responsibility or Legal guardianship of the child.
Can we organise a ceremony at short notice?
In most instances yes, but please book me as soon as you have set the date.
How much does a Naming Ceremony cost?
My fee to write and perform a personalised ceremony which usually lasts 20 minutes is $400.
Do Naming Ceremonies have legal status?
No. They are simply something that you as parents, choose to do as a public gesture of love and commitment to your child. Unlike a Birth Certificate, which is a compulsory legal document, the Certificate presented at the ceremony cannot be used as proof of identification. Neither is the ceremony legally binding on those who take part in it.
How do I book a ceremony?
Simply contact me to confirm the date and complete a booking form that I will send to you.
What should the ceremony include?
Think about the promises you wish to make to your child. Try to choose promises that have special meaning for you, and ask your supporting adults to do the same. Choose your supporting adults with care. Ideally, they should be people who your child will see regularly and have a good and positive influence in their life. Ask the grandparents if they would like to be involved. Give a special gift to your child during the ceremony. It doesn't have to be expensive, but choose something long lasting that they can keep and treasure in years to come. Try to make the occasion unique to you and your child through the promises and readings you choose. This is one of the great pleasures of a Naming Ceremony.